Lisandro Martínez

Lisandro Martínez (born 18 January 1998) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Known for his aggressive, tenacious defending, he has earned the nickname "The Butcher" and is widely regarded as one of the most combative defenders in world football. Despite standing at just 5 feet 9 inches, his physicality, timing, and reading of the game allow him to compete at the highest level.

Martínez started his senior career at Newell's Old Boys before moving to Defensa y Justicia and then Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup. His performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2022 for a fee that made him the most expensive Argentine defender in history. At United, he quickly became a fan favourite, helping the club win the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

On the international stage, Martínez has been a key figure for Argentina, winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His leadership and never-say-die attitude have made him a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike.[edit]

Martínez grew up in Gualeguay, a small city in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina. He started playing football at the age of four, joining Club Urquiza in 2002. He later moved to Club Libertad in 2006, where he spent eight years developing his skills. In 2014, he joined the youth academy of Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, a club with a rich history. As a child, his idol was Gabriel Heinze, the former Argentina and Manchester United defender, whom he watched closely at Newell's under manager Gerardo Martino. Martínez has said that Heinze's aggressive style and direct passing inspired him. Heinze later congratulated Martínez and offered him personal advice after Martínez broke into professional football.

He made his senior professional debut for Newell's Old Boys in 2017, playing just one match before being loaned to Defensa y Justicia. There, he made 21 appearances and scored his first professional goal, showcasing his versatility as a defender capable of playing centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfield. His performances earned him a permanent move to Defensa y Justicia in 2018, where he continued to impress.[edit]

In 2019, Martínez signed for Ajax, a move that would define his early career. Over three seasons, he made 120 appearances, winning the Eredivisie title in 2020–21 and 2021–22, as well as the KNVB Cup in 2020–21. His aggressive defending earned him the nickname "The Butcher of Amsterdam," and he was named Ajax Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season.

In the summer of 2022, Manchester United paid Ajax a transfer fee of €57 million plus €10 million in bonuses, making Martínez the most expensive Argentine defender in history, surpassing Cristian "Cuti" Romero's move to Tottenham. He made an immediate impact at Old Trafford, helping United win the Carabao Cup in 2022–23. His performances drew comparisons to legendary United defender Nemanja Vidić, who publicly praised Martínez. Despite an injury-hit 2023–24 season, he returned to start in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May 2024. As of the 2025–26 season, he remains a key player for both club and country, having recorded 0 goals, 0 assists, 1,231 minutes played, an average FotMob rating of 7.02, and 1 red card in the Premier League.

Internationally, Martínez made his senior Argentina debut in March 2019. He was part of the squads that won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.[edit]

Martínez is widely known for his aggressive, no-nonsense defending, which has earned him the nickname "The Butcher." Despite his relatively short stature for a centre-back, he compensates with exceptional physicality, timing, and game reading. Media often highlight his combative nature and leadership, comparing him to Nemanja Vidić. Fans affectionately call him "Licha" and have embraced him as a cult hero at Manchester United for his committed style and winning mentality.

On social media, Martínez shares a mix of football content and personal moments, often posting tributes to his family. His Instagram and Twitter accounts give fans a glimpse into his life off the pitch, reinforcing his image as a devoted family man and a passionate competitor.[edit]

Lisandro Martínez has cultivated a fanbase defined by fierce loyalty rather than a formal club name. Supporters at Manchester United and Argentina identify simply as United fans or national team supporters, united by an emotional bond that transcends the pitch. The narrative surrounding his career has shifted from pure athletic dominance to a complex mythology of resilience. Fans retell stories of his repeated exits from major tournaments due to injury, viewing his 609 days on the sidelines not just as bad luck but as a defining chapter of his legend. This tragic arc sparked a wave of empathy, evidenced by viral videos titled "I'm Sorry Lisandro Martinez" garnering hundreds of thousands of views. When anti-Argentine sentiment flared during high-stakes matches, Martínez stood firm against external criticism, defending his teammates' dignity in a display that deepened the connection with his audience. He is currently ranked as the 20th most famous person from Argentina according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, a position that reflects his global recognition despite physical setbacks.[edit]

Ajax scouts originally described Martínez as a left-footed ball-playing defender who is tough as nails, possessing a winning mentality that set him apart early on. He averages more passes per 90 minutes than any other player in the 2021–22 Eredivisie season while maintaining accurate long passing range. Though primarily a centre-back, he possesses the versatility to play left-back or defensive midfield effectively. He wears the number 6 shirt for Manchester United and stands at 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) weighing 77 kg (167 lbs). A modern legend has emerged around his recurring struggles with injuries, specifically the story of his premature exit from a World Cup final against Spain. Fans describe this as part of a pattern where talent is constantly thwarted by physical fragility, creating a tragic narrative of a star who cannot finish major finals. Another enduring story involves his vocal defense of the Argentine squad's decision to turn away from trophy presentations when facing hostility, framing the moment as one of defiance rather than disrespect.[edit]

Martínez was born to Raúl Martínez and Silvina Cabrera in Gualeguay, Argentina. He has a younger sister, for whom he serves as godfather. He has often expressed deep gratitude toward his mother, Silvina, who has been a constant support throughout his career. On Mother's Day in May 2022, he posted on Instagram: "Thank you for every hug, for every piece of advice, for supporting me at all times and giving me that pure love every day. I love you with my life!"

As of 2026, Martínez lives with his long-term partner, Muri López Benítez, and their daughter Aurora, born in March 2025. The family maintains a close bond, and Martínez frequently shares moments with them on social media.[edit]

Martínez has been compared to legendary Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić, who publicly praised his aggressive defending. His childhood idol, Gabriel Heinze, also offered him personal advice after his breakthrough. At Manchester United, he plays alongside Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, while on the Argentina national team, he shares the pitch with Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, and other stars. [edit]

Martínez has been in a long-term relationship with Muri López Benítez since their teenage years in Gualeguay. The couple have been together for over a decade, having started dating around 2014–2016. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aurora Martínez, in March 2025, with the pregnancy announced in October 2025. As of 2026, Martínez and López Benítez are not reported as married but are in a committed partnership, raising their daughter together. Martínez often shares heartfelt posts about his family on social media, expressing gratitude for his partner and their life together.[edit]

iFANN Editorial Team estimates Lisandro Martínez's net worth at $45 Million as of 2026, derived primarily from his football career. His primary income source remains his five-year contract with Manchester United, signed in 2022. Over the contract's duration, this amounts to approximately $31.2 million in guaranteed earnings. Additional income comes from endorsement deals, though specific partners and values are not publicly disclosed. Martínez's off-field earnings are modest compared to top-tier global stars, but his rising profile at a club like Manchester United likely secures him sponsorship agreements that supplement his salary. The couple's combined net worth, including his partner's online ventures, has been reported in the range of $25–30 million by some sources, but Martínez's individual financial standing is bolstered by his consistent first-team role and potential future transfers or contract extensions.[edit]

Martínez has won multiple major trophies at club and international level. With Ajax, he won two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup. At Manchester United, he won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. Internationally, he was part of Argentina's triumphant squads for the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Individually, he was named Ajax Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season. [edit]