Brief Introduction of Emi Martinez
Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero, widely known as Emi Martínez, is an Argentine professional footballer who has risen to prominence as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers. Born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Martínez is celebrated for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence in goal, and a particular prowess in saving penalty kicks. His career journey saw him overcome years as an understudy, eventually breaking through to achieve significant success at both club and international levels. Martínez is most recognized for his crucial role in Argentina’s triumphs, including the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his heroic performances earned him the Golden Glove award. He currently plays for Premier League club Aston Villa, where he continues to be a pivotal figure.
Emi Martinez Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero |
| Nickname | Dibu |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1992 |
| Age (as of Sep 1, 2025) | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Mar del Plata, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentinian |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 89 kg (196 lbs) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer (Goalkeeper) |
| Current Club | Aston Villa |
| Jersey Number | 23 |
| Spouse | Amanda “Mandinha” Gama Martínez (m. 2017) |
| Children | Santi (son), Ava (daughter) |
| Parents | Alberto Martínez (father), Susana Martínez (mother) |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | Varies, specific official figures are not publicly disclosed; however, his annual salary with Aston Villa is $7,800,000 in 2025. |
Early Life and Education of Emi Martinez
Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero was born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, a coastal city in Argentina. Known affectionately as “Dibu,” a nickname he received as a young player at Independiente due to his resemblance to an animated character from an Argentine telenovela, Martínez’s childhood was marked by humble beginnings. He grew up in a financially challenging environment alongside his brother, Alejandro, and four siblings. Despite the hardships, his parents, Alberto Martínez (a local football coach) and Susana Martínez (a housewife), encouraged his passion for football from a tender age. Martínez himself has spoken about the tough upbringing, recalling days when food was scarce, which fueled his determination to succeed in football and provide for his family.
He began his youth football career with the local club Independiente in 2008. His talent was quickly recognized, and at just 17 years old, shortly after his birthday, he was invited for a trial at Premier League club Arsenal. This opportunity meant leaving his family and moving to England, a significant sacrifice at a young age, but one that ultimately laid the foundation for his professional career. He was initially offered a youth contract by Arsenal in 2010, marking the start of his long journey in English football. Martínez also represented Argentina at the U-17 and U-20 levels between 2009 and 2011, showcasing his potential on the international stage early on.
Emi Martinez’s Career
Emi Martínez’s professional career is a testament to perseverance, marked by numerous loan spells before establishing himself as a world-class goalkeeper. He joined Arsenal in August 2010 from Independiente’s youth ranks. His senior debut for Arsenal came in September 2012 in a League Cup match against Coventry City. However, breaking into the first team at Arsenal proved challenging, with established goalkeepers like Wojciech Szczęsny and Łukasz Fabiański ahead of him in the depth chart.
Over the next eight years, Martínez embarked on a series of loan moves to gain experience. These included spells at Oxford United (2012), Sheffield Wednesday (2013-2014), Rotherham United (2015), Wolverhampton Wanderers (2015-2016), Getafe (2017-2018), and Reading (2019). Despite these experiences, regular Premier League action remained elusive.
His long-awaited breakthrough at Arsenal finally arrived during the atypical 2019-2020 season, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno, Martínez stepped in and seized the opportunity. He delivered a series of impressive performances, notably helping Arsenal win the FA Cup in August 2020, making crucial saves in the final against Chelsea. He also started in the 2020 Community Shield, which Arsenal won on penalties against Liverpool. After nearly a decade at Arsenal, having made 15 league appearances and over 50 career appearances across all competitions, Martínez sought a permanent first-choice role.
In September 2020, Martínez made a significant move to fellow Premier League club Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £20 million. He signed a four-year contract, and his impact was immediate, saving a penalty on his debut against Sheffield United and keeping a clean sheet. In his first season at Aston Villa (2020-21), he equaled Brad Friedel’s club record of 15 clean sheets in a Premier League season and was named Aston Villa Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Martínez’s club success coincided with his rise on the international stage with Argentina. He earned his first senior cap for Argentina in June 2021, in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Chile. That same summer, he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América triumph, ending their 28-year wait for the trophy and earning him the Golden Glove award. In June 2022, he kept a clean sheet as Argentina defeated reigning European Champions Italy 3-0 in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium.
