How does Emiliano Martínez compare to other players?
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Early Life
Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, on September 2, 1992, Emiliano Martínez — known as Dibu — grew up dreaming of being a professional goalkeeper. He moved to England at 17 to join Arsenal, spending the next decade in relative obscurity, loaned out nine times to clubs across the Football League without ever getting his chance.
Breakthrough
Arsenal's injury crisis in 2020 finally gave Martínez his opportunity, and he took it spectacularly — keeping 14 clean sheets in 23 appearances and winning the FA Cup. He proved too good to be a backup and demanded a transfer. Aston Villa paid £20M, making it one of the best signings of the decade.
Career
At Villa he became one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His cat-like reflexes, commanding presence and psychological strength set him apart. In Qatar 2022, he was Argentina's hero — saving crucial penalties in the semi-final and final to hand Lionel Messi his World Cup. He won the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Personal Life
Dibu is known for his provocative goal celebrations and psychological tactics against opposing penalty takers — delaying runs, talking to strikers mid-shootout. Some find it unsportsmanlike; he finds it effective. He has two children and is deeply connected to his Argentine roots despite two decades in England.
Legacy
One of the great stories of late-blooming excellence. He waited ten years for his chance, took it at 28, and became a World Cup winner. No goalkeeper in the world is more fun to watch in a penalty shootout.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Joined Arsenal from Independiente aged 17, beginning a decade of loans and waiting
Finally got his chance in Arsenal's first team and won the FA Cup — demanding a permanent role shortly after
Joined Aston Villa for £20M after Arsenal refused to guarantee him the number one spot
Won the FIFA World Cup, saving decisive penalties in the semi-final and final and winning the Golden Glove
Won his second Copa America with Argentina, cementing his status as one of the world's elite goalkeepers
Fun Facts
Martínez was loaned out nine times during his decade at Arsenal before finally breaking through at the age of 28
He won the Golden Glove at the 2022 FIFA World Cup — voted the tournament's best goalkeeper after Argentina's triumph
His psychological tactics in penalty shootouts are infamous — he delays, talks, and tries to put off every taker
He was voted the best goalkeeper at Copa America 2021 as Argentina ended their 28-year major tournament drought
Despite growing up in Argentina, he has spent more than half his life in England — yet remains one of the most Argentine players in world football
Data last verified: September 2026
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