Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper · Argentina · #23

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Emiliano Martínez

Emiliano Martínez is a highly skilled Argentine goalkeeper, known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and leadership on the pitch. As the first-choice goalkeeper for Argentina, he plays a crucial role in the team's success, and his performances will be closely watched at the 2026 World Cup. With his impressive height of 6' 5" and weight of 214 lbs, Martínez is an intimidating presence in the goal, and his experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable to his team.

Early Life and Childhood

Emiliano Martínez was born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Growing up in a football-loving family, Martínez was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the game. His family's support and encouragement played a significant role in shaping his early footballing career, and he began playing for local clubs in his hometown. Martínez's early life was marked by a strong focus on football, and he spent countless hours honing his skills and learning the intricacies of the game.

Youth Career

Martínez's youth career was marked by significant milestones, including his time at the Independiente youth academy. He joined the academy at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, impressing coaches and scouts with his exceptional talent and dedication. As a young player, Martínez participated in several notable youth tournaments, including the U-20 Copa Libertadores (Sudamericana U20) and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. These experiences helped shape his skills and prepared him for the challenges of professional football. Martínez turned professional at the age of 17, signing with Arsenal in 2009, and has since gone on to have a successful career in the sport.

Professional Club Career

Emiliano Martínez's professional club career has been marked by significant spells at several top-tier clubs. After joining Arsenal in 2009, he spent several seasons on loan at various clubs, including Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Rotherham United. In 2019, Martínez joined Reading on loan, where he contributed to the team’s mid-table finish in the Championship. In 2020, he joined Aston Villa on a permanent transfer, where he has since become an integral part of the team, helping the club finish 11th in the Premier League in the 2020–21 season. By the 2025–26 season, Martínez continued to impress, making crucial saves and helping Aston Villa compete for a top-six finish.

International Career

Emiliano Martínez made his international debut for Argentina in 2011 (vs. Venezuela). With over 60 international caps, Martínez has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. He has represented Argentina in several high-profile tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2019 Copa América, and the 2021 Copa América. Martínez's performances in these tournaments have been decisive, and he has played a crucial role in Argentina's success. In the 2021 Copa América, he helped Argentina win the tournament, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Brazil.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Emiliano Martínez has appeared in two FIFA World Cup tournaments: the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2018, Argentina reached the round of 16. In 2022, Martínez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s championship run, making several game-saving stops and saving Wout Weghorst's penalty in the quarterfinal shootout. He was integral to Argentina’s penalty shootout win over France in the final and was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. As Argentina prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Martínez is expected to play a key role in the team’s success, and his experience and leadership will be invaluable.

Playing Style

Emiliano Martínez is known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, as well as his impressive distribution and leadership skills. As a tall and athletic goalkeeper, Martínez is well-suited to the demands of modern football, where goalkeepers are often required to be involved in the build-up of attacks. Martínez's preferred foot is his right foot, and he is skilled at making crucial saves with both his left and right foot. He is also an expert at handling set pieces and is often tasked with organizing his team’s defense and providing leadership from the back.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• FA Cup, 2020 (Arsenal)
• International Honours
• Copa América, 2021
• FIFA World Cup, 2022
• Individual Awards
• FIFA World Cup Golden Glove, 2022
• Copa América Player of the Tournament, 2021
• Premier League Save of the Month (multiple times)
• Aston Villa Player of the Season, 2020–21

Career Statistics

Throughout his career, Emiliano Martínez has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. With over 200 appearances for club and country, Martínez has made a significant impact on the sport. In the 2020–21 season, he kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League. He delivered a man-of-the-match display in the 2021 Copa América final and was crucial in Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Emiliano Martínez's estimated net worth is $80M+, thanks to his successful career and various endorsement deals. As one of the top goalkeepers in the world, Martínez has attracted several high-profile sponsors, including sports equipment manufacturers (Adidas) and global brands. He has also invested in several business ventures, including a football academy in his hometown of Mar del Plata.

Salary and Contract

According to reports from Capology, Emiliano Martínez's current weekly salary is around £130,000, with an annual salary of £6.76 million. His contract with Aston Villa runs until June 2027, and he has a release clause worth approximately £30 million. In the 2025–26 season, Martínez continues to perform at an elite level.

Personal Life

Emiliano Martínes is married to Amanda "Mandinha" Rolón. Despite the lack of public information, it is clear that Martínez values his personal life and keeps it separate from his professional career. In his free time, Martínez enjoys playing golf and watching movies, and he is also involved in several charitable initiatives, including a foundation that supports underprivileged children in Argentina. Martínez is also known to be a devoted family man, and he often shares photos of his loved ones on social media.

Controversies and Criticism

• 2017 (Leeds United): Martínez was sent off in a Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers for a second bookable offense (tackling Ruben Neves). Fine: N/A. Suspension: One match. Outcome: Leeds lost 1–0.
• 2019 (Argentina U23 vs. Mexico U23, Toulon Tournament): Martínez was red-carded for a serious foul on a Mexican player, leading to a three-game suspension. Fine: N/A. Outcome: Argentina were eliminated from the tournament.
• 2020 (FA Cup, Sheffield Wednesday vs. Chelsea): Martínez was yellow-carded twice (on loan at Sheffield Wednesday) for time-wasting and dissent. Fine: N/A. Outcome: Wednesday lost 2–0.
• 2021 (Copa América – Argentina vs. Brazil, Final): After Argentina’s 1–0 win, Martínez made provocative gestures at Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Outcome: The celebrations went viral, though no disciplinary action was taken beyond FIFA issuing a public statement.
• 2021 (World Cup Qualifiers – Argentina vs. Chile): Following Argentina’s 1–1 draw, Martínez mocked Chile’s players with exaggerated celebrations, including a gesture toward their fans. Outcome: Chile filed a complaint with FIFA, which was dismissed.
• 2022 (Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United – Premier League): Martínez was warned by the referee for time-wasting (hurling the ball into the stands multiple times). Outcome: Villa won 2–1.
• 2022 (World Cup – Argentina vs. Netherlands, Quarterfinal): After Argentina’s 2–2 draw, Martínez was involved in a confrontation with Dutch players following the match. Outcome: No sanctions were issued, though further questions were raised about his conduct in high-pressure moments.

Legacy and Impact

Emiliano Martínez's legacy in Argentine football is already significant, and his performances at the 2026 World Cup will be pivotal to his country's success. As one of the top goalkeepers in the world, Martínez has inspired a generation of young Argentine goalkeepers, and his leadership and experience will be central to the team. Martínez's influence extends beyond the pitch, and he has become a role model for aspiring players in Argentina, demonstrating the importance of resilience, technical skill, and competitive spirit. As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Martínez is acutely aware of the tournament's importance and will strive to help Argentina achieve further glory while solidifying his own place among the greats of the game.