Emiliano Martínez
VillaGK
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Sep 2, 1992 (33)
Right
6'5"
194 lb
Four saves in win
Martinez recorded four saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Switzerland.
Analysis: Martinez made four saves across Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, producing back-to-back stops from Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka during Switzerland's sustained pressure spell in the second half before Ndoye's third attempt from a tight angle found the net underneath his outstretched leg for the equalizer. The goalkeeper will aim to produce a strong performance in the World Cup semifinal against England.
Concedes two goals
Martinez registered no saves and allowed two goals in Tuesday's 3-2 victory versus Egypt.
Analysis: Martinez conceded two goals in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt, beaten by Yasser Ibrahim's powerful header from Marwan Attia's delivery in the first half and then by Mostafa Zico's close-range finish from Haissem Hassan's inch-perfect cross in the second half, with both goals coming from direct and well-constructed Egyptian moves that exposed Argentina's defensive vulnerability on the counter-attack. The goalkeeper commanded his area on the occasions his backline gave him protection, and while the two goals conceded will raise questions about defensive organization heading into the quarterfinals, his composure in the final stages helped his side hold firm during Egypt's late push for an equalizer after falling 3-2 behind.
Allows two against Cape Verde
Martinez recorded three saves and allowed two goals in Friday's 3-2 win versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Martinez did well to stop three shots Friday but was ultimately beaten twice in the win, not able to do much about either well-placed shot. He now remains with two clean sheets at the World Cup, unable to capture one in each of their past two games. They will now face Mohamed Salah and Egypt next, a player Martinez should be familiar with after years of playing against each other in the Premier League.
Avoids surgery on finger
Martinez (finger) revealed he chose not to undergo surgery on a fractured ring finger on his right hand in order to be available for the World Cup, and confirmed he will be able to play without a protective finger kit for the next match, according to his own statement, per Mundo Albiceleste. "I can now play without a finger kit for the next game. I decided not to have surgery. I had a bad time. I came here very prepared. I still haven't trained with the group, always with Martin Tocalli. The coach has always supported me and that has given me a lot of courage."
Analysis: Martinez acknowledged the difficulty of his situation but credited the support of coach Lionel Scaloni, goalkeeping coach Martin Tocalli, colleagues Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso, and the medical staff for helping him through the recovery process. His decision to forego surgery reflects the importance he places on being available for the defending world champions, and his ability to now play without the protective kit is a significant step forward in his recovery heading into the knockout stage of the tournament.
Concedes once in win
Martinez had no saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Jordan.
Analysis: Martinez was largely untroubled in Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan, conceding only Mousa Tamari's second-half goal after Jordan pulled one back from Ehsan Haddad's cross, and making no saves of note across 90 minutes as Argentina dominated with 73 percent of possession and limited Jordan to just five shots. The goalkeeper commanded his area throughout, and his consistent performances across three group games without a significant individual error give Argentina the goalkeeping certainty they will need heading into the knockout rounds against Cape Verde.
Clean sheet against Austria
Martinez recorded one save to go along with a clean sheet in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Martinez once again had a very quiet match, not making his first and only save until the second half as he earned a clean sheet. This now gives him two clean sheets in two games, only making one save thus far. He will now face Jordan in their group stage finale, a decent chance to earn three clean sheets in the group stage.
Keeps clean sheet in win
Martinez recorded no saves and allowed zero goals in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Algeria.
Analysis: Martinez was beaten inside the first 15 minutes but Algeria's goal was ruled out, and he didn't face a big threat the rest of the way. With upcoming games against Austria and Jordan, a scenario in which Martinez ends the group stage with three consecutive clean sheets can't be ruled out.
Starting as expected
Martinez (finger) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's clash against Algeria.
Analysis: Martinez will bounce back to action after missing Argentina's practice matches while he completed his rehabilitation from a small fracture. The goalkeeper will therefore be selected over Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso throughout the tournament as long as he avoids further physical problems. In that case, Martinez could be reliable for fantasy output as his team has the potential to allow few goals at least in the initial fixtures, and he's usually a solid shot stopper when tested.
Set to play Tuesday
Martinez (finger) is set to play in their World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday if no setback takes place, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. "Emiliano is fine. If everything continues well, I think he's going to play."
Analysis: Martinez is looking to be an option for Argentina's opener after some questions about health, as he has been training the past few days. This is a major boost to the team, as he was clearly an essential piece of the World Cup-winning squad in 2022, earning the Golden Glove in the process. He should then continue as a starter in net, with Geronimo Rulli as a backup option.
Trains well, set to start
Martinez finished training well again and continues pushing himself, with the goalkeeper set to play against Algeria, according to Gaston Edul.
Analysis: Martinez stepped up his recovery at Argentina's Saturday training session, working under the goal with gloves on both hands in a noticeably more intense workout than in previous days. The Aston Villa keeper has been managing a fractured ring finger on his right hand since before the Europa League final, and and while he was occasionally seen checking on the injured finger during the session, he pushed through the discomfort and all signs point to his recovery staying on track. He is set to start in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria.
Trains with gloves Thursday
Martinez trained with both gloves for the first time since fracturing his right ring finger after the medical staff removed his cast on Thursday, with coach Lionel Scaloni expressing confidence the Aston Villa goalkeeper will be able to start Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 17, according to Canal Nicoleno.
