Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez has solidified his name in the annals of Argentine football by reaching the impressive milestone of 50 appearances for the national team, a feat highlighted by a remarkable 36 clean sheets achieved during these matches. This milestone was recently recorded during a South American Qualifiers match, where Argentina triumphed 1-0 over Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario.
At 32 years old, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa is currently at the pinnacle of his career, playing a crucial role both for his national squad and his club in the Premier League. His journey, adorned with honors and memorable performances, reinforces his reputation as one of the leading goalkeepers of the present day.
The victory against Uruguay was not just another match for Martínez; it marked his ascent to a symbolic 50 games and another clean sheet—something that has become habitual during his time with the Albiceleste. His exceptional performance reflects not only technical skill but also the confidence he instills in the team coached by Lionel Scaloni.
Martínez has been pivotal in securing significant trophies for Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup title and the Copa América championships in 2021 and 2024. These renowned victories continue to add chapters to his illustrious career.
In addition to his achievements, Martínez did not hold back his criticism of the state of the Centenario pitch, labeling it as one of the worst in South America. He pointed out that the poor playing conditions posed challenges for the team. Despite this, Argentina managed to adapt and secure three valuable points, and Martínez highlighted the commendable effort of younger players summoned by Scaloni to face the adversities.
Apart from his national duties, Emiliano Martínez shines brightly in his role at Aston Villa, where he is an indispensable member of the squad. Just recently, the team made headlines by advancing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Club Brugge 3-0, an achievement Martínez termed as "an incredible success." He emphasized the importance of competing at top levels in Europe.
Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa has enjoyed a promising season, with Martínez serving as one of the cornerstones of this campaign. His stellar performances have garnered him accolades, including being the sole Argentine included in the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) ideal team for 2024.
With consistently impressive statistics, he has registered numerous clean sheets, further solidifying his credibility. For instance, in December 2024, Martínez showcased his talents in a match against Southampton, where his resilient performance helped secure a 1-0 victory for Villa.
Despite some isolated criticisms—like those from former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who asserted that Martínez isn’t among the top 10 goalkeepers in the world—his record and trophies speak volumes. On the pitch, Martínez has responded with breathtaking saves and a consistency that few rival.
The 50 games played by Dibu Martínez for Argentina encapsulate his evolution since debuting in 2021. He had spent years as a backup, but seized the opportunity given by Lionel Scaloni to firmly establish himself as the primary goalkeeper. In just four years, he has accumulated statistics that place him among the greatest goalkeepers in the nation’s history. Out of the 50 games, only four have ended in defeat, indicating how his presence elevates the defense.
The high point of this journey remains the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, where Martínez's legendary save against Randal Kolo Muani in the final moments of the match ensured the game went to penalties. His electric performance in the penalty shootout ultimately crowned Argentina as champions and earned him the Golden Glove award.
Scaloni, in a recent interview, recalled the save as "iconic," despite admitting that the intensity of the moment has clouded his memories of that decisive moment. Besides the World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América victories are also marked by Martínez's exceptional goalkeeping, where he was chosen as the tournament's best goalkeeper after producing critical saves.
The secret to maintaining a clean sheet in 36 of his 50 national matches goes beyond Martínez’s individual skill. The defensive solidity of Argentina, with defenders such as Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, creates substantial barriers that are tough for opponents to penetrate. Nonetheless, Martínez often acts as the last line of defense, and his interventions have been vital in securing victory.
Throughout his club career, Martínez has also demonstrated remarkable consistency. For example, against Nottingham Forest in December 2024, he made an outstanding save to deny Nicolás Domínguez from close range, showcasing his quick reflexes—a hallmark of his career since his days at Arsenal.
Mentally competitive, Martínez is known for his provocative stance on the field, which sparked various controversies, particularly with French players post the 2022 World Cup. In his November 2024 interview with France Football, he defended his attitude by arguing that rivals “crossed the line” in provocations during the Olympics yet maintained that he never exceeds professional respect.
Martínez's career is punctuated with moments that will linger in fans’ memories. One particularly impressive instance occurred on December 14, 2024, when he saved a powerful shot from Nicolás Domínguez. Though the match ultimately ended poorly for Aston Villa, the save drew parallels to his iconic World Cup save, reigniting debates about his finest moment. While experts suggest that the World Cup context might overshadow it, the technical quality of both saves remains indisputable.
Another unforgettable episode unfolded during a victory over Manchester City in December 2024, where Martínez engaged in playful banter with Jack Grealish at halftime, humorously calling the forward a “big boy.” This lightly heated exchange led to an initial conflict, yet Martínez kept his focus, crucially making saves that secured the victory.
The Finalissima against Italy in 2022 also merits mentioning, where Martínez managed to keep a clean sheet in a commanding 3-0 victory, emphasizing Argentina's supremacy during that triumphant year.
As Martínez’s journey in the national setup and global football continues, his timeline reflects a path filled with personal milestones and triumphs. Key points in his career narrative include:
- 2021: Debut for Argentina and Copa América win, where he was named best goalkeeper.
- 2022: Triumph at the World Cup in Qatar, earning the Golden Glove.
- 2024: Back-to-back Copa América champion in the USA, again as best goalkeeper.
- March 2025: Reaches 50 games for the national team, with 36 clean sheets.
Martínez’s journey has not been without challenges. In February 2025, concern arose when he was substituted at halftime due to a hamstring injury during a match against Crystal Palace. However, he recovered in time to return to top form. Prior to this, a private video allegedly leaked online, causing a stir, yet Martínez chose to remain silent and focus entirely on performance.
Off the field, Martínez remains impactful. In February 2025, he auctioned off the gloves used in the 2024 Copa América final, raising significant funds for the Garrahan Hospital in Buenos Aires, which was orchestrated by his father and underscores his connection to his hometown.
Martínez’s versatility as a leader shines both on and off the pitch. After Aston Villa's qualification against Club Brugge in the Champions League, he earned significant praise from teammates who recognized his crucial role in their success. The looming challenge against Paris Saint-Germain presents another opportunity for him to prove his worth on the world stage.
Martínez is also an inspiration to young athletes; his story of determination, rising from humble beginnings in Mar del Plata to the heights of professional football serves as motivation. At 32, he envisions a prolonged career, emphasizing in a late 2024 interview that he intends to play “as long as the body allows.” With his current physical condition, that threshold seems a long way off.
As Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez continues to shine both in international football and at his club, the football world watches with great anticipation for what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
