🔥 Trending Emi Martinez: Who is the Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper?

Emiliano "Emi" Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer renowned for his role as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Argentina national team ¹. Often referred to as "Dibu" Martínez, he has gained significant recognition for his exceptional penalty-saving abilities and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world ¹.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Martínez's journey to professional football began in his home country ¹⁵. His early career involved moving to England to join Arsenal's youth academy, where he spent a significant period developing his skills before making his mark in senior football.

Rise to Prominence

Martínez's career saw a turning point with consistent performances, eventually leading him to Aston Villa in 2020 ⁵. It was there that he solidified his reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper. His contributions were crucial in Argentina's success, particularly in the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, where his penalty shootout heroics became legendary. A Netflix film titled "Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time" chronicles his journey from a small town in Argentina to achieving global glory, blending animation with interviews ².

Current Club and International Status

As of the 2026-27 season, Martínez, at 33 years old, continues to play for Aston Villa ⁵. He remains a vital part of the Argentina national team. His market value is estimated at €12.00 million ⁵.

Recent Developments and Role Changes

In a notable development in November 2025, Martínez was reportedly stripped of his vice-captaincy at Aston Villa, a change confirmed by manager Unai Emery ⁴. Despite this, he has expressed his commitment to Aston Villa, signing a new long-term contract and explaining his reasons for staying with the club ⁸. His future at Aston Villa has been a topic of discussion, with club reporter Nick Mashiter addressing questions about his potential departure ⁷.

Social Media Presence

Martínez maintains an active presence on social media, with a significant following on Instagram, where he shares updates with his 16 million followers ³. His posts often reflect his passion for the sport and his journey to glory ³.