Emiliano Martínez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Emiliano Martínez. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer renowned as one of the world's top goalkeepers. After years as a reserve at Arsenal, he rose to prominence following a move to Aston Villa in 2020. Martínez is celebrated for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, command of the penalty area, and expertise in penalty shootouts. He became a national hero during Argentina’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, where his pivotal saves and psychological tactics were instrumental in securing the title. His performance in the final earned him the Golden Glove award. Beyond his technical prowess, Martínez is recognized for his intense competitiveness and confrontational style, which often polarizes fans while galvanizing his teammates. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a global champion highlights his resilience, mental fortitude, and significant impact on modern goalkeeping.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

10 August 2014: 2014 FA Community Shield Victory

On 10 August 2014, Emiliano Martínez served as an unused substitute for Arsenal as they secured a 3–0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium to win the FA Community Shield.

11 May 2026: First Career Assist

On 11 May 2026, Emiliano Martínez achieved a personal milestone by recording his first-ever assist during a 2-2 draw against Burnley.

20 May 2026: 2026 UEFA Europa League Victory

On 20 May 2026, Martínez started in goal for Aston Villa as they secured a 3–0 victory over SC Freiburg to win the 2026 UEFA Europa League final.

July 2010: Formal registration as an Arsenal player

In July 2010, Emiliano Martínez was officially registered as a player for Arsenal after successfully completing a trial and obtaining the necessary work permit.

June 2011: First Argentina Senior Squad Call-Up

In June 2011, Emiliano Martínez received his first call-up to the Argentina senior national football team, selected as a replacement for Oscar Ustari for a match against Nigeria.

2015: Arsenal 2015 Community Shield Victory and Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 2 August 2015, Emiliano Martínez served as an unused substitute during Arsenal's 1-0 Community Shield victory against Chelsea. Subsequently, on 11 August 2015, he was sent on a season-long loan to the Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he eventually lost his starting position following a thigh injury.

2016: End of 2016-17 season Premier League tenure

The year 2016 serves as the baseline for the 2016-17 season, which marked the last time Emiliano Martínez appeared in the Premier League for Arsenal before his eventual return to the starting lineup in June 2020.

October 2019: Senior Squad Call-Up for Friendlies

On October 9 and 13, 2019, Martínez was called up to the Argentina senior squad for friendly matches against Germany and Ecuador, though he remained an unused substitute for both games.

2019: Breakthrough and Trophies at Arsenal

During 2019, Martínez successfully broke into the Arsenal starting line-up, subsequently helping the team secure victories in the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield.

June 2020: First Premier League appearance and Arsenal breakthrough

On 20 June 2020, Emiliano Martínez replaced the injured Bernd Leno during a match against Brighton & Hove Albion, marking his first Premier League appearance since the 2016-17 season. Following this event in June 2020, he established himself as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the season, earning significant praise for his commanding performance.

2020: Arsenal's Community Shield Victory and Transfer Speculation

On August 29, 2020, Emiliano Martínez started in goal for Arsenal during their Community Shield victory against Liverpool via a penalty shootout. Following this 2020 match, Martínez faced uncertainty regarding his future at Arsenal due to the return of Bernd Leno, leading him to demand a first-choice role or a permanent transfer, which resulted in his exclusion from the squad for the season opener against Fulham.

June 2021: International Debut and Copa América Success

Throughout June 2021, Emiliano Martínez reached significant milestones, including his international debut on June 3rd against Chile, and his performance in the 2021 Copa América, where he earned the Golden Glove award.

2021: Senior International Success and Copa América Victory

In 2021, Martínez earned his first senior cap for Argentina, won the 2021 Copa América, and was honored with the Golden Glove award.

January 2022: Contract Extension with Aston Villa

On 21 January 2022, Emiliano Martínez signed a three-year contract extension, committing his future to Aston Villa until the conclusion of the 2026–27 season.

2022: World Cup Victory and The Best FIFA Goalkeeper Award

During 2022, Martínez helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup, was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament, and was awarded The Best FIFA Goalkeeper.

April 2023: 100th Premier League Appearance and Clean Sheet Record

On 1 April 2023, Martínez achieved his 100th Premier League appearance for Aston Villa in a 2–0 win against Chelsea. During this match, he earned his 34th clean sheet, establishing a new club record for the most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in their first 100 appearances.

2023: Receipt of the Yashin Trophy

In 2023, Martínez was awarded the Yashin Trophy, marking the first of his two joint-record wins for this honor.

April 2024: Conference League Semi-final Qualification

On 18 April 2024, Martínez played a pivotal role in a victory over Lille by saving two penalties following a 3–3 aggregate draw, successfully guiding Aston Villa to the semi-finals of the Conference League.

August 2024: Contract Extension with Aston Villa

On 21 August 2024, Emiliano Martínez solidified his future at Aston Villa by signing a new long-term contract that keeps him at the club until 2029.

December 2024: Premier League Save of the Month Award

In December 2024, Martínez earned his first Premier League Save of the Month award for a remarkable goal-line stop against Nottingham Forest, where he swatted away a header from Nicolás Domínguez.

2024: Copa América Victory and Record-Breaking Awards

In 2024, Martínez won the Copa América, received his third Golden Glove award, and was recognized as The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and recipient of the Yashin Trophy for a second time.

22 November 2014: Premier League Debut

Emiliano Martínez made his Premier League debut on 22 November 2014, appearing as a second-half substitute for the injured Wojciech Szczęsny during a match against Manchester United.

26 November 2014: Champions League Clean Sheet and UEFA Team of the Week

On 26 November 2014, Martínez kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, an effort that earned him a spot in the UEFA Team of the Week.

29 November 2014: First Premier League Start

On 29 November 2014, Martínez made his first official start in the Premier League, helping Arsenal achieve a 1–0 victory against West Bromwich Albion.