Emiliano Martínez

1.1. Childhood and formative years

Martínez was born in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. His family faced significant financial difficulties, with his father working as a port laborer and his mother as a cleaner. Despite their hard work, there was often not enough money for basic necessities like meat or to cover electricity and gas bills. Martínez vividly remembers seeing his parents cry due to their inability to afford essentials for him and his siblings. His father could not always afford to take him to matches, choosing instead to use the money for more pressing family needs. Martínez often received only cheap goalkeeper gloves, which led to ridicule from peers, but he wore them with pride, viewing them as a symbol of his family's sacrifices and his own ambition. This upbringing fostered a deep sense of responsibility and a fierce determination to achieve success for his family, shaping his resilient and tenacious character.

1.2. Youth career

Martínez began his football journey in the youth ranks of Independiente, an Argentine club. His talent quickly caught the eye of scouts. In 2009, shortly after his 17th birthday, his performances in the 2009 South American Under-17 Football Championship drew the attention of Arsenal, a prominent Premier League club. He was invited for a trial at Arsenal and initially considered returning to Independiente to gain more experience domestically, despite being offered a youth contract. However, witnessing his parents' struggles, he chose to accept Arsenal's offer to support his family, with Arsenal acquiring 65% of his rights for just under 500.00 K EUR. Upon moving to England, he faced difficulties due to the language barrier and lack of support, experiences that later motivated him to assist other young South American players, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Lucas Torreira, in adapting to life in England.

2.1. Arsenal (2010-2020)

After impressing during his trial and securing a work permit, Martínez was formally registered as an Arsenal player in July 2010.

2.1.1. Loan spells and early appearances

Martínez spent the majority of his decade at Arsenal out on various loan spells across English and Spanish leagues, gaining valuable experience but struggling to break into the main squad. He served as an understudy, often behind goalkeepers like Manuel Almunia, Łukasz Fabiański, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Vito Mannone.

His first professional appearance came during an emergency loan to Oxford United in EFL League Two on 5 May 2012, playing in their final game of the season against Port Vale, which Oxford lost 3-0. Later that year, he made his Arsenal senior debut on 26 September 2012, in a 6-1 home win against Coventry City in the League Cup. He followed this with a second appearance in a dramatic 7-5 away win against Reading in the same competition.

In October 2013, he joined Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Championship on an emergency 28-day loan, which was later extended until the end of the season. After returning to Arsenal, he was an unused substitute in the 2014 FA Community Shield where Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0. He made his UEFA Champions League debut on 22 October 2014, in a 2-1 group stage victory over Anderlecht. Days later, he made his Premier League debut as a second-half substitute against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. With injuries to both Szczęsny and backup goalkeeper David Ospina, Martínez started his second Champions League game on 26 November, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund, a "faultless" performance that earned him a spot in the UEFA Team of the Week. He then made his first Premier League starts, keeping two clean sheets in 1-0 victories against West Bromwich Albion and Southampton.

In March 2015, Martínez joined Rotherham United in the Championship on an emergency loan. Despite a 3-2 loss in his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, he became a fan favorite, playing a dozen games and helping Rotherham avoid relegation. In August 2015, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, making 15 appearances before a thigh injury sidelined him for months, after which he struggled to regain his starting position. He spent the 2016-17 season at Arsenal, making five appearances, including two in the Premier League.

His loan spells continued with a move to La Liga club Getafe for the 2017-18 season, where he made only seven appearances across all competitions, a period he later described as the "worst" of his career. On 23 January 2019, he joined Reading in the Championship until the end of the season, making his debut on 29 January against Bolton Wanderers and earning a man of the match award against Aston Villa.

2.2. Aston Villa (2020-present)

On 16 September 2020, Martínez completed a transfer to fellow Premier League club Aston Villa for a fee of up to 20.00 M GBP. He signed a four-year contract, seeking consistent first-team football.

3.1. Youth and early senior call-ups

Martínez represented Argentina at the youth level from 2009 to 2011, playing for the U-17 and U-20 squads. He earned his first senior call-up for the Argentina national team in June 2011, replacing Oscar Ustari for a match against Nigeria. His second call-up came in October 2019 for friendly matches against Germany and Ecuador, though he remained an unused substitute in both games.

Martínez finally made his senior international debut on 3 June 2021, in a 1-1 draw against Chile during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match. His competitive debut in a major tournament followed on 14 June, in Argentina's opening match of the 2021 Copa América against the same opponent. In that game, he saved a penalty from Arturo Vidal in the 57th minute, though he could not prevent Eduardo Vargas from scoring on the rebound.