Analysis: Martinez completed reaction and deflection exercises despite showing some signs of discomfort, with the decision to remove the cast marking a significant step forward in his recovery. The defending world champions will continue monitoring his condition over the coming days but the direction of travel is clearly positive, with manager Scaloni backing his number one to be ready when Argentina's campaign gets underway.
Expected to start against Algeria
Martinez (finger) is aiming to feature in Argentina's World Cup opener versus Algeria after the national team's staff decided to remove the cast from the ring finger of his right hand Thursday, TyC Sports reports.
Analysis: Martinez has dealt with a fractured finger since the UEFA Europa League finale on May 24, but he should be ready to represent his country after refusing surgery in order to be available for the summer tournament. If the Aston Villa goalkeeper is confirmed as a starter, both Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso will remain among the substitutes throughout the competition. Additionally, Martinez should benefit from solid clean sheet chances, especially in the easier group-stage fixtures.
Will have splint removed Friday
Martinez (finger) is getting closer to full recovery, with Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni giving an update about his status Monday, saying "On Friday, they take off the splint from Emi Martinez's finger, so we'll see".
Analysis: Martinez will be assessed once the splint is taken off his finger, but there's hope that he'll be able to start in the World Cup opener against Algeria. The goalkeeper hasn't seen action since the Europa League finale on May 20, and has opted not to undergo surgery so that he can take part in the international tournament. However, in case he's forced to rest at some point, a decision would have to be made between Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso to take his place in the lineup.
Training apart from group
Martinez (finger) remains training separately from the rest of the Argentina squad but is expected to be ready in time for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Miamiherald.
Analysis: Martinez finished the club season with 125 saves, 13 clean sheets and 49 goals conceded across 44 appearances for Aston Villa, and the coaching staff are taking a cautious approach to his recovery from a broken finger rather than rushing him back into action. A three-time major international title winner and coach Lionel Scaloni's undisputed No. 1, his expected availability for the opener comes as a major boost for Argentina as they begin their World Cup title defense.
Trains with ball again
Martinez (finger) trained with the ball on Thursday, a significant step forward in his recovery from the broken finger that had raised concerns over his availability for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, the federation posted.
Analysis: Martinez ended the club season with 125 saves, 49 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets across 44 appearances for Aston Villa, and his return to ball work puts him firmly on track to start between the posts for the defending world champions when their tournament campaign gets underway. The three-time major international title winner with Argentina is effectively irreplaceable for coach Lionel Scaloni, and Thursday's session is the clearest indication yet that there is no serious concern about his availability for the opener.
Testing with ball soon
Martinez (finger) is progressing well and will begin testing with a soccer ball imminently as he targets full fitness for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Hernan Castillo.
Analysis: Martinez suffered a broken finger ahead of the tournament but the extra recovery days before Argentina's opener are working in his favor, and he is expected to be available to start in goal for the defending world champions. The Aston Villa goalkeeper ended the club season with 125 saves, 49 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets across 44 appearances, and his experience of winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina makes him irreplaceable between the posts for coach Scaloni heading into the tournament.
Will be available for WC action
Martinez (finger) is progressing well and is expected to play in the World Cup opening matchup versus Algeria even if he misses the warm-up friendlies, Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports.
Analysis: Martinez will likely be involved in every game of the 2026 World Cup, taking advantage of the extra days before Argentina's opener to reach a complete recovery from his fracture. The goalkeeper finished the last campaign in England with 125 saves, 49 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets over 44 appearances across all club competitions. As for his international experience, he has been an essential piece of the national team in their 2022 World Cup championship and the last two Copa America titles. With Martinez likely to get the nod in goal, both Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso should be limited to backup roles.
Won't play in friendlies
Martinez (finger) remains a significant concern for Argentina's national team and will be absent from friendly action prior to the World Cup, as he still needs to complete his recovery from a small fracture in his finger, Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports.
Analysis: Martinez is expected to serve as the starting goalkeeper for the defending champions and will likely be selected for the World Cup opener versus Algeria, although there's a slight chance he won't fully overcome the injury by then. If he can't start, his place could be taken by Geronimo Rulli or Juan Musso. The Aston Villa man ended the previous season with 125 saves, 49 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets over 44 appearances across all competitions for his club. His presence has been vital for the national team, helping them to win the previous World Cup and the last couple of Copa America championships.
Locked into starting role
Martinez (finger) will be Argentina's starting goalkeeper at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if healthy.
Analysis: Martinez didn't play in Aston Villa's final game of the 2025/26 Premier League season after keeping a clean sheet in the UEFA Europa League final, finishing the year with 39 goals allowed across 32 league outings. He was the starting goalkeeper in Argentina's title run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he also won the Golden Glove, and he figures to play a big role for La Albiceleste once again as one of the team's most experienced players and on-field leaders.
Out for finale
Martinez (finger) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Martinez is not in the team sheet Sunday for the season finale after he suffered a broken finger heading into the UEL final, not being risked ahead of the World Cup. This will end his season in net, with Marco Bizot starting in his place. Martinez ends the season with seven clean sheets, 39 goals allowed and 95 saves in 32 appearances this campaign.
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