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Article Summary
Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Born in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, on 18 January 1998, Martínez rose through the ranks at Newell’s Old Boys before making his mark at Defensa y Justicia. He joined Ajax in 2019, winning two Eredivisie titles and the club’s Player of the Year award in 2022. In July 2022, he followed Erik ten Hag to Manchester United for a fee rising to €67.37 million. Nicknamed “The Butcher” for his aggressive, no-nonsense defending, Martínez has been a key figure for Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. He was selected for the 2026 World Cup as a starting centre-back. He has been in a long-term relationship with Muriel López Benítez since adolescence, and they have a daughter. His net worth is estimated at approximately £28.6 million ($37 million).
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Lisandro Martínez was born on 18 January 1998 in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. He grew up in the city known for its famous Carnival celebrations, which would later play a significant role in his personal life.
Martínez began his football journey at a young age, playing for Club Urquiza from 2002 to 2006 and Club Libertad from 2006 to 2014. In 2014, he joined the youth academy of Newell’s Old Boys, one of Argentina’s most historic clubs.
Despite his relatively small stature for a centre-back at 1.75 metres, Martínez’s determination, aggressive tackling, and exceptional reading of the game set him apart from a young age.
Club Career
Newell’s Old Boys and Defensa y Justicia (2017-2019)
Martínez made his professional debut for Newell’s Old Boys in 2017, making one senior appearance. Later that year, he was loaned to Defensa y Justicia, where he made 21 league appearances and scored one goal. His performances impressed the club, and the loan was made permanent in 2018. At Defensa y Justicia, Martínez made a total of 46 league appearances, scoring three goals, and established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Argentine football.
Ajax (2019-2022)
In 2019, Martínez made the move to European football, signing for AFC Ajax in the Netherlands. Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, Martínez flourished. He made 74 league appearances for the Dutch giants, scoring six goals.
During his three seasons at Ajax, Martínez won two Eredivisie titles (2018-19, 2020-21) and one KNVB Cup. He also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2018-19 season. In the 2021-22 season, Martínez was named Ajax Player of the Year.
Manchester United (2022-Present)
On 27 July 2022, Martínez joined Manchester United, reuniting with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer fee was reported as €57.37 million fixed, with an additional €10 million in add-ons, totaling up to €67.37 million. He signed a five-year contract until June 2027.
Martínez made his debut for Manchester United on 7 August 2022 in a Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. He quickly became a fan favourite, known for his aggressive defending and his ability to play out from the back. Despite being one of the shortest centre-backs in the Premier League at 1.75 metres, his aerial prowess and tenacity earned him the nickname “The Butcher”.
During his first season, Martínez helped United lift the Carabao Cup. The 2023-24 season was disrupted by injury, limiting him to just 14 appearances, though he returned to start in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. In February 2025, he suffered a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury but returned to marshal the defence during the club’s resurgence under Michael Carrick. As of May 2026, he has made 76 league appearances for Manchester United, scoring three goals.
International Career
Youth Level
Martínez represented Argentina at the U20 level, earning eight caps between 2016 and 2017. He also made two appearances for the Argentina U23 team in 2019.
Senior Debut and Copa América Success
Martínez made his senior debut for the Argentina national team in 2019. He was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa América in Brazil.
2022 FIFA World Cup: Champion of Qatar
Martínez was a key member of Argentina’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He started several matches for the eventual champions, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Cristian Romero. Argentina defeated France in the final to win their third World Cup title.
Martínez also started in the 2022 Finalissima victory over Italy.
2024 Copa América and Beyond
In 2024, Martínez was part of the Argentina squad that won a second consecutive Copa América title.
2026 World Cup
In May 2026, Martínez was named in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He started in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Switzerland.
Ahead of the tournament, Martínez expressed his motivation: “In my head we haven’t won anything, we want to win everything”. As of July 2026, he has earned 33 caps for Argentina and scored two goals.
Major Achievements
Martínez’s trophy cabinet includes:
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 2018-19, 2020-21
- KNVB Cup: 2018-19
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2019
Manchester United
- Carabao Cup: 2022-23
- FA Cup: 2023-24
Argentina National Team
- Copa América: 2021, 2024
- Finalissima: 2022
- FIFA World Cup: 2022
Individual
- Ajax Player of the Year: 2021-22
Personal Life
Martínez has been in a relationship with Muriel López Benítez since they were teenagers. They met in Gualeguay when they were both 15 years old. Their love story began when Martínez was playing in the youth categories of Newell’s Old Boys and López Benítez was still in high school.