3.2. Major tournament successes

Martínez's performances in major international tournaments have been instrumental in Argentina's recent successes. In the 2021 Copa América semi-final on 6 July, he emerged as a hero by saving three spot-kicks in a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Colombia, sending Argentina to the final. He then kept a crucial clean sheet in the 1-0 final victory against Brazil, helping Argentina win their first major trophy in 28 years since the 1993 Copa América. For his outstanding contributions, Martínez was awarded the 2021 Copa América Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper.

On 1 June 2022, Martínez kept another clean sheet as Argentina defeated reigning European champions Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in the 2022 Finalissima. He was a key member of Argentina's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, playing in every match. In the quarter-final against the Netherlands, he saved two penalties in a thrilling shootout, helping Argentina advance to the semi-finals. His most critical save came in the final minute of extra time during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final against France, where he denied Randal Kolo Muani in a one-on-one situation, forcing the match to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, he saved Kingsley Coman's penalty, contributing to Argentina's 4-2 shootout victory after a 3-3 draw, securing the World Cup title for Argentina after 36 years. His heroics earned him the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper of the tournament, and he was also named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper for 2022.

Martínez was again included in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América. In the quarter-final match against Ecuador, he saved two penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw, securing Argentina's qualification for the semi-finals. On 14 July 2024, Martínez played the full match as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 after extra time in the 2024 Copa América Final, earning his second Copa América title and his third Golden Glove award.

3.3. Controversies in international appearances

Despite his on-field successes, Martínez's international appearances have been marred by controversial actions and public conduct, drawing significant criticism. Following Argentina's victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, during the award ceremony, he performed an obscene gesture with the Golden Glove trophy, holding it to his groin and pointing towards the crowd, later stating it was a response to jeers from French fans. This action sparked global outrage and accusations of a lack of sportsmanship.

The controversies continued during Argentina's victory celebrations. In the dressing room, Martínez was seen leading a conga line that mocked French star Kylian Mbappé. During the victory parade in Buenos Aires, fans presented him with a baby doll featuring Mbappé's face, which Martínez prominently held and displayed. These actions were widely criticized by international media for their unsporting nature. Former Arsenal player Ian Wright slammed Martínez's "shithousery" and claimed he had "crossed the line." Aston Villa manager Unai Emery later stated he would speak to Martínez about controlling his emotions and conduct.

Further disciplinary action came from FIFA on 28 September 2024, when Martínez was banned for two matches for "violating principles of fairplay" in separate incidents. The first involved holding a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin after a World Cup qualifier against Chile on 5 September, reminiscent of his previous controversial gesture. The second concerned an incident where he assaulted a television camera after Argentina's 2-1 loss to Colombia in another qualifier on 10 September.

4.1. General characteristics

Martínez, standing at 77 in ^{(195 cm)} and weighing 194 lb ^{(88 kg)}, possesses an impressive physical presence. His primary goalkeeping attributes include remarkable stability, consistent catching of even challenging shots, and exceptional reflexes that enable him to make "super saves." Unlike some goalkeepers who tend to parry shots, Martínez frequently catches the ball cleanly, even in difficult situations. He demonstrates effective ball distribution, particularly with short passes, benefiting from his ambidextrous nature. While his long ball accuracy is sometimes noted as an area for improvement, this perceived weakness is paradoxically seen by some as contributing to his high concentration as a goalkeeper, preventing him from over-committing to offensive plays that could expose his goal. His commanding and passionate style, coupled with bravado in goal, is a notable characteristic. Some observers have drawn comparisons between his tall stature and clean save motions to those of David de Gea, though Martínez is distinct for his superior penalty-saving abilities.

4.2. Penalty kick specialization and psychological tactics

Martínez has garnered particular notoriety for his exceptional ability in penalty shoot-outs and his use of psychological tactics. As of July 2024, in his four penalty shootouts with Argentina, opponents have converted only 50% of their attempts (12 goals from 24 shots), with Martínez saving nine spot kicks and three going off-target. By the end of 2022, across all penalties faced in regular play and competitive shootouts, opponents converted 69.5% of attempts, with Martínez saving 13 and five missing outright.

His approach extends beyond mere shot-stopping, involving deliberate gamesmanship and psychological measures to distract and intimidate opposing penalty takers. Former goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski described Martínez's style in penalty situations as "one of the most aggressive and disruptive approaches that you will ever see. His ultimate aim is to put as much pressure on the taker as possible and create a moment of hesitation or doubt during their run-up. And as we've seen time and again in recent years, it works." Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic highlighted his "theatrical methods of intimidation."

