Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine professional soccer player who has a net worth of $20 million.

Lisandro Martínez is best known for playing center-back for Ajax, Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Despite standing shorter than the typical elite central defender, Martínez has built his reputation through aggressive tackling, positional awareness, passing ability and a willingness to compete physically with much larger opponents.

Martínez won two Dutch league championships with Ajax and was voted the club's Player of the Year before joining Manchester United in 2022. He quickly became a fan favorite and helped United win the League Cup and FA Cup. His time in England has also been interrupted by several serious injuries, including foot, knee and anterior cruciate ligament damage.

Internationally, Martínez has played alongside Lionel Messi during Argentina's most successful period in decades. He helped the country win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He remained part of the squad as Argentina reached another World Cup final in 2026.

Lisandro Martínez was born on January 18, 1998, in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina.

He began playing soccer with local clubs Club Urquiza and Club Libertad before joining the youth system at Newell's Old Boys. Martínez developed as both a central defender and defensive midfielder, positions that allowed him to demonstrate his passing range and ability to read the game.

Martínez made one senior appearance for Newell's before leaving in search of more consistent playing time.

Martínez joined Defensa y Justicia on loan in 2017. He made his debut against San Lorenzo and quickly established himself as a regular starter.

His performances persuaded Defensa y Justicia to complete a permanent transfer. Martínez became known for stepping forward from defense, breaking up attacks and beginning possession with accurate passes.

He also gained experience in the Copa Sudamericana, helping the club compete internationally. His ability to play as a center-back, left-back or defensive midfielder attracted interest from European teams.

Ajax acquired Martínez in 2019 for a reported initial transfer fee of approximately €7 million.

He made an immediate impact and won the Johan Cruyff Shield during his first official appearance. Ajax initially used him in midfield, but he eventually settled into the center of defense.

Martínez became particularly valuable because of his left foot and comfort under pressure. He could carry the ball out of defense, break opposing lines with passes and defend aggressively despite being listed at approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Ajax won the Eredivisie in 2021 and 2022, along with the KNVB Cup in 2021. Martínez played in the Champions League and formed part of a team that regularly dominated possession in the Netherlands.

During the 2021-22 season, Ajax supporters voted Martínez the club's Player of the Year. The award completed his rise from a relatively inexpensive South American signing to one of Europe's most sought-after defenders.

Manchester United signed Martínez in July 2022. The club paid Ajax approximately £48 million upfront, with bonuses capable of increasing the total above £56 million.

The transfer reunited Martínez with Erik ten Hag, who had managed him at Ajax. Questions were immediately raised about whether a defender of his height could handle the physical demands of the Premier League.

Martínez answered many of those concerns through his intensity, passing and willingness to challenge opposing forwards. Manchester United supporters embraced his confrontational playing style and nicknamed him "The Butcher."

During his first season, Martínez helped United win the League Cup, the club's first trophy in six years. He also played a central role as the team finished third in the Premier League.

His season ended early after he fractured a metatarsal during a Europa League match. Martínez reinjured the foot after returning and missed another extended period.

Additional knee and calf problems limited him to 14 appearances during the 2023-24 season. He nevertheless returned in time to start the FA Cup final, helping United defeat Manchester City 2-1.

Martínez suffered another major setback in February 2025 when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. He eventually returned to United's defense and again became an important part of the team's buildup play and organization.

Martínez represented Argentina at the youth level before making his senior debut in March 2019.

He was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa América, although Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi generally formed Argentina's starting central-defensive partnership.

Under manager Lionel Scaloni, Martínez remained valuable because of his versatility and ability to replace several defenders.

At the 2022 World Cup, Martínez appeared in five matches. During Argentina's round-of-16 victory over Australia, he made a crucial block to prevent a late equalizer.

Argentina defeated France in the final after a penalty shootout. Emiliano Martínez made several decisive saves, while Messi led the attack as Argentina won its first World Cup since 1986.

Lisandro also helped Argentina win the 2024 Copa América. He played alongside teammates including Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez during Argentina's run to the 2026 World Cup final.

Martínez signed a five-year contract when he joined Manchester United in 2022. The agreement runs through June 2027, with the club holding an option for an additional season.

He earns an estimated fixed salary of £120,000 per week. That equals £6.24 million per year, or approximately $8 million to $9 million.

Performance and team bonuses can add an estimated £1.56 million annually, potentially raising his total Manchester United compensation to approximately £7.8 million, or around $10 million per season.

Martínez has earned an estimated £34 million in gross fixed career salary. His complete earnings are higher after accounting for bonuses, Argentina prize money and endorsement income.

After taxes in the Netherlands and England, agent commissions and personal expenses, an estimated net worth of $20 million is reasonable. The large transfer fees paid for Martínez went to his former clubs and did not become personal income.

Martínez earns additional income through soccer equipment, sportswear and commercial partnerships.

His profile grew significantly after joining Manchester United and winning the World Cup. His aggressive style, recognizable nickname and popularity with supporters have made him one of Argentina's more marketable defenders.

Martínez has been in a long-term relationship with Muri López Benítez. The couple has known each other since they were teenagers in Argentina.

Martínez remains closely connected to his family and hometown. He has frequently spoken about the importance of discipline and mentality, especially while recovering from the serious injuries that have interrupted his Manchester United career.