Josef Martínez
![]() | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Josef Alexander Martínez Mencia | ||
Date of birth | 19 May 1993 | ||
Place of birth | Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela | ||
Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 7+1⁄2 in) | ||
Position(s) | Striker | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Atlanta United | ||
Number | 7 | ||
Youth career | |||
–2010 | Caracas | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2010–2012 | Caracas | 36 | (8) |
2012–2014 | Young Boys | 37 | (4) |
2013–2014 | → Thun (loan) | 18 | (8) |
2014–2017 | Torino | 58 | (7) |
2017 | → Atlanta United (loan) | 3 | (5) |
2017– | Atlanta United | 51 | (46) |
International career‡ | |||
2011–2013 | Venezuela U20 | 4 | (2) |
2011– | Venezuela | 43 | (9) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 03:36, 10 October 2018 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 03:59, 08 September 2018 (UTC) |
Josef Alexander Martínez Mencia (born 19 May 1993) is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United FC and the Venezuela national team.
Josef Martinez began his career with Caracas. In 2012, he was acquired by Swiss Super League club Young Boys, before spending a year on loan at Thun. In 2014, he was sold to Italian club Torino, and in 2017, Major League Soccer expansion side, Atlanta United FC. He holds the MLS record for career hat-tricks with six in his first 44 games, the record for goals in a single season (28 in 2018), and co-holds the record for most consecutive games with a goal (9, shared with Diego Valeri).
He is a former Venezuela under-20 international. In 2011, he made his debut for the senior Venezuela national team against El Salvador.
Club career
Caracas FC
Martínez made his debut for Caracas FC on 21 August 2010 against Estudiantes de Mérida, entering as a substitute in the 70th minute, won 1–0. He scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Deportivo Petare on 21 November 2010.[1]
BSC Young Boys
On 3 January 2012 Caracas announced Martínez had been sold to BSC Young Boys in the Swiss Super League for a period of four years with fellow right-back Alexander Gonzalez. He debuted on 5 February 2012 against Servette FC, which the Young Boys won 3–1. After a string of good performances, Martínez was called up to the Venezuela national team, as well as awarded his first start for Young Boys on 21 October 2012, in which he scored his first goal for the Swiss club with a volley in the 50th minute against Grasshopper Club Zürich.
FC Thun
After one season in the Swiss capital city, he was sent on loan to Thun. After scoring 8 goals in 18 games with the team from Bernese Oberland, he was momentarily the top scorer in the Swiss Super League and recalled by Young Boys.[2]
Torino F.C.
On 7 June 2014, he was sold to Italian Serie A club Torino for a reported fee of €3 million.[3][4] He made his debut in a 0–3 away win against Sweden's Brommapojkarna in the third round of the 2014–15 Europa League.[5] He scored his first goal for the Granata in the return leg, won 4–0 in Turin (7–0 on agg.).[6]
He made his league debut on 14 September in a 2–0 loss away to Sampdoria.[7] On 7 December, he scored his first goal in Serie A during a 2–2 draw with Palermo.[8] Four days later, he scored his first brace in the Europa League against Copenhagen, which ended 1–5 in favour of Torino.[9]
On 30 April 2016, he scored his first brace in Serie A, as Torino won 1–5 away to Udinese.[10]
Atlanta United FC
On 2 February 2017, he was loaned with a buying option to Major League Soccer expansion team Atlanta United.[11][12] He made his league debut on 5 March in a 1–2 home defeat against New York Red Bulls.[13] He scored his first career hat-trick, and the first hat-trick in the history of the club, in a 6–1 win at Minnesota United the following week.[14]
On 21 March, Atlanta announced they had activated the buyout clause for an undisclosed transfer fee.[15] He was named the MLS Player of the Month for March after scoring five goals in his first three games in the league.[16]
On 23 March, while playing for the Venezuelan national team against Peru, Martínez injured his left quadricep.[17] After more than two months of recuperation, he returned to action only to be injured again over the summer. Upon his return from the second injury, he scored hat tricks in two consecutive games against the New England Revolution and Orlando City, and was named the MLS Player of the Month for September 2017.[18] Atlanta United finished in a tie for third in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs by Columbus Crew. Despite only making 20 appearances (all competitions) due to injury, Martínez finished his first year in Atlanta fourth in the league in scoring, with 20 goals in all competitions, and was named to the MLS Best XI for the 2017 season.[19]
On 2 June 2018, Martínez converted a late penalty kick against Philadelphia Union to notch his fifth MLS hat-trick, tying the league record for hat-tricks and doing so faster than any other player in league history.[20] He broke the record for hat-tricks on 21 July 2018 against DC United, after only 44 games.
He was voted the MLS Player of the Month for July 2018 after scoring nine goals and adding one assist to lead the Five Stripes to a 3–1–1 record.[21]
He scored the only goal for the MLS All-Stars in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus, a 1–1 draw, and was named MVP.[22][23]
On 24 August 2018, he scored his 28th goal of the season, a game winner in Orlando City, to break the league single-season record of 27, held by Roy Lassiter, Chris Wondolowski, and Bradley Wright-Phillips. After failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities, Martínez utilized his quick footwork to cut back against the defender and then chip Joe Bendik to set the record in just his 26th match. He was named MLS Player of the Month for August 2018.[24]
International career
Martínez made his international debut on 7 August 2011 against El Salvador as a substitute in the 76th minute.[1]
On 10 November 2016 (matchday 11 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification), Martínez scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in a 5–0 win in Maturín.
