Lisandro Martinez Gutierrez, widely recognized as Lisandro Martinez, was born on January 18, 1998, in Gualeguay, Argentina. A highly skilled professional footballer, he excels in defense and currently represents Manchester United, donning the number 6 jersey for both his club and national team. At 26 years old, born under the Capricorn zodiac, he continues to thrive in his career driven by passion, earning a vast following and recognition as a celebrated player.
- Early Life of Lisandro Martinez
- Lisandro Martinez’s Father
- Lisandro Martinez’s Mother
- Lisandro Martinez’s Sister
- Extended Family of Lisandro Martinez
- Connection Between Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho
- Lisandro Martinez’s Club Career
- Lisandro Martinez’s International Career
- Lisandro Martinez’s Playing Style
- Lisandro Martinez’s Girlfriend
Early Life of Lisandro Martinez
Born on January 18, 1998, in Gualeguay, Argentina, Lisandro Martinez grew up in a humble household with his parents, Raul Martinez and Silvina Cabrera. Raised in challenging financial conditions, his family faced struggles even to meet basic needs, which instilled in him a deep empathy for others. In interviews, he has expressed how his upbringing shaped his character and outlook on life.
During his childhood, Martinez was captivated by football and looked up to his idol Gabriel Heinze. Growing up in the El Molino district of Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina, he started playing football in modest surroundings. These early experiences left a lasting emotional impact, often bringing back nostalgic memories of his time in Molino.
Lisandro’s journey into football began on local fields, where he displayed immense determination despite limited resources. His parents supported his passion as much as they could, often making personal sacrifices to ensure he could continue playing. This unwavering support from his family motivated him to pursue football with relentless dedication.
As a child, Martinez participated in neighborhood tournaments, where his talent stood out. Coaches and community members quickly recognized his potential, which eventually led him to join Club Urquiza. His performances there marked the start of a journey that would later see him achieve global recognition in professional football.
Lisandro Martinez’s Father
Raul Martinez, Lisandro’s father, has been a cornerstone of his journey. When Raul learned that his son would captain the national team, he was overwhelmed with pride. Following Lisandro’s triumph in the 2021 Copa America, Raul organized a grand welcome, even renting a fire truck to parade Lisandro through their hometown of Gualeguay.
Although Raul became a father later in life, which led Lisandro to affectionately refer to him as an “old man,” he raised his son with humility and strong values, leaving a profound influence on Lisandro’s life.
Raul has often expressed his admiration for Lisandro’s determination and discipline, qualities he believes were shaped by their close-knit family bond and humble beginnings. Despite financial struggles, Raul worked tirelessly to support Lisandro’s ambitions, often sharing stories of sacrifice and resilience that motivated his son to persevere.
In interviews, Lisandro has spoken fondly of his father’s role in nurturing his football career, emphasizing the importance of the life lessons Raul imparted. Whether cheering from the sidelines during Lisandro’s early matches or celebrating his victories on the global stage, Raul has been an unwavering pillar of support and inspiration throughout his son’s journey.
Lisandro Martinez’s Mother
Silvina Cabrera, Lisandro’s mother, shares a deeply loving bond with her son. Her unwavering support has been evident throughout his life, from attending practices to celebrating his milestones, including his 2021 Copa America victory, which remains one of her most cherished memories.
Silvina has played a significant role in Lisandro’s personal and professional growth, providing constant encouragement and guidance that shaped him into the player and individual he is today. She often recalls the challenges their family faced during Lisandro’s early years, highlighting how those struggles taught him resilience and gratitude.
Silvina has been described as a source of emotional strength for Lisandro, always reminding him to stay grounded despite his achievements. She frequently attended his matches during his formative years, offering words of wisdom and motivation after every game, whether he won or lost.
Beyond her role as a supportive mother, Silvina has also been active in the community, celebrating Lisandro’s accomplishments with their neighbors and encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams. Her nurturing and steadfast presence continues to inspire Lisandro, who often credits her as one of the driving forces behind his success on and off the field.
Lisandro Martinez’s Sister
Lisandro Martinez comes from a family of four, including his younger sister, who holds a special place in his heart. Endearingly called “Candy,” she shares a close bond with her brother. Lisandro, who is also her godfather, often reminisces about their childhood, referring to her as his “chocolate chip.”
Despite occasional sibling mischief, their relationship remains one of mutual love and support, making her an integral part of his life.
Extended Family of Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro’s extended family includes Ramon Mencho Medina Bello, a renowned footballer and two-time Copa America winner in 1991 and 1993 for Argentina. Ramon’s achievements and legacy as a footballer serve as a source of inspiration and pride for Lisandro and his family.