The pinnacle of his career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Martínez was instrumental in Argentina’s victory, playing in every game. His memorable saves, including two penalty saves in the quarter-final shootout against the Netherlands and a crucial one-on-one stop against Randal Kolo Muani in the final’s dying seconds, were critical to Argentina’s success. He also saved a penalty in the final shootout against France, helping Argentina secure their third World Cup title. For his outstanding performances, he was awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove.
His achievements continued in 2024, as he once again won the Copa América with Argentina, receiving his third Golden Glove award for the tournament. On August 21, 2024, Martínez signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa, extending his stay until 2029. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, he also changed his shirt number from 1 to 23, the number he wears for Argentina during his successful cup campaigns. As of September 2025, he has made over 200 appearances for Aston Villa and has occasionally captained the side.
Emi Martinez Personal Life & Family
Emi Martínez is a devoted family man who often attributes his success to the support of his loved ones. He is married to Amanda “Mandinha” Gama Martínez. The couple met in London in 2013, reportedly at a bus stop that Martínez took for Arsenal training. After a four-year courtship, they tied the knot in 2017. Their lavish wedding took place at Brocket Hall country house and was attended by over 80 guests, including former Arsenal teammates.
Together, Emiliano and Mandinha have two children: a son named Santi and a daughter named Ava. Mandinha, who is Portuguese, is an entrepreneur and owner of “Mi Sueños Kids,” a children’s interior design company she founded in 2014, with stores in London and Watford. She is also quite popular on social media, where she shares glimpses of their family life.
Martínez’s family played a crucial role in his decision to pursue football despite financial difficulties in his early life. He has spoken about his father, Alberto Martínez, a local football coach, and his mother, Susana Martínez, as key figures in his upbringing. He was raised with four siblings. Notably, Martínez missed the birth of his daughter, Ava, in Birmingham while training on the eve of Argentina’s Copa América 2021 semi-final against Colombia. He only learned of her birth through a national team manager and met her for the first time after their victory. This emotional sacrifice highlights his dedication to both his family and his professional commitments. The family resides in England, where Martínez plays for Aston Villa.
Awards and Achievements of Emi Martinez
Emi Martínez has garnered numerous individual and team accolades throughout his distinguished career, cementing his status as one of the elite goalkeepers in world football.
| Year | Award/Achievement | Team/Individual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014, 2015, 2020 | FA Community Shield Winner | Arsenal | |
| 2019–20 | FA Cup Winner | Arsenal | |
| 2020–21 | Aston Villa Player of the Season | Individual | |
| 2021 | Copa América Golden Glove | Individual | |
| 2021 | Copa América Team of the Tournament | Individual | |
| 2021 | Copa América Champion | Argentina | |
| 2021–22 | CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions Winner (Finalissima) | Argentina | |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup Golden Glove | Individual | |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup Winner | Argentina | |
| 2022 | The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper | Individual | |
| 2023 | Yashin Trophy | Individual | |
| 2024 | Copa América Golden Glove | Individual | |
| 2024 | Copa América Champion | Argentina | |
| 2024 | Yashin Trophy | Individual | First person to retain the award |
| 2024 | The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper | Individual | First player to win it twice since its inception |
| 2024 | World’s Best Goalkeeper | Individual | |
| 2024 | Footballer of the Year | Aston Villa | |
| 2024/25 | Premier League Save of the Season | Individual | For a save against Nottingham Forest |
Emi Martinez Net Worth and Income
Determining an exact, officially verified net worth for any public figure, including Emi Martínez, can be challenging as specific financial details are often private. However, based on his professional contracts and endorsements, an estimation can be made.
