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Goalkeeper, Aston Villa
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Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero (born September 2, 1992), widely known by his nickname "Dibu," is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Argentina national team. Recognized globally as one of the preeminent goalkeepers of his generation, Martínez is particularly distinguished for his psychological presence, command of his penalty area, and exceptional ability in high-stakes penalty shootouts. Born and raised in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Martínez began his footballing education in the youth system of the Argentine club Independiente. His talent as a young prospect was recognized by scouts from Arsenal, who facilitated his move to the English Premier League in 2010. While his arrival in England marked the start of his professional trajectory, the subsequent years were characterized by a prolonged period of development. During his tenure at Arsenal, which spanned from 2010 to 2020, he struggled to establish himself as the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, often serving as an understudy. This period saw him embark on numerous loan spells to gain essential match experience, featuring for Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Getafe, and Reading. These formative years, while challenging, allowed him to refine his technical skills and mental resilience in diverse competitive environments. The turning point in Martínez’s career arrived during the 2019–2020 season. Following an injury to Arsenal’s first-choice keeper Bernd Leno, Martínez was thrust into the starting lineup. He seized the opportunity with a series of high-caliber performances, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal's success in the 2020 FA Cup and the FA Community Shield. Despite this success, he sought a permanent role where he could be the definitive number one, leading to his transfer to Aston Villa in September 2020 for a reported fee of £20 million. At Aston Villa, Martínez blossomed into one of the league's most reliable shot-stoppers. In his debut season, he set a club record for clean sheets in a single Premier League campaign and was voted the club's Supporters' Player of the Season. His influence at Villa Park has been profound; he extended his contract multiple times, including a long-term deal through 2029, and has been a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence, notably helping the club compete in European competition. Internationally, Martínez’s ascent was meteoric. Despite representing Argentina at youth levels, he did not earn his senior international cap until 2021, at the age of 28. His debut marked the beginning of a golden era for the national team. He was instrumental in Argentina’s victory at the 2021 Copa América, where his penalty-saving prowess in the semi-final against Colombia became iconic, eventually earning him the Golden Glove award. This success served as a prelude to his most significant achievement: winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Throughout the tournament, Martínez made critical, game-saving interventions, most notably a last-minute save in the final against France, and his performances in the penalty shootout cemented his legacy. He was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper, an honor he would match with another Golden Glove at the 2024 Copa América. Beyond his technical accolades, which include winning the Yashin Trophy (2023, 2024) and The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award (2022, 2024), Martínez is celebrated for his unique character on the pitch. His nickname, "Dibu," derives from an animated character from an Argentine television series he watched as a child. Married to Amanda "Mandinha" Gama, with whom he has two children, Martínez maintains a professional profile defined by perseverance, having overcome years of anonymity and loan spells to reach the pinnacle of world football. His career trajectory serves as a testament to the importance of patience, preparation, and the psychological fortitude required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
Yashin Trophy Winner (2023, 2024) - First goalkeeper to win it consecutively
FIFA World Cup Winner (2022) and Golden Glove recipient
Copa América Winner (2021, 2024) and Golden Glove recipient (twice)
Controversial celebration with the Golden Glove trophy at the 2022 World Cup final which drew global criticism
Suspended by FIFA for two matches in 2024 for hitting a camera operator after a loss to Colombia
Frequent clashes with French fans and media, earning him the title of 'Most Hated Man in France'
Aston Villa Player of the Season (2020/21)
The Best FIFA Goalkeeper (2022)
Joined Premier League club Arsenal from Independiente in 2010.
Won the FA Community Shield with Arsenal in 2014.
Won the FA Community Shield with Arsenal in 2015.
Won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020.
Won the FA Community Shield with Arsenal in 2020.
Transferred to Aston Villa for a reported £20 million fee in September 2020.
Named Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Season for the 2020–21 campaign.
Won the 2021 Copa América with Argentina.
Awarded the 2021 Copa América Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Named in the 2021 Copa América Team of the Tournament.
Won the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) with Argentina in 2022.
Signed a contract extension with Aston Villa in January 2022, securing his stay until 2027.
Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper in 2022.
Named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper in 2022.
Awarded the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or gala in 2023.
Won the 2024 Copa América with Argentina.
Awarded the 2024 Copa América Golden Glove for his performance in the tournament.
Named in the 2024 Copa América Best XI.
Helped Aston Villa achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League, qualifying the club for the UEFA Champions League in 2024.
Signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa in August 2024, extending his stay until 2029.
Awarded the Premier League Save of the Month for December 2024.
Named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper for the second time in 2024.
Awarded his second Yashin Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or gala.
Named the 2024 Argentina Footballer of the Year.
Fined by UEFA for provocative gestures during a penalty shootout vs Lille in the Conference League
Following Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, Martínez faced significant criticism for his behavior during celebrations, including making a crude gesture with the Golden Glove award toward his groin and repeatedly mocking French striker Kylian Mbappé in the dressing room and during a parade in Buenos Aires.
In September 2024, FIFA imposed a two-match suspension on Martínez for 'offensive behavior' and violating principles of fair play. The sanction stemmed from two incidents: repeating an obscene gesture with a trophy after a World Cup qualifier against Chile on September 5, and physically striking a television camera operator's equipment following a loss to Colombia on September 10.