Connection Between Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho, a young talent at Manchester United, has captured the hearts of Old Trafford fans with his impactful performances off the bench this season. He recently revealed his deep admiration for his teammate and fellow Argentine Lisandro Martinez, describing him as a father figure within the team. Garnacho affectionately refers to Martinez as “like my dad.”
Lisandro Martinez’s Club Career
Lisandro Martinez began his professional journey with Newell’s Old Boys, making his first appearance during the 2016–17 season. In August 2017, he joined Defensa y Justicia on loan, and his exceptional displays earned him a permanent move to the club in June 2018. As a key player for Defensa y Justicia, Martinez showcased his adaptability and defensive skills.
In July 2019, Martinez signed with Ajax for €7 million. He quickly became an essential part of the squad, helping the team secure both the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup during the 2020–21 season. His performances in the Dutch league and European competitions drew attention from top clubs across Europe.
Martinez joined Manchester United in July 2022 for a transfer fee reportedly between £47 million and £49 million, plus additional clauses. At Manchester United, he has continued to shine as a central defender, earning widespread acclaim for his precise tackling, strategic positioning, and ability to distribute the ball effectively.
Lisandro Martinez’s International Career
Representing his national team
Martinez played four matches for Argentina’s U-20 squad during the 2017 South American Youth Championship, which helped the team qualify for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Although he didn’t participate in the World Cup, he was on the bench for a match against Guinea.
He received his first call-up to Argentina’s senior national team on March 22, 2019, making his debut against Venezuela the same day. Later, in September 2019, he was selected to compete in an U-23 match against Bolivia under coach Fernando Batista.
One of his most notable achievements was being part of Argentina’s victorious 2021 Copa América squad, a milestone in his international career.
Lisandro Martinez’s Playing Style
Martinez is a technically gifted defender known for his ability to play the ball and initiate attacks from deep positions. Despite standing at 175 cm, he excels in aerial duels, tackles, and intercepting passes. His strong tactical understanding and positional awareness enable him to read the game effectively and disrupt opposing plays.
With his physical strength and combative approach, Martinez often wins one-on-one battles. His versatility allows him to adapt to various roles, including as a defensive midfielder, where he contributes to build-up play and reinforces the team’s defensive structure. His dynamic style blends technical expertise, physical resilience, and strategic intelligence.
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Martinez is highly regarded for his precise passing and composure under pressure. He frequently plays progressive passes to transition the ball quickly into attacking areas, demonstrating his vision and creativity. His ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back has made him a critical asset in systems that emphasize possession-based football.
Martinez’s aggression and fearless approach often set the tone for his team, earning him respect from teammates and opponents alike. He thrives in high-pressure situations and shows exceptional leadership qualities, frequently organizing the defensive line and motivating his peers on the pitch. His tenacity and work ethic have made him a fan favorite and an invaluable member of any squad he represents.
Moreover, his adaptability extends beyond positional roles, as Martinez is comfortable playing in different tactical setups, whether in a back three or a back four. This flexibility, combined with his consistent performances, has established him as one of the most reliable and versatile defenders in modern football.
Lisandro Martinez’s Girlfriend
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Muriel Lopez Benitez, Lisandro Martinez’s girlfriend, is a model and Instagram influencer originally from Argentina. Currently residing with Martinez in Manchester, the couple first met at the age of 14, though the exact timeline of their relationship remains private. They are not married and do not have children but share a French bulldog named Polo.
With over 192,000 Instagram followers under the handle lopezbenitezmuri, Muriel is active on social media and frequently supports Martinez in his career.
Lisandro Martinez’s Education
From an early age, his greatest aspiration was to join a football academy. Near his grandfather’s house, where he spent much of his childhood, Lisandro found a local field where he could practice. At just four years old, he began learning the fundamentals of football, which he cherished deeply. Soon after, he became a part of Club Urquiza, a nearby team, where he continued his development for four years. During his time there, he formed a lasting bond with a teammate. On October 18, 2014, he celebrated 11 years of friendship with his closest friend.
Lisandro Martinez’s Nickname
While playing for Ajax, Lisandro earned the nickname “The Butcher” from one of his teammates, a reflection of his fierce style on the field.
When asked in an interview, “Is it true they call you ‘Butcher’ at Ajax? How did you get this nickname?”
He responded, “It’s probably because of my aggressive playing style. Honestly, I’m not sure who started calling me that, but I think it’s because I treat every tackle like it’s my last. My teammates said the name fits me well.”
Lisandro Martinez’s Personal Life
Once a deeply introverted individual, Lisandro worked hard to become more open and approachable. His partner played a key role in helping him break out of his shell. Beyond football, he is known for speaking up on important social issues, including human rights and gender-based violence. His humble upbringing has left him empathetic toward others’ struggles, and he often reflects on the challenges he faced as a child.
Lisandro Martinez’s Salary