Lisandro Martínez

Newell's Old Boys

Born in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos Province, Martínez had youth spells with Club Urquiza (Gualeguay, Entre Rios), Club Libertad (Gualeguay, Entre Rios) and Newell's Old Boys. He made his professional debut for Newell's in the club's final fixture of the 2016–17 season, when he played the full match in a loss to Godoy Cruz.

Defensa y Justicia

In August 2017, Martínez joined fellow Argentine Primera División side Defensa y Justicia on loan. His first appearance for Defensa arrived on 13 October in a defeat against San Lorenzo. Two appearances later, he scored his first senior goal in an away win versus Temperley. Defensa y Justicia purchased 50% of the rights to Martínez in June 2018.

Ajax

On 17 May 2019, Defensa y Justicia announced that a deal had been agreed with Eredivisie team Ajax; subject to the passing of a medical. Ajax paid the Argentine side €7m for the transfer of Martínez. Ajax announced the completion of the medical on 20 May, with the transfer to go through on 1 July. He penned a four-year contract, with the option of a further year. He didn't officially join until July, though did feature in June friendlies with Quick '20 and AaB. Before Ajax signed him, they tracked his progress for two and a half years. His competitive bow came in the 2019 Johan Cruyff Shield against PSV Eindhoven, as Ajax won the trophy following a two-goal victory. He was voted man of the match in his second Eredivisie game, a win over…

Martínez was capped eight times for Argentina at under-20 level. He played four times at the 2017 South American Youth Football Championship in Ecuador, with the first coming against Venezuela during the first stage. Argentina finished in fourth place and subsequently qualified for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. He was called up to the U-20 World Cup squad, but failed to make an appearance, appearing on the substitutes bench once against Guinea. Martínez made two appearances for Argentina at under-23 level, making his debut in a 5–0 friendly victory against Bolivia in September 2019.

In March 2019, Martínez received his first call-up to the senior Argentina national team. He debuted against Venezuela on 22 March in Madrid. Martínez made one appearance at the 2021 Copa América, which Argentina won. He was an unused substitute in Argentina's 3–0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martinez came off the bench against Australia in the round of 16, making an important block on a shot by Aziz Behich. Martinez was part of the starting XI against Netherlands in the quarter-finals and came off the bench against Croatia in the semis. In the final against title-holders France, he was an unused substitute as Argentina won 4–2 on penalties to win their third World Cup title. On 15 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América. He scored his first international goal, putting his team ahead in a 1–1 draw against…

Martinez plays primarily a centre-back, though he is capable of playing at left-back and as a defensive-midfielder, having played there at times for Defensa y Justicia and Ajax. He is a ball-playing centre-back and is known for his range of passing and composure on the ball. In the 2021–22 Eredivisie season, he averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other player. Before signing him, Ajax's scouts characterised Martínez as a left-footed ball-playing defender who is "tough as nails" and possesses winning mentality. At Manchester United, his performances earned him comparisons to legendary former United defender Nemanja Vidić, with Vidic himself praising Martínez for his aggressive defending and leadership. Despite his relatively short stature for a defender, standing at 5'9", he is also effective in duels.

Club

As of match played 6 September 2026

International

As of match played 19 July 2026

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Martínez goal.