Emiliano Martinez Biography: The Butterfly Effect that Led to World Cup Champions

Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero, commonly known as Emiliano Martinez, was born on September 2, 1992. He is an Argentine professional footballer. He was born in Bueno Aires Province, Argentina. He plays as a professional goalkeeper for the Argentina national team and the Aston Villa club. He is called by his nickname “Dibu”.

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Emiliano Martinez Early Life

Emiliano Martinez when he was small.

Emiliano Martinez when he was small.

On September 2, 1992, Emiliano Martínez, also known as “Dibu,” was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. He goes by Damián Emiliano Martínez in full. Martínez was from a low-income household and experienced financial hardships as a child. This had an impact on him from an early age and inspired him to play football in order to support his family.

As a result, his family experienced severe financial hardship. He has witnessed his father weep through the night about not being able to pay his bills. The young goalkeeper didn’t like what he saw, and he still finds it difficult to forget that evening. 

But it is often seen that he smiles whenever he talks about how he started his football journey.

Emiliano Martinez Early Football Struggles

At an early age, Martínez took up football and joined the Independiente youth program, one of the most well-known football teams in Argentina. When he was just 16 years old, Arsenal FC in England scouted him because of his rapid development as a goalie. He left his family behind in Argentina in 2010 to join Arsenal’s development academy in England.

The initial years of Martínez’s life in England were difficult due to his battles with homesickness and the stress of adjusting to a new nation. But his perseverance and diligence paid off, as he eventually moved up the ranks to become a professional football player. His tenacity ultimately resulted in a professional breakthrough, even though he was loaned out to other clubs and spent many years as a backup goalkeeper.

Martínez’s remarkable rise from a humble background in Argentina to his current status as one of the world’s best goalkeepers is evidence of his tenacity and commitment to the game.

Emiliano Martinez Club Career

Martinez playing for his club

Martinez playing for his club

Prior to joining Arsenal in 2010, Emiliano Martínez played for a number of clubs on loan, including Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, and Getafe. In 2020, he made his breakthrough with Arsenal and contributed to their FA Cup victory. Later that year, his achievements earned him a trade to Aston Villa, where he rapidly made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Martínez, who is well-known for his proficiency in stopping shots and his command of the box, has contributed significantly to Villa’s strong outings. He has also garnered attention for his valiant efforts with Argentina in international competitions.

Emiliano Martinez International Career

Emiliano Martinez After the World Cup win

Emiliano Martinez After the World Cup win

In 2021, Emiliano Martínez made his Argentina debut on the international scene, and he rapidly established himself as a vital member of the squad. Despite being called up to the team as early as 2011, he didn’t make his senior debut until June 2021 against Chile in a World Cup qualifier.

Martínez’s most notable performance occurred in the Copa América of 2021, where he was instrumental in Argentina’s victory. He received a lot of praise for his exploits in the penalty shootout during the semifinal match against Colombia, where he saved three penalties.

Additionally, he played a key role in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil in the championship match, which gave the country its first major international triumph in 28 years.

His efforts cemented his place as Argentina’s starting goalkeeper of choice. He carried on his strong form into the FIFA World Cup of 2022, where he was crucial to Argentina’s triumph. Notably, he helped Argentina win their third World Cup title by making two vital saves in extra time and a penalty shootout against France in the final.

He was named the best goalie in the competition and received the Golden Glove award for his exceptional play whereas his teammates Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi won the Best Young Player and Golden Ball awards respectively.

Emiliano Martinez Father

Martinez’s father joins him on the stage during the award ceremony

Martinez’s father joins him on the stage during the award ceremony

Alberto Martínez is Emiliano Martínez’s father. Despite the family’s financial difficulties, Alberto had a major influence on Emiliano’s early life and career, offering encouragement and support. Emiliano has frequently mentioned how his father’s perseverance and hard work motivated him to excel in football in order to better his family’s circumstances. Emiliano’s relationship with his father has served as a source of inspiration for him throughout his career, propelling him to success in club and international football.

Emiliano Martinez Mother

A rare picture of Martinez with his mother

A rare picture of Martinez with his mother

Susana Martínez is Emiliano Martínez’s mother. She was a big part of his childhood, helping him and his family get through hard times. Raised in a modest background in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Martínez frequently talks about how his mother’s struggles to support the family inspired him to excel in football. His tight bond with his mother serves as an inspiration, and he has frequently conveyed his appreciation to her for her steadfast support during his career as a professional football player.

Emiliano Martinez Siblings

Martinez with his brother.

Emiliano Martínez has two siblings, Gisela, his sister, and Alejandro, his younger brother, who is a professional racer. Emiliano Martínez’s family has frequently been in the spotlight due to his achievements, even though his brother has chosen to become a racer in his home country. Occasionally, Martínez emphasizes on social media and in interviews how close he is to his siblings, highlighting the value of family support in both his personal and professional lives.

