Lisandro Martínez, the tough Argentine defender nicknamed “The Butcher,” has become a key player for Manchester United and Argentina with his aggressive tackling and precise passing. Fans love his no-nonsense style despite his shorter height for a center-back.
Lisandro Martínez’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Lisandro Martínez |
| Nickname | Licha |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1998 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Birthplace | Gualeguay, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Religion | N/A |
| Height | 175 cm (5’9″) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Position | Centre-Back / Defender |
| Youth Clubs | Club Atlético Urquiza, Club Atlético Libertad, Newell’s Old Boys |
| Senior Clubs | Newell’s Old Boys, Defensa y Justicia, Ajax, Manchester United |
| Jersey Number | 6 (Manchester United) |
| International Debut | March 22, 2019 vs Venezuela |
| Turned Professional | 2017 |
| Net Worth | £28.6 million |
| Annual Salary | £6.24 million |
| Marital Status | Not married: long‑term relationship |
| Girlfriend | Muri López Benítez |
| Children | 1 daughter, Aurora Martínez |
| @lisandromartinez |
Lisandro Martínez grew up in Gualeguay, Argentina, starting football young at local clubs before breaking into pro ranks. At 28, he’s a left-footed defender who’s won major trophies with club and country while building a solid family life with longtime girlfriend Muri Lopez, a model and dancer from his hometown.
Early Career
Lisandro started kicking a ball at age 4 in local club Urquiza in Gualeguay, scouted by coach Jonathan Di Tommaso who took him to Libertad. At 8, he trialed for Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s old youth team, joining in 2014 after shining there from 2013.
He won the Reserve Tournament in 2016 beating River Plate, debuted pro in 2017 vs Godoy Cruz, then loaned to Defensa y Justicia in 2017 where they bought half his pass in 2018.
Professional Career
From Defensa, Lisandro moved to Ajax in 2019 for €700k, reuniting with Ten Hag; he played 120 games, won 3 Eredivisie titles (2020-22), KNVB Cup 2021, and Ajax Player of the Year 2021/22. Man United signed him in 2022 for £57m (up to €67m with add-ons), five-year deal to 2027.
Injuries hit early but he helped win League Cup 2023, FA Cup 2024; by 2026, he’s back strong with 14 PL apps, 1 goal in 2025/26. Internationally, 25+ caps, World Cup 2022 winner, 2 Copa Américas (2021,2024), Finalissima 2022. Total club career: 297 matches, 14 goals, 14 assists.
Girlfriend
Lisandro Martínez is in a long‑term relationship with Muri López Benítez, his childhood partner from Gualeguay, and they are not publicly married. They became parents in March 2025 with the birth of their daughter, Aurora Martínez, and occasionally share glimpses of family life on social media while keeping most details private.
Lisandro Martínez’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lisandro Martínez’s net worth sits at around £28.6 million in estimates. This comes mostly from soccer salaries, bonuses, and his big transfer to United boosting his market value to €40m. Smart investments and his rising profile keep it climbing.
Contract Details
Lisandro’s current Manchester United contract runs until June 30, 2027, signed in July 2022 as a five-year deal with a 12-month option (status unclear in 2026 updates). The transfer from Ajax was €57m guaranteed plus €10m add-ons. No new extensions reported publicly by early 2026.
Salary
Lisandro pulls in £120,000 per week at Manchester United, adding up to £6.24 million yearly before taxes and bonuses. That’s a huge jump from his Ajax days at £43k weekly in 2022 or under £20k earlier. His pay reflects his status as a top Premier League defender, with performance incentives likely pushing total earnings higher each season.
Career Earnings
| Year | Weekly Wage | Yearly Salary | Club | League |
| 2026 | £120,000 | £6,240,000 | Manchester United | Premier League |
| 2025 | £120,000 | £6,240,000 | Manchester United | Premier League |
| 2024 | £120,000 | £6,240,000 | Manchester United | Premier League |
| 2023 | £120,000 | £6,240,000 | Manchester United | Premier League |
| 2022 | £43,000 | £2,236,000 | Ajax | Eredivisie |
| 2021 | £18,000 | £936,000 | Ajax | Eredivisie |
| 2020 | £3,000 | £156,000 | Ajax | Eredivisie |
| 2019 | £3,000 | £156,000 | Defensa y Justicia | Super Liga |
| 2018 | £3,000 | £156,000 | Newell’s Old Boys | Super Liga |
Endorsements
Martínez inks deals like a standout 2025 personal sponsorship with Emirates Airlines, worth $2 million yearly, including free first-class flights for tournaments under their “Accelerating Dreams” push for Argentine talent.
He likely partners with Adidas (kit supplier) and other brands via United, plus local Argentine firms, adding £1-3 million annually to his income. These boost his profile beyond pitch play.
Career Records
| Record Category | Detail |
| Total senior appearances | Around 290–300 matches across clubs and international teams (league only, not friendlies) |
| Club goals | About 14 goals for club teams (mostly from set‑pieces and defensive run‑outs) |
| Assists | Around 14 assists in his senior career |
| International caps (as of 2026) | Over 25–30 caps for Argentina, usually as a centre‑back |
| International goals | 1 goal for Argentina (vs Ecuador in July 2024) |
| Major trophies (clubs) | Multiple Eredivisie titles with Ajax, plus domestic cups and Community Shield–style trophies with Manchester United |
| Major trophies (country) | FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina (2022) plus other CONMEBOL‑level honours |
FAQs
1. Who is Lisandro Martínez?
Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Born on January 18, 1998, in Gualeguay, Argentina, he is nicknamed “The Butcher” for his aggressive defending style.
2. What is his height and weight?
Martínez stands at 1.75 meters (5’9″) tall and weighs around 72 kg (159 lbs). Despite his shorter stature for a centre-back, he excels through tenacity and ball-playing ability.
3. What is his playing position?
His primary position is centre-back, but he can also play as a left-back or defensive midfielder. He is left-footed and known for accurate long passes from defense.
4. What clubs has he played for?
Martínez started at Newell’s Old Boys, then moved to Defensa y Justicia. He joined Ajax in 2019, winning multiple titles, before transferring to Manchester United in 2022.
5. What are his major achievements?
He won two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup with Ajax, the EFL Cup and FA Cup with Manchester United, and with Argentina: 2021 and 2024 Copa América, 2022 World Cup, and 2022 Finalissima.
6. Why is he called “The Butcher”?
The nickname “El Carnicero” (The Butcher) comes from Ajax fans admiring his fierce tackling and tight marking despite his height. It highlights his physical, no-nonsense defending.
7. How much did Manchester United pay for him?
United signed him from Ajax in July 2022 for €57.37 million, plus up to €10 million in add-ons, making it one of their most expensive defender signings after Harry Maguire.
8. What is his international career like?
He debuted for Argentina’s senior team in 2019 under Lionel Scaloni and has 26 caps with 1 goal. Key squad member in World Cup and Copa América triumphs.
9. Who are his parents?
His parents are Silvina Cabrera (mother) and Raul Martínez (father). He grew up in the El Molino neighborhood of Gualeguay in humble beginnings.
10. What are his recent injuries?
Martínez has faced setbacks like a cruciate ligament injury in early 2026 against Crystal Palace and prior MCL and foot issues, causing extended absences from Manchester United matches.