Emiliano Martínez Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 23, 2025
As the world enters 2025, few footballers embody the spirit of resilience, drama, and triumph more vividly than Emiliano Martínez—Argentina’s number one goalkeeper, Aston Villa captain, and one of the most influential goalkeepers of his generation.
Once a long-term backup at Arsenal, Emiliano Martínez has transformed into a World Cup legend, a Premier League mainstay, and a charismatic symbol of mental strength and unshakeable belief.
Then: The Forgotten Backup – A Dream on Hold (1992–2019)
1. Humble Beginnings in Argentina
Born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Emiliano Martínez dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper from a young age. Inspired by legends like Sergio Goycochea and Roberto Abbondanzieri, he joined Independiente’s youth academy at 15. Despite his size and reflexes, he struggled to break through.
In 2010, at just 18, he was signed by Arsenal FC—a dream move, but one that would test his patience like no other.
2. The Arsenal Years – A Decade in the Shadows
Emiliano Martínez spent ten years at Arsenal (2010–2020)—but not as a starter. He was loaned out five times to clubs like Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Reading, gaining valuable experience but never securing a permanent spot.
At Arsenal, he was the third-choice goalkeeper, behind Wojciech Szczęsny and later David Ospina and Bernd Leno. He made only 15 appearances in over a decade, often celebrated more for his personality and presence on the bench than his time on the pitch.
Yet, behind the scenes, Martínez never stopped believing. He trained harder, studied the game, and waited for his chance.
Related: Mike Maignan Then and Now
The Rise: Seizing the Moment (2020–2022)
1. Breakthrough at Aston Villa
In September 2020, Martínez made a £20 million move to Aston Villa—a shockingly high fee for a goalkeeper with limited top-flight experience. But it was a masterstroke.
Under Dean Smith and later Unai Emery, Martínez became an instant starter and fan favorite. His commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and leadership transformed Villa’s defense.
By the 2020–21 season, he had:
- Recorded 15 clean sheets
- Made crucial saves against top teams
- Earned a Premier League Player of the Month award
He wasn’t just a goalkeeper—he was a game-changer.
2. Rise with the Argentine National Team
Martínez had been a fringe player for Argentina since his debut in 2011. But in 2021, under Lionel Scaloni, he was given the number one jersey—and he made it his own.
He played a key role in:
- Winning the 2021 Copa América – Argentina’s first major trophy in 28 years
- Qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
But his true legacy was about to be written in Qatar.
Related: Christian Pulisic Then and Now
Now: The Legend – Hero of the 2022 World Cup and Beyond (2023–2025)
1. Immortality at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar turned Emiliano Martínez into a global icon. His performances were nothing short of legendary:
- Crucial saves in knockout games against Australia and the Netherlands
- Heroic penalty shootout saves against the Netherlands (quarterfinals) and France (final)
In the epic final against France, Martínez:
- Saved two penalties in the shootout
- Made 120 minutes of relentless saves, including a stunning stop from Randal Kolo Muani in extra time
- Became the first goalkeeper since Iker Casillas (2010) to win the World Cup without conceding a goal in regular time during the knockout stages
His celebration—rushing toward Kylian Mbappé after the final penalty—sparked debate but cemented his “psycho” persona—a fearless, mentally dominant force between the posts.
He was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
2. Captain of Aston Villa (2023–2025)
In 2023, under manager Unai Emery, Martínez was named captain of Aston Villa—a rare honor for a goalkeeper. His leadership, communication, and consistency made him the heart of the team.
Under his captaincy, Villa achieved:
- 7th place in the 2023–24 Premier League – qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League
- A run to the FA Cup semifinals (2024)
- A club-record 18 clean sheets in a single Premier League season (2024–25)
Martínez became the first Aston Villa goalkeeper to score a goal (via a penalty in a 2024 FA Cup match), further adding to his folklore status.
3. Ballon d’Or Recognition and Global Fame
In 2023, Martínez finished 9th in the Ballon d’Or voting—the highest-ranked goalkeeper, a testament to his World Cup heroics. By 2024, he was a regular top-15 finisher, breaking the long-standing bias against goalkeepers in individual awards.
He became a global ambassador for:
- Adidas (his gloves are among the most popular in the world)
- EA Sports FIFA/FC series (featured on multiple covers)
- Mental toughness campaigns – speaking openly about anxiety, pressure, and confidence
His signature celebration—cupping his ear and roaring—has been mimicked by fans and players worldwide.
Related: Angelo Ogbonna Then and Now
Playing Style and Mental Edge
Martínez is not just a traditional shot-stopper. He is a modern, aggressive, and psychological goalkeeper:
- Exceptional reflexes and one-on-one ability
- Dominant in the air and commanding of his box
- Master of penalty shootouts – using mind games, movement, and unpredictability
- Aggressive communication – constantly organizing his defense
His mental toughness sets him apart. He thrives under pressure, often saying:
“I don’t fear mistakes. I fear not trying.”
He’s also known for his unconventional tactics in shootouts—singing, moving on the line, and staring down takers—earning both praise and criticism, but undeniably effective.
Related: Diogo Jota Then and Now
Personal Life and Advocacy
Martínez is married to Carla Calovi, a fellow Argentine, and they have two children. The family lives in Warwickshire, England, where he’s known for his down-to-earth nature and loyalty to Villa.
He’s a vocal advocate for:
- Mental health awareness in sports
- Support for young goalkeepers in Argentina
- Anti-racism and inclusion in football
Despite his flamboyant persona, he remains deeply connected to his roots, often returning to Mar del Plata to support local academies.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
By 2025, Emiliano Martínez has redefined what it means to be a goalkeeper:
- He’s not just a last line of defense—he’s a match-winner
- Not just a silent presence—he’s a leader and entertainer
- Not just a technician—he’s a psychological warrior
He’s inspired a new generation of goalkeepers to:
- Be bold
- Be vocal
- Believe in their ability to decide games
In Argentina, he’s revered alongside legends like Ubaldo Fillol and Sergio Goycochea. In England, he’s considered one of the greatest foreign goalkeepers in Premier League history.
Conclusion: Emiliano Martínez – Then and Now in 2025
- Then: A 28-year-old backup goalkeeper, loaned around England, wondering if he’d ever get his chance.
- Now: A World Cup champion, Aston Villa captain, Golden Glove winner, and one of the most recognizable and influential players on the planet.
Emiliano Martínez’s story is a testament to patience, perseverance, and self-belief. He didn’t just wait for his moment—he seized it with both gloves.
As he enters the final years of his prime in 2025, one thing is certain:
Dibu isn’t just stopping goals.
He’s making history.
🧤 “They said I was too loud, too wild, too much. But in the end, I was just enough.” – Emiliano Martínez
Related: Trent Alexander-Arnold Then and Now