Emiliano Martinez Wife and Children

Martinez, with his wife and children.

Martinez with his wife and children.

Mandinha Martínez, née Mandinha Gama, is the wife of Emiliano Martínez. Martínez and the couple got married after they met while he was playing for Arsenal in England. Mandinha is a Portuguese interior designer by profession. Together, the pair has a daughter named Ava and a son named Santi. Throughout Martínez’s career, Mandinha has consistently shown him support. Fans have witnessed her encouraging him during games and posting family-related photos to social media.

His wife can be seen active on social media sites like Instagram, with around 837k followers. Her Instagram handle is mandinha_martinez_

Emiliano Martinez Education

The public domain contains little detail regarding Emiliano Martínez’s educational background. Like many professional football players, Martínez probably began concentrating on his football career at an early age, particularly after enrolling at Argentina’s Independiente youth program. His concentration was further directed toward honing his goalkeeping abilities after he relocated to England at the age of sixteen to enroll in Arsenal’s development system. Although it’s typical for young football players to combine their studies with training, there isn’t much information available regarding Martínez’s academic history. His path shows that he had a great devotion to football from a young age, putting more emphasis on his physical growth than on formal education.

Emiliano Martinez Personal Life

He’s a laid-back, good-humored guy who has emotional intelligence and is willing to share details about his personal and private life. Like most people born under the sign of Virgo, he knows how to bide his time and has a positive attitude toward life. Martinez’s interests and hobbies include traveling, playing table tennis, watching movies, and keeping up with racing games, in addition to spending quality time with family and friends.

Emiliano Martinez Playing Style

Martinez’s Iconic Save in the World Cup Final.

Martinez’s Iconic Save in the World Cup Final.

Emiliano Martínez is well-known for his dominant presence in the penalty area, great passing talents, and superb shot-stopping prowess. At 6’5 inches tall, he is a natural at handling crosses and aerial threats, frequently stepping confidently off his line to recover the ball. He is especially useful in one-on-one scenarios due to his quick reflexes, and he is known for being an expert at saving penalties. Additionally skilled at playing out of the back, Martínez can make precise long passes to initiate counterattacks. His poise under duress and leadership qualities further solidify his status as a premier goalie.

Emiliano Martinez Life Outside Football

Martinez in his luxurious car.

Martinez in his luxurious car.

Emiliano Martínez is a family man who lives a quiet life apart from football. He is married to Portuguese interior designer Mandinha Martínez, and together they have a daughter named Ava and a boy named Santi. Martínez’s family holds great significance in his life, and he frequently posts memories of them on social media. At home or on vacation, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.

Additionally, Martínez has a strong desire to give back to his community. He has participated in a number of humanitarian endeavors, especially in his native Mar del Plata, Argentina, where he has backed neighborhood projects and young football leagues.

Martínez is also well-known for being an automobile aficionado who likes to drive expensive cars. He maintains his modesty and groundedness in the face of recognition and success, blaming his family’s encouragement for most of his drive and accomplishments.​ 

Emiliano Martinez Salary

Emiliano Martínez’s weekly wage at Aston Villa as of 2024 is roughly £120,000. His pay is commensurate with his significant contribution as the team’s first-choice keeper and his steady play since joining the group in 2020. His weekly salary grew to £150,000 as his contract was extended in January 2022, guaranteeing his presence at the club until 2027, underscoring his significance to the group.

ALSO READ: Lautaro Martinez Biography, One Of The Most Underrated Players In Football History: Girlfriend, Salary, Career, Stats

Aastha Pokharel

Aastha Pokharel

Hello, This is Aastha Pokharel belonging to a culturally diversified country Nepal. Being a passionate football fan , I delved into the world of sports for providing the latest rumors, personal informations or events relating to the football to our core football fans. So join me in as I strive to capture the details creating engaging content that celebrates the sports we all admire.
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Player Info

Full Name

Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero

Nickname

Dibu

Date Of Birth

September 2, 1992

Place Of Birth

Mar del Plata, Argentina

Nationality

Argentine

Ethnicity

Argentine

Height

6 ft 5 inches (1.95 m)

Marital Status

Married

Parents

  • Alberto Martínez (Father)
  • Susana  Martínez (Mother)

Instagram

Twitter

Professional Career

Current Team

Aston Villa

Club Jersey Num

1

National Team

Argentina

Youth Team(s)

Independiente

Position(s)

Goal keeper

Preferred Foot

Right

Playing Style

Passionate Shot-Stopper with a Fun Personality

Market Value

28 million euros

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