Martínez's tactics have drawn criticism for lacking sportsmanship. French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who faced Martínez in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final shootout, stated, "there are some things I can't do. Making a fool of myself in goal, rattling my opponents, crossing that line... I'm too rational and honest a man to go that way." His strategies have even prompted discussions within the International Football Association Board (IFAB) about potential rule changes to discourage such behavior. When asked about these potential changes, Martínez famously retorted, "I already saved the penalties that I had to save."

5.1. Family and background

Martínez's full birth name caused some confusion early in his career. While his parents intended his name to be Emiliano Damián, due to a mix-up at the registry office, it was recorded as Damián Emiliano. His mother decided to keep it as registered to avoid a long wait, preferring to simply call him "Emi" anyway. Damián was his late grandfather's middle name, and his mother wanted to incorporate it in honor of his grandfather, who passed away before Emiliano was born.

He has been married to Amanda "Mandinha" (née Gama) since 2017. The couple has two children: a son named Santi and a daughter named Ava. Martínez has humorously noted that his five-year-old son speaks with a "Brummie" (Birmingham) accent, reflecting their life in England. After Argentina's victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martínez received a massive welcome in his hometown of Mar del Plata on 22 December 2022, with over 150,000 people attending the celebration at the Las Toscas resort.

5.2. Nickname and public image

Martínez is widely known by his nickname "Dibu", an abbreviation of Dibujo (Spanish for "Drawing"). This nickname was given to him as a young player at Independiente by former goalkeeper and coach Miguel Ángel Santoro. It originated from the animated character in the popular Argentine telenovela Mi familia es un dibujo, whose red hair and freckles resembled a young Martínez.

While often portraying a "mischievous" or "fox-like" persona on the field, particularly during penalty shootouts, Martínez is described by those close to him as having a very clean private life and a kind, benevolent personality. He is known for his strong loyalty to Lionel Messi, famously stating he would "jump into a battlefield" if Messi commanded it. Martínez also uses his success for charitable causes; after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he auctioned off his match-worn gloves, donating the proceeds to a hospital in Buenos Aires for the treatment of child cancer patients.

Martínez has endorsement deals with major sports brands, signing with PUMA in 2018 before moving to Adidas, which now provides his goalkeeper gloves and boots. In a whimsical revelation, when asked what he would be if not a footballer, Martínez stated he would be a fishmonger. For the 2024-25 Premier League season, he changed his shirt number from 1 to 23, explaining it was due to superstition, as he had won all his national team trophies wearing number 23, and it is also his son's birthday.

6.1. Public conduct and backlash

Martínez's actions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup award ceremony and subsequent victory celebrations drew significant global backlash. Immediately after receiving the Golden Glove award, he performed an obscene gesture, holding the trophy to his groin and pointing towards the crowd. He later explained this was a reaction to perceived taunts from French fans. This act was widely condemned as lacking sportsmanship and being disrespectful.

The controversies continued during Argentina's celebrations. In the dressing room after the final, Martínez was seen leading a conga line that mocked French star Kylian Mbappé. Days later, during Argentina's open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires, Martínez was photographed holding a baby doll that had Mbappé's face taped onto it, further fueling the criticism. These repeated actions led to widespread accusations from international media and football figures, including former England striker Ian Wright, of displaying unsporting behavior. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery publicly stated his intention to speak with Martínez to help him "control his emotions" and address his controversial conduct.

FIFA took disciplinary action against Martínez on 28 September 2024, banning him for two matches. This ban was imposed for "violating principles of fairplay" in two separate incidents: his repeat of the crotch gesture with a replica Copa America trophy after a World Cup qualifier against Chile on 5 September, and his assault on a television camera after Argentina's 2-1 loss to Colombia on 10 September.

6.2. Impact on football rules

Martínez's aggressive psychological tactics and time-wasting strategies during penalty shootouts have prompted discussions among football's governing bodies about potential rule changes. His disruptive approach, designed to unsettle opposing penalty takers, has been noted by analysts as highly effective. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) was expected in 2023 to review and potentially modify rules to deter goalkeepers from employing similar tactics in the future, aiming to promote fair play.

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Martínez's opponent in the 2022 World Cup final shootout, commented on Martínez's methods, stating that he personally could not engage in such behavior: "There are some things I can't do. Making a fool of myself in goal, rattling my opponents, crossing that line... I'm too rational and honest a man to go that way." Despite the impending rule changes, Martínez remained defiant, reportedly stating, "I already saved the penalties that I had to save."

8.1. Club

8.2. International