As of 2025, Emi Martínez commands a significant income from his professional football career. He signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa in August 2024, which extends his stay at Villa Park until 2029. According to Spotrac, a leading source for sports contract specifics, Martínez signed a contract with Aston Villa F.C. that includes an average annual salary of $7,488,000. In the year 2025, his base salary is reported to be $7,800,000, with a corresponding cap hit of $7,800,000. His total career earnings are listed as $43,888,000.
Beyond his club salary, Martínez’s income sources likely include:
National Team Bonuses: Significant bonuses are awarded for his performances and triumphs with the Argentina national team, particularly for winning major tournaments like the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup.
Endorsement Deals: As a high-profile, World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Martínez undoubtedly has various endorsement deals with sports brands, local companies, and other businesses. While specific brands are not always public, such endorsements contribute substantially to a top athlete’s income.
Business Ventures: His wife, Mandinha Martínez, owns “Mi Sueños Kids,” a children’s interior design company, which could also contribute to the family’s overall financial portfolio.
While a precise net worth figure is not publicly disclosed, his substantial club contract and likely endorsement deals place his estimated net worth in the multi-million dollar range.
Legacy and Influence
Emi Martínez’s legacy is characterized by his indomitable spirit, his journey from a long-serving understudy to a global football icon, and his profound impact on the game, particularly in his native Argentina. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, known for his penalty-saving abilities and commanding presence.
His influence on Argentina’s national team is undeniable. Martínez’s arrival coincided with a golden era for La Albiceleste, providing a crucial, confident presence between the posts that had been missing for years. His heroics in the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and especially the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Glove, cemented his status as a national hero. Lionel Messi himself has reportedly described Martínez as a “phenomenon”. His emotional connection with the fans and his passionate celebrations have further endeared him to the Argentine public, symbolizing the fight and determination of the team.
At Aston Villa, Martínez quickly became a fan favorite, breaking club records for clean sheets and consistently delivering high-level performances. He has played a key role in the club’s recent successes, including securing European football and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His leadership qualities have also seen him captain the team on several occasions.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Martínez’s story is an inspiration, particularly to aspiring young footballers. His decade-long wait for a consistent starting role at Arsenal before his eventual breakthrough demonstrates immense resilience and commitment. This narrative of perseverance resonates widely, showcasing that dedication can ultimately lead to success even after numerous setbacks. His public image, though occasionally controversial for his animated celebrations, is largely seen as a reflection of his intense passion and desire to win. He has demonstrated that he transforms on the pitch, stating that “the important thing is to win”.
Interesting Facts about Emi Martinez
”Dibu” Nickname: Emi Martínez is affectionately known as “Dibu,” a nickname he received as a young player at Independiente. It comes from an animated character in the Argentine telenovela “Mi familia es un dibujo” (My Family is a Drawing), to whom he supposedly bore a resemblance.
Birth Certificate Name Confusion: His full name on his birth certificate is Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero, but his family always called him Emi. When he joined Arsenal, the club initially referred to him as Damián, causing some confusion until he clarified the preferred name.
Almost a Scientist: Before his move to Arsenal, Martínez had applied and been accepted into the Institute of Innovation and Technology in Buenos Aires. He might have quit football to pursue a career as a scientist if the Arsenal opportunity hadn’t materialized.
Jens Lehmann’s Influence: Upon his arrival at Arsenal, Martínez was mentored by legendary German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who offered him a lot of “fatherly advice.” Martínez reportedly has a quote from Lehmann tattooed on his back, emphasizing his journey and determination: “Now this mountain I must climb feels like the world upon my shoulders, through the clouds I see love shine, it keeps me warm as life grows colder”.
Meeting His Wife: Emi met his wife, Mandinha, at a bus stop in London in 2013 while he was waiting for the bus to go to Arsenal training.
Missing Daughter’s Birth: In a significant personal sacrifice for his career, Martínez missed the birth of his daughter, Ava, in 2021, as he was training with the Argentina national team for the Copa América semi-final. He only met her after Argentina secured the trophy.
Shirt Number Change: Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Martínez switched his Aston Villa shirt number from the traditional No. 1 to No. 23, the same number he wears for Argentina during their successful cup campaigns.