Style of play
Primarily a forward, Martinez usually plays as a main striker, but is also capable of playing as a winger. Known for his eye for goal, he is capable of scoring both with his head and with his feet, which makes him a dangerous attacking threat in the penalty area.[25]
Career statistics
Club
Club | Season | League | Domestic Cup | League Cup [a] | Continental | Total | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Caracas | 2010–11 | 21 | 4 | — | — | 7 | 1 | 28 | 5 | ||
2011–12 | 15 | 4 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 15 | 4 | |||
Total | 36 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 43 | 9 | |
Young Boys | 2011–12 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 11 | 0 | ||
2012–13 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 9 | 1 | |||
2013–14 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 3 | |||
Total | 37 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 4 | |
FC Thun | 2013–14 | 18 | 8 | 3 | 1 | — | 11 | 1 | 32 | 10 | |
Total | 18 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 32 | 10 | |
Torino | 2014–15 | 26 | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | 13 | 3 | 40 | 7 | |
2015–16 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 23 | 4 | |||
2016–17 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 12 | 2 | |||
Total | 58 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 75 | 13 | |
Atlanta United | 2017 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 22 | 20 | |
2018 | 37 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 37 | 32 | ||
Total | 54 | 51 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 52 | |
Career totals | 206 | 78 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 5 | 247 | 88 |
- ^ Includes: MLS Cup Playoffs
International
Venezuela national team | ||
---|---|---|
Year | Apps | Goals |
2011 | 3 | 0 |
2012 | 3 | 0 |
2013 | 6 | 2 |
2014 | 3 | 0 |
2015 | 7 | 2 |
2016 | 15 | 5 |
2017 | 5 | 0 |
Total | 42 | 9 |
International goals
No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 22 May 2013 | Metropolitano de Mérida, Mérida, Venezuela | ![]() |
2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
2. | 14 August 2013 | Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal, Venezuela | ![]() |
1–0 | 2–2 | Friendly | |
3. | 31 March 2015 | Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States | ![]() |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly | |
4. | 17 November 2015 | Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela | ![]() |
1–3 | 1–3 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
5. | 5 June 2016 | Soldier Field, Chicago, United States | ![]() |
1–0 | 1–0 | Copa América Centenario | |
6. | 6 September 2016 | Metropolitano de Mérida, Mérida, Venezuela | ![]() |
2–0 | 2–2 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
7. | 10 November 2016 | Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Maturín, Venezuela | ![]() |
2–0 | 5–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
8. | 3–0 | ||||||
9. | 4–0 |
Honours
Individual
- MLS Best XI (1): 2017[19]
- MLS All-Star (1): 2018[22]
- MLS All-Star Game MVP (1): 2018[23]
- MLS Player of the Month (4): March 2017[16], September 2017[18], July 2018[21], August 2018[24]
References
- ^ a b c "Venezuela - J. Martínez - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". Uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
- ^ Armero, Andrés (16 December 2013). "El venezolano Josef Martínez regresa al BSC Young Boys". MARCA (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Martinez al Toro". Torino F.C. (in Italian). 7 June 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ "UFFICIALE: Torino, acquistato Josef Martinez. Contratto quadriennale - TUTTOmercatoWEB.com".
- ^ "BROMMAPOJKARNA VS. TORINO 0 - 3". soccerway.com. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
- ^ "TORINO VS. BROMMAPOJKARNA 4 - 0". soccerway.com. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
- ^ "Sampdoria vs. Torino - 14 September 2014 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Torino vs. Palermo - 6 December 2014 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "København vs. Torino - 11 December 2014 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Udinese vs. Torino - 30 April 2016 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Martinez all'Atlanta". Torino F.C. (in Italian). 2 February 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Atlanta United Acquire Josef Martinez as Designated Player". Atlanta United. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Atlanta United vs. New York RB - 6 March 2017 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Minnesota United vs. Atlanta United - 12 March 2017 - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Atlanta United finalize permanent transfer of Josef Martínez". Atlanta United. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
- ^ a b Stejskal, Sam (5 April 2017). "Atlanta United FC's Josef Martinez named MLS Player of the Month for March". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
- ^ McCartney, Cory (28 March 2017). "With Josef Martínez out 4-6 weeks, how will Atlanta United replace him?". Fox Sports South. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- ^ a b Stejskal, Sam (5 October 2017). "Josef Martinez runs away with September honor | Alcatel Player of the Month". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
- ^ a b "2017 MLS Best XI revealed: Who was the best in 2017?". MLS Soccer. 30 November 2017.
- ^ Roberson, Doug (2 June 2018). "Martinez ties MLS mark in leading Atlanta United to win". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b Boehm, Charles (3 August 2018). "ATL's Josef Martinez wins July MLS Player of the Month pres. by EA Sports". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- ^ a b "2018 MLS All-Star Roster". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ a b Couch, Ben (1 August 2018). "Josef Martinez named 2018 MLS All-Star Game MVP". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- ^ a b Boehm, Charles (5 September 2018). "Atlanta United's Josef Martinez named August MLS Player of the Month". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^ a b "Josef Martinez". www.mlssoccer.com. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
External links
- Torino profile
- Thun profile
- Josef Martínez at Soccerway
- Josef Martínez at Major League Soccer
- 1993 births
- Living people
- Venezuelan footballers
- Venezuela international footballers
- Association football forwards
- Sportspeople from Valencia, Carabobo
- Caracas FC players
- Torino F.C. players
- Serie A players
- BSC Young Boys players
- FC Thun players
- Swiss Super League players
- Atlanta United FC players
- Major League Soccer players
- Venezuelan expatriate footballers
- Expatriate footballers in Switzerland
- Expatriate footballers in Italy
- Expatriate soccer players in the United States
- Venezuelan expatriates in Switzerland
- Venezuelan expatriate sportspeople in Italy
- Venezuela under-20 international footballers
- 2015 Copa América players
- Copa América Centenario players
- Designated Players (MLS)