Lisandro Martínez

Lisandro Martínez spent his early developmental years at Club Urquiza and Club Libertad between 2002 and 2014.

He then received his advanced football education at the highly respected CA Newell's Old Boys youth academy in Argentina, graduating to the senior squad in 2017.

Lisandro Martínez began his football education at Club Urquiza and Club Libertad before joining the prestigious youth academy of Newell's Old Boys in 2014. He made his professional debut for Newell's in the final match of the 2016–17 season, but struggled to secure regular first-team minutes. Seeking consistent playing time, he moved to Defensa y Justicia initially on loan in 2017, before completing a permanent transfer the following year.

At Defensa y Justicia, Martínez truly blossomed, making 58 appearances and establishing himself as one of the most promising ball-playing defenders in the Argentine Primera División. His exceptional distribution and aggressive defending caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a major transfer to Dutch giants Ajax in the summer of 2019. Over three highly successful seasons in Amsterdam, he became a tactical linchpin for manager Erik ten Hag, winning two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup.

In July 2022, Martínez followed Ten Hag to Manchester United in a transfer worth over €57 million, signing a long-term contract at Old Trafford. Despite early skepticism from British media regarding his height, he quickly adapted to the intense physicality of the Premier League. He formed a formidable defensive partnership with Raphaël Varane, playing a crucial role in helping United win the EFL Cup in his debut season.

His international career with Argentina has been spectacularly successful since making his senior debut in March 2019. He was a vital member of the squad that captured the 2021 Copa América, ending Argentina's 28-year major trophy drought. He subsequently etched his name into footballing history by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and followed it up by securing back-to-back continental titles with the 2024 Copa América victory in the USA.

Throughout the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Martínez continued to be a defensive stalwart for Manchester United, though the team faced various domestic challenges. Despite suffering a highly publicized red card against Leeds United in April 2026, his overall statistical contributions and passing accuracy remain elite. As he approaches the prime years of his career, he continues to lead the United backline while remaining a crucial component of Argentina's future international campaigns.

Lisandro Martínez was born in Gualeguay, Argentina, into a close-knit, working-class family. His upbringing instilled in him the fierce resilience and hard-working nature that eventually earned him the nickname 'The Butcher' among European football fans. He remains exceptionally proud of his Argentine heritage, often celebrating major victories wrapped in his national flag.

He has been in a long-term relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Muri López Benítez, whom he met when they were teenagers in Argentina. The couple shares a quiet life away from the paparazzi in Manchester, often posting pictures of their beloved pet dogs on social media. Muri is frequently seen supporting him from the stands during crucial Premier League and international fixtures.

Off the pitch, Martínez is known for his intense dedication to his physical fitness and recovery protocols, a necessity given his highly physical style of play. He is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Gualeguay, providing financial support and sporting equipment to underprivileged local youth clubs.