Career Timeline of Emiliano Martínez: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Emiliano Martínez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero is an Argentine professional footballer renowned as one of the world's best goalkeepers. He currently plays for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Argentina national team. Martínez is highly regarded for his exceptional penalty-saving abilities, making him a crucial asset to both his club and country.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Represented Argentina in junior international matches

In 2009, Emiliano Martínez represented Argentina in junior international matches, playing on the under-17 level.

2009: Invited to trial at Arsenal

In 2009, shortly after his 17th birthday, Emiliano Martínez was invited to trial at Arsenal and was initially offered a youth contract.

July 2010: Registered as an Arsenal player

In July 2010, Emiliano Martínez was formally registered as an Arsenal player after impressing in a trial and receiving a work permit.

2010: Moved to Arsenal

In 2010, Emiliano Martínez moved from Independiente's youth ranks to Premier League club Arsenal.

June 2011: Called up to Argentina squad

In June 2011, Emiliano Martínez was called up to the Argentina senior squad to replace Oscar Ustari to face Nigeria.

2011: Represented Argentina in junior international matches

In 2011, Emiliano Martínez represented Argentina in junior international matches, playing on the under-20 level.

May 2012: Debut in the Football League with Oxford United

In May 2012, due to injuries and loan terminations, Emiliano Martínez made his debut in the Football League for Oxford United against Port Vale in League Two, which Port Vale won 3–0.

October 2013: Loan to Sheffield Wednesday

On October 15, 2013, Emiliano Martínez transferred to Sheffield Wednesday on a 28-day emergency loan.

2014: Arsenal Debut

In 2014, Emiliano Martínez played his first game with Arsenal in the Champions League group stage, contributing to a 2-1 victory against Anderlecht. He also made his Premier League debut after replacing injured Szczęsny.

March 2015: Loan to Rotherham United

On March 20, 2015, Emiliano Martínez joined Championship club Rotherham United on an emergency loan until the end of the season.

2015: Joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan

In 2015, Emiliano Martínez joined Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan.

2016: Played for Arsenal

In 2016, Emiliano Martínez spent the 2016–17 season at Arsenal and played five matches during the campaign, including two Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

2016: Premier League appearance

In June 2020, after Bernd Leno was injured during the first half of Arsenal's match against Brighton & Hove Albion, Martínez made his first Premier League appearance since the 2016–17 season.

August 2017: Loan to Getafe

In August 2017, Emiliano Martínez joined La Liga club Getafe on a season-long loan.

January 2019: Loan to Reading

In January 2019, Emiliano Martínez was loaned to Championship club Reading until the end of the season.

October 2019: Second senior call up

In October 2019, Emiliano Martínez received his second senior call up against Germany and Ecuador but was an unused substitute for both friendly matches.

2019: Breaking into the starting line-up in Arsenal

In 2019, Emiliano Martínez broke into the starting line-up at Arsenal, featuring in the Premier League and contributing to the club's FA Cup and FA Community Shield wins.

June 2020: First Premier League appearance since 2016-17 season

In June 2020, Emiliano Martínez made his first Premier League appearance since the 2016-17 season due to an injury to Bernd Leno.

September 2020: Moved to Aston Villa

In September 2020, Emiliano Martínez moved to Aston Villa for £20 million.

2020: Speculation About Leaving Arsenal

In 2020, after winning the Community Shield, there was speculation that Emiliano Martínez would leave Arsenal, as he desired to be a first-choice keeper.

June 2021: International debut and Copa América

In June 2021, Emiliano Martínez made his international debut in a 1–1 draw with Chile and played in the Copa América, saving a penalty against Chile and three against Colombia in the semi-final.

January 2022: Contract Extension with Aston Villa

In January 2022, Emiliano Martínez signed a three-year contract extension with Aston Villa, keeping him with the club until the end of the 2026–27 season.

June 2022: Won the 2022 Finalissima

In June 2022, Emiliano Martínez kept a clean sheet as Argentina won 3–0 against Italy at Wembley Stadium in the 2022 Finalissima.

December 2022: Welcome Reception at Las Toscas Resort

In December 2022, Emiliano Martínez received a welcome reception at Las Toscas resort in Mar del Plata after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with over 150,000 people in attendance.

2022: World Cup Qualification

In June 2021, Emiliano Martínez made his international debut on 3 June 2021, in a 1–1 draw with Chile in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

April 2024: Saved two penalties to qualify Aston Villa to the Conference League semi-finals

In April 2024, Emiliano Martínez saved two penalties in a 4–3 victory over Lille following a 3–3 draw on aggregate, which qualified his club to the Conference League semi-finals.