Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lisandro Martínez

Discover the career path of Lisandro Martínez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer renowned for his role as a centre-back for Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Known as 'The Butcher' due to his tenacious and aggressive playing style, Martínez also exhibits exceptional passing ability from the defensive line. His contributions have made him a key player for both club and country.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Professional Debut for Newell's

In 2016, Lisandro Martínez made his professional debut for Newell's Old Boys, playing the full match in a loss to Godoy Cruz.

August 2017: Joined Defensa y Justicia on loan

In August 2017, Martínez joined Defensa y Justicia on loan, marking his first appearance on October 13 and first senior goal later that year.

2017: 2017 South American Youth Football Championship

In 2017, Lisandro Martínez played in the South American Youth Football Championship in Ecuador, securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

2017: Joins Defensa y Justicia on loan

In 2017, Martínez joined Defensa y Justicia initially on loan, marking a move to another Argentine club.

June 2018: Defensa y Justicia purchased 50% of Lisandro Martínez's rights

In June 2018, Defensa y Justicia purchased 50% of the rights to Lisandro Martínez, solidifying his position with the club.

March 2019: First call-up to the senior team

In March 2019, Lisandro Martínez received his first call-up to the senior Argentina national team and debuted against Venezuela on March 22.

March 2019: Senior International Debut

In March 2019, Martínez made his senior international debut for Argentina.

May 2019: Agreed Deal with Ajax

In May 2019, Defensa y Justicia announced an agreed deal with Ajax, with Lisandro Martínez transferring for €7m, subject to a medical examination. He officially signed in July.

September 2019: Argentina Under-23 Appearance

In September 2019, Martínez made one appearance for Argentina at under-23 level, in a 5–0 friendly victory against Bolivia.

2019: Signed for Ajax

In 2019, Lisandro Martínez signed for Ajax, beginning his international club career.

2020: Third Ajax Goal

In 2020-21, Lisandro Martínez scored his third Ajax goal in a home win versus RKC Waalwijk on September 20.

2021: Won 2021 Copa América

In 2021, Lisandro Martínez was a member of the Argentina squad that won the Copa América.

July 2022: Signed for Manchester United

In July 2022, Manchester United agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Martínez for a transfer fee between £47 million to £49 million, plus add-ons. The transfer was completed on July 27 and he signed a five-year contract, wearing the number six shirt.

2022: 2022 Finalissima and FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Lisandro Martínez was part of the Argentina squads that won the Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup.

January 2023: First Goal for Manchester United

In January 2023, Lisandro Martínez scored his first goal for Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat against Arsenal.

January 2024: Return from Injury

On January 14, 2024, Lisandro Martinez returned as a substitute in Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, after being sidelined for four months due to a foot injury.

June 2024: Selected for 2024 Copa América and first international goal

In June 2024, Lisandro Martínez was selected for the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América, and scored his first international goal against Ecuador in the quarter-finals.

2024: Won 2024 Copa América

In 2024, Lisandro Martinez won Copa América with Argentina.

January 2025: Scored against Liverpool

On January 5, 2025, Martínez scored the opening goal in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, becoming the first Manchester United player to score at their rivals' ground since Jesse Lingard in 2018.