11 fun facts about Lisandro Martinez

Martinez is a family man. He is very close with his parents, including his grandparents. Raul Martinez and Silvina Cabrera, his mother, have always supported him throughout his career. Martinez is closer to his mother, who has been present through all his career achievements. Furthermore, Martinez also has a little sister to whom he serves as godfather.

View this post on Instagram

Man United’s centre-back inherited the nickname of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ during his time at Ajax.

The Argentine centre-back revealed the reason behind his nickname. “I am called the Canisero – the Butcher of Amsterdam," he told NOS (via Mirror)

“We Argentines do everything with passion – and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball. In Argentina, not everyone is brought up with enough resources. Sometimes you can't even eat. As a child I suffered from hunger. When I step on the pitch I think back on the times I couldn't even buy shoes. This is why we are so combative. Argentinians kill to win. If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends."

“That is the feeling I have – and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain.”

Now, this is a name that Martinez has got behind. He is called a “pitbull” in his native country. Speaking about the nickname, Martinez said, “In Argentina, they called me The Pitbull. That covers my playing style better. I bite into my opponent.”

He can be seen snarling at opposition attackers and forces them into giving up possession as much as possible.

The 25-year-old central defender established himself as one of the best players in the world but life at Ajax was not always what glitters for the Argentine.

According to a statement given in an interview with La Nacion (via SkySports), “In the first three weeks, I had a miserable time. It was totally different. At first, I wanted to go home and cry. I felt bad. I’m a player who likes to have the ball, but when they got me into one or two quick touches, they killed me. It was amazing how off pace I was to everything."

Martinez was voted the player of the season for Ajax at the end of 2021-22 for his strong performances. The Argentine played multiple positions and helped Ajax win another Eredivisie title.

Martinez signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2022 for a transfer fee of 57 million euros plus another 10 million in bonuses, making Martínez the most expensive Argentine defender in history.

The previous record belonged to Cristian “Cuti” Romero, when he was transferred from Italian side Atalanta to Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs paid 50M euros plus 5M in other bonuses.

There was a lot of noise surrounding Martinez's transfer, his physicality and how he will adapt to a new country but the Argentine has answered his critics profoundly. His performances have earned him praise from Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic.

"I’m really pleased with how Lisandro did when he joined the club. There were some issues, people were concerned if he could play in England, but as an ex player and a defender I’m really happy how he’s playing and especially that energy he gives to the team, that aggression and winning mentality.” Vidic told inews.

Martinez enjoyed success at international level as well. He was a member of the Argentina squads that won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He has etched his name in the folklore of Argentine football.

Martinez is a technically gifted footballer. His technique on the ball has allowed him to seamlessly transition from playing at centre-back to playing at left-back to playing in midfield, adding further value to the team. He played in all those positions for Ajax under the tutelage of current Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag.

In the 2021–22 Eredivisie season, Martinez averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other player. He is progressive with his actions on the ball and only two players averaged more forward passes per 90 than the Argentine defender during the 2021-22 season, according to SkySports.

The South American has a liking for tattoos as well. The former Ajax player has his sleeve covered in ink. A beautifully drawn lion on his forearm, represents his furious passion on the pitch. His upper arm is is painted with the image of the Buddha.