Guillermo Martínez Ayala
PUM
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Mar 15, 1995 (31)
Left
6'3"
201 lb
Takes five shots in loss
Martinez had five shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-0 loss versus Leon.
Analysis: Martinez is getting comfortable as Tigres' starting forward, but he couldn't find the back of the net in this one. He's a threat to at least record a few shots per game -- especially considering all the players playing behind him as playmakers. Martinez should remain in the XI ahead of Saturday's match at Pumas UNAM.
Scores vs. Toluca
Martinez scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 3-2 win over Toluca.
Analysis: Martinez, who scored two goals in a friendly match during the international break, found the back of the net in this matchup with a close-range finish following an assist from another new signing, Emiliano Gomez. Martinez should remain Tigres' go-to option upfront, and with consistent minutes, it's only a matter of time before he starts finding the back of the net on a regular basis.
Signs with Tigres
Martinez has completed a move from Pumas to Tigres heading into the middle stretch of the Apertura tournament.
Analysis: Martinez has been a reliable striker in his most recent stints with Puebla and Pumas, respectively, and arrives in the UANL squad to fill the void left by the departures of Andre-Pierre Gignac and Angel Correa. Martinez will immediately add experience and aerial strength to his new club, hoping to help end their offensive struggles. He made a couple of appearances for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup and had already played in eight Liga MX or Leagues Cup matches this season, scoring one goal and an assist over that span. It's still unclear if he'll become a first-choice option for the Tigers, but he should see minutes in a rotation with Rodrigo Aguirre, Emiliano Gomez and Ricardo Monreal.
Assists equalizer as sub
Martinez assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Club Necaxa.
Analysis: Martinez subbed on in the 82nd minute and created Luciano Herrera's equalizer six minutes later with his first assist in the campaign. The forward logged a season-high two chances created despite his limited time in the field. He has only one start in seven appearances.
Closes out scoring in win
Martinez scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Friday's 5-1 victory over Juarez.
Analysis: Martinez came off the bench but made the most of his minutes, as he took advantage of a defensive mistake from Juarez's backline to score late in the second half. Martinez can put up solid goal-per-minute numbers, but as long as he remains the backup behind Robert Morales and Juninho, his fantasy upside will remain low.
No shots during start
Martinez generated three clearances in Wednesday's 3-0 victory versus Czech Republic.
Analysis: Martinez was mainly ineffective in his start at forward, playing 63 minutes but not earning a single shot. He would complete 13 passes while only touching the ball 25 times, a rough effort after two games unused. This will likely lead Raul Jimenez to enter the starting XI again as Mexico enters the knockout stage.
Secures WC roster spot
Martinez is officially part of the Mexican squad for the World Cup, with his call-up preventing him from playing in the Liga MX playoffs, the national team announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Martinez is perhaps the biggest surprise in Mexico's World Cup squad given that they have plenty of center-forward depth with options such as Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez and Armando Gonzalez. However, Martinez did have some outstanding displays as a second-unit asset in the last Liga MX campaign, and he scored five goals across 493 minutes of play. Both Robert Morales and Juninho should stay active for Pumas while the Mexican is unavailable.
Brace in start
Martinez scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal) in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Juarez.
Analysis: Martinez has logged three goals across as many appearances since mid-April. Starts have not come regularly for the forward since January, though his recent form may bring a change to that in the near and long-term future.
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