Penalty Saving Specialist: He is renowned for his exceptional ability to save penalty kicks, a skill that has been crucial in numerous high-stakes matches for both club and country.
Controversies
Emi Martínez’s passionate and often flamboyant approach to goalkeeping, particularly during penalty shootouts, has occasionally led to controversies and criticism. While celebrated by his own fans and teammates, some of his antics have drawn ire from opponents and sections of the media.
One of the most notable periods of controversy followed Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Martínez’s celebrations, particularly after the final against France, were widely discussed. His gesture with the Golden Glove award, which he later explained was a response to French boos, drew significant criticism for being vulgar. Additionally, his taunting of French players, notably Kylian Mbappé, during and after the final, was seen by many as unsportsmanlike. Didier Drogba, the host of the Ballon d’Or ceremony where Martínez received the Yashin Trophy, had to stop the crowd from booing Martínez when he went to collect his award, and openly questioned him about his actions. Martínez, however, defended his behavior by stating that for Argentinians, it is “not something excessive” and that on the pitch he “transforms himself because the important thing is to win”.
Further criticism has emerged regarding his on-field conduct and sometimes unconventional tactics, particularly when trying to distract penalty takers. Some critics argue that while effective, these methods border on unsporting. During the 2023-24 season, Martínez also faced some scrutiny for accumulating the most own goals by a goalkeeper (3) in Premier League history, and during the 2024-25 season, he conceded 45 goals, leading to renewed criticism.
Despite these controversies, Martínez maintains a strong public image among his supporters, who view his actions as a manifestation of his fierce competitiveness and unwavering commitment to winning for his team.
Social Media Presence
Emi Martínez maintains an active and substantial presence across various social media platforms, engaging with his vast global fanbase. His platforms serve as a means to share career highlights, personal moments, and interact with supporters.
Instagram: Emiliano Martínez is highly popular on Instagram, where he shares updates from his matches, training, and family life. He has accumulated over 14 million followers on this platform. His wife, Mandinha Martínez, also has a significant social media following, with over 800,000 followers, where she shares aspects of their family life.
Twitter (now X): Martínez uses X (formerly Twitter) to connect with fans, often posting about upcoming games, victories, and personal reflections. While a specific follower count for X was not found in the search results, it is generally consistent with his high profile.
YouTube: While direct details about a personal YouTube channel were not found, video content featuring Emi Martínez, including highlights, interviews, and documentaries, is widely available on YouTube through official club channels, sports media outlets, and fan pages.
His strong online presence allows him to directly communicate with millions of fans worldwide, further amplifying his brand and influence in the football community.
Final Words about Emi Martinez
Emi Martínez’s journey in professional football is a compelling narrative of perseverance, self-belief, and ultimate triumph. From a young aspiring goalkeeper in Mar del Plata, Argentina, facing significant financial challenges, he embarked on a demanding career that saw him spend nearly a decade as an understudy and loan player at Arsenal. His unwavering determination eventually led to a spectacular breakthrough, first with Arsenal’s FA Cup victory and then a defining move to Aston Villa.
His current status as of September 2025 is that of a highly decorated and integral figure for both Aston Villa and the Argentina national team. He continues to play a pivotal role for Aston Villa, having signed a new long-term contract until 2029, showcasing his commitment to the club. With Argentina, he remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, fresh off winning the 2024 Copa América and multiple individual awards like the Yashin Trophy and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2024, making him the first player to retain these prestigious honors.
Martínez’s legacy is firmly established, not just through the silverware he has collected—including a FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles—but also through his inspirational story of overcoming adversity. He has become a symbol of resilience for many, demonstrating that sustained effort and seizing opportunities can lead to the highest levels of success. Looking to the future, Emi Martínez aims to continue his stellar form, contribute to Aston Villa’s ambitions in domestic and European competitions, and potentially add more international accolades with Argentina. His impactful performances and unique personality ensure he will remain a prominent and influential figure in world football for years to come.