In a candid interview, Martínez spoke about the profound impact his partner has had on his personal growth: “I come from a very macho background… I was never able to develop my feminine side… She taught me all those things that I really love. I love crying, I love expressing myself, I love giving love”.
The couple’s daughter, Aurora, was born on 14 March 2025 in Manchester. During the final stages of her pregnancy, Martínez suffered a serious knee injury, and López Benítez was his “motor every day”.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Lisandro Martínez is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He started in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Switzerland.
Martínez is currently under contract with Manchester United until June 2027. However, recent reports have linked him with a potential move to Real Madrid.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Started in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory; selected in Argentina’s 26-man squad |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Copa América | Won |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup | Won |
| 2022 | Finalissima | Won |
| 2021 | Copa América | Won |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Born in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina |
| 2014 | Joined Newell’s Old Boys youth academy |
| 2017 | Made professional debut for Newell’s Old Boys |
| 2017-2018 | Loaned to Defensa y Justicia |
| 2018 | Permanent transfer to Defensa y Justicia |
| 2019 | Signed for Ajax; made senior debut for Argentina |
| 2019-20 | Won Eredivisie with Ajax |
| 2020-21 | Won Eredivisie with Ajax |
| 2021 | Won Copa América with Argentina |
| 2022 | Won Finalissima and World Cup with Argentina; signed for Manchester United |
| 2023 | Won Carabao Cup with Manchester United |
| 2024 | Won Copa América with Argentina; won FA Cup with Manchester United |
| 2025 | Daughter Aurora born on 14 March; returned from ACL injury |
| 2026 | Selected for Argentina’s World Cup squad |
Career Statistics
International Caps: 33 (as of July 2026)
FAQs
How old is Lisandro Martínez?
Lisandro Martínez was born on 18 January 1998 in Gualeguay, Argentina, which makes him 28 years old as of 2026.
What is Lisandro Martínez’s net worth?
Lisandro Martínez’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £28.6 million ($37 million) as of 2026. He earns £120,000 per week at Manchester United.
Which club does Lisandro Martínez play for?
Lisandro Martínez plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United. He signed for the club in July 2022 and wears the number 6 shirt.
Has Lisandro Martínez won the World Cup?
Yes. Martínez was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Is Lisandro Martínez going to the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Martínez has been selected in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup and has started in the tournament.
What is Lisandro Martínez’s height?
Lisandro Martínez stands at 1.75 metres (5 feet 9 inches).
Why is Lisandro Martínez called “The Butcher”?
Martínez is nicknamed “The Butcher” (El Carnicero) for his aggressive, no-nonsense defending and tough tackling.
Is Lisandro Martínez married?
Martínez is not married but has been in a long-term relationship with Muriel López Benítez since they were teenagers. They have a daughter together.
Does Lisandro Martínez have children?
Yes. Martínez and his partner Muriel López Benítez have a daughter named Aurora, who was born on 14 March 2025 in Manchester.
What trophies has Lisandro Martínez won?
Martínez has won the Copa América (2021, 2024), Finalissima (2022), FIFA World Cup (2022), two Eredivisie titles, the KNVB Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the FA Cup.
Key Takeaways
- Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine centre-back born on 18 January 1998 in Gualeguay, Argentina.
- He began his career at Newell’s Old Boys before moving to Defensa y Justicia, then Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles.
- In 2022, he signed for Manchester United for a fee rising to €67.37 million, reuniting with Erik ten Hag.
- He has been a key player for Argentina, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- He has been selected for the 2026 World Cup as a starting defender.
- He has been in a long-term relationship with Muriel López Benítez since adolescence; they have a daughter, Aurora.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately £28.6 million ($37 million).
Conclusion
Lisandro Martínez’s journey from the streets of Gualeguay to the biggest stages in world football is a story of determination, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. Despite being considered too short for a centre-back, Martínez has defied expectations at every turn, earning a reputation as one of the most fearsome defenders in the game. His aggressive, no-nonsense style has made him a fan favourite at Manchester United and a vital part of Argentina’s golden generation. With a World Cup, two Copa América titles, and a growing list of individual accolades, Martínez has already achieved more than most players dream of. At 28, he is preparing for his second World Cup, ready to defend Argentina’s crown. With a loving family by his side and his career at its peak, Lisandro Martínez is a true embodiment of the Argentine footballing spirit.
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