Lisandro Martínez: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Newell's Old Boys

Lisandro Martínez made his professional debut with Newell's Old Boys during the final fixture of the 2016–17 season, marking his entry into the top tier of Argentine football. Though his time at the club was brief, it served as a stepping stone to greater opportunities.

Defensa y Justicia

In August 2017, Martínez transitioned to Defensa y Justicia, initially on a loan deal. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first senior goal against Temperley, which contributed to his acquisition by the club through a 50% rights purchase in June 2018. His tenure at Defensa y Justicia solidified his reputation as a promising defender in Argentine football.

Ajax

Martínez's prowess caught the attention of Dutch giants Ajax, leading to his transfer on 1 July 2019 for €7m. At Ajax, he flourished, making 120 appearances and contributing significantly to the team's success, including winning two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup. His performances in the 2021–22 season earned him Ajax Player of the Year honors, underscoring his value to the team.

Manchester United

In July 2022, Manchester United secured Martínez's services for a fee between £47 million and £49 million, with additional performance-related add-ons. Rapidly adapting to the Premier League, he won the Manchester United Player of the Month award for August. He scored his first goal for the club against Arsenal in January 2023, and played a crucial role in United's EFL Cup victory in February 2023. Despite suffering foot injuries which sidelined him temporarily, he returned in style, helping Manchester United capture the FA Cup in May 2024.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Martínez featured for Argentina's under-20 team during the 2017 South American Youth Football Championship, playing four times as Argentina qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Although he did not play in the World Cup, his contributions at the youth level were significant.

Senior National Team

Martínez's senior debut came in March 2019 against Venezuela. His international career is highlighted by his participation in Argentina's triumphant 2021 Copa América campaign and the victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. In the 2022 World Cup, Martínez was pivotal in key matches including impactful appearances against Australia, Netherlands, and Croatia.

Lisandro Martínez, born on 18 January 1998, is a prominent Argentine professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back at Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Nicknamed 'The Butcher,' Martínez is celebrated for his intense defensive prowess, exceptional ball-playing ability, and relentless mentality. He boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and several club titles with Ajax and Manchester United.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Ajax
  • Eredivisie: 2020–21, 2021–22
  • KNVB Cup: 2020–21
  • Johan Cruyff Shield: 2019
• Manchester United
  • FA Cup: 2023–24
  • EFL Cup: 2022–23
• Argentina
  • FIFA World Cup: 2022
  • Copa América: 2021, 2024
  • CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022

Individual Achievements

• Ajax Player of the Year (Rinus Michels Award): 2021–22
• Eredivisie Team of the Month: April 2021, February 2022

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Martínez has received numerous accolades recognizing his exceptional skill and contribution to the sport, both on a national and international stage.

Career Overview

Lisandro Martínez has left an indelible mark on football with his aggressive and skilful defending. His achievements with club and country have cemented his place among the elite in world football.

Off the Field

While the source does not provide extensive details regarding his off-field activities, Martínez's public image as a determined and dedicated athlete speaks volumes of his character and his professionalism in the sport.

Personal Life

Specific details about Martínez's family life, personal interests, or other off-field activities were not provided in the article, focusing more on his professional career and achievements within football.