Lautaro Martínez Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Lautaro Martínez (born 22 August 1997) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Inter Milan and the Argentina national team.
Considered one of the most promising young forwards in world football, Martínez has earned plaudits for his speed, technique, movement and eye for goal. He is known for his ability to play across the frontline and link up play between midfield and attack.
At just 24 years old, Martínez has already achieved major success at club level, winning the Serie A title with Inter in 2021. He also finished second in the race for the European Golden Shoe that year.
Internationally, Martínez has become a key part of Lionel Scaloni’s new-look Argentina team. He helped his country win the 2021 Copa América – their first major trophy in 28 years.
Early Life and Career
Lautaro Javier Martínez was born on 22 August 1997 in Bahía Blanca, Argentina. He began his football career in his hometown club Liniers de Bahía Blanca, progressing through their youth teams.
In 2015, at age 17, Martínez was signed by Argentine top-flight club Racing Club. He made his professional debut in November of that year in a Copa Argentina match against Cruzeiro.
The young striker initially found playing time limited behind more experienced forwards like Diego Milito and Lisandro López. However, he impressed manager Diego Cocca with his work ethic and ability whenever given a chance.
Martínez broke through properly for Racing Club during the 2017–18 season. He formed an excellent partnership with striker Jonatan Cristaldo, scoring 13 goals in 29 matches in the Argentine Primera División.
His standout performances attracted interest from European clubs, including Spanish giants Real Madrid. Ultimately though, it was Inter Milan who won the race for his signature in July 2018.
Move to Europe with Inter Milan
Lautaro Martínez signed for Inter Milan in July 2018 for a reported fee of €25 million. He was handed the number 10 shirt, previously worn by club legends like Ronaldo and Wesley Sneijder.
The young Argentine initially acted as understudy to compatriot Mauro Icardi, who was Inter’s established striker. However, Martínez impressed manager Luciano Spalletti with his direct style and eye for goal when given opportunities.
He scored his first goal for the club in October 2018, in a UEFA Champions League group match against PSV Eindhoven. In December, he netted his maiden Serie A goal in a win over Udinese.
Martínez finished his debut season with 9 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. Although not yet a regular starter, he had shown immense potential for the future.
Partnership with Lukaku
The 2019–20 season saw Martínez become a key part of Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan side. Veteran forward Icardi was frozen out, allowing the Argentine to compete with new signing Romelu Lukaku for a starting spot.
Initially it was the Belgian Lukaku who led the line. But Martínez’ tireless running and intelligent movement saw him force his way into contention.
Conte eventually settled on fielding both in tandem, with Lukaku the focal point and Martínez playing off him. The pair developed an almost telepathic understanding, terrorizing defenses with their pace and physicality.
Martínez enjoyed his best goalscoring season so far, netting 16 times in 31 Serie A matches as Inter finished second behind Juventus. The Inter number 10 had emerged as one of Europe’s most feared young strikers.
Serie A Glory
In the 2020–21 campaign, Martínez and Lukaku’s partnership propelled Inter Milan to their first Scudetto in over a decade.
The Argentine striker showed his world-class ability throughout, scoring 17 goals and providing a further 6 assists in the league. His intelligent movement and ruthless finishing perfectly complemented Lukaku’s power and aerial dominance.
Martínez also excelled in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 5 goals as Inter reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea.
His outstanding individual season saw him finish second to Lionel Messi in the European Golden Shoe rankings, ahead of megastars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.
Still only 23, Lautaro Martínez was now considered one of the best all-round strikers in world football. His blend of technical skill, movement and finishing ability had him earmarked as a future Ballon d’Or contender.
International Career with Argentina
Lautaro Martínez has represented Argentina extensively at youth level, from the Under-20s upwards. He was part of the Argentina U20 squad that finished third at the 2017 South American Youth Championship.
His impressive form for Racing Club saw him receive a first senior call-up in March 2018, aged just 20. He won his first cap in a friendly against Italy in Manchester that month, replacing Sergio Agüero in the second half.
However, Martínez had to wait over a year for his next appearance for the Albiceleste. He was left out of Argentina’s 2018 FIFA World Cup squad by manager Jorge Sampaoli.
Copa América 2021 Glory
It was not until the arrival of Lionel Scaloni as national team boss that Lautaro became a regular for Argentina. Scaloni saw the Inter striker as a key part of his rebuild of the squad after the disappointment of the 2018 World Cup.
Martínez formed an instant rapport with the likes of Lionel Messi, strikers Ángel Di María and Sergio Agüero, and midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes. His tireless running and link-up play added a new dimension to Argentina’s attack.
This came to fruition at the 2021 Copa América in Brazil. Martínez scored 3 goals as Argentina powered through to the final, where they faced hosts Brazil at the Maracanã stadium.
In a tense match settled by an Angel Di Maria goal, the Inter man led the line superbly. His persistent pressing and brave running opened up space for Messi and co to unpick the Brazilian defense.
Argentina ran out 1-0 winners to claim their first major international title since 1993. Lautaro Martínez, aged just 23, was now a Copa América champion.
Personal Life
Lautaro Martínez comes from the city of Bahía Blanca in Argentina. He was born to parents Mario and Lliana, and has a sister named Yoselin.
He is nicknamed ‘El Toro’ (The Bull) due to his strong, powerful running style and his tenacity when pressing defenders.
Martínez is in a long-term relationship with Argentine model, TV presenter and actress Agustina Gandolfo. The pair met in 2018 and she moved with him when he transferred to Inter Milan. They have a daughter together named Nina, born in 2021.
The striker is known for being quiet, humble and hardworking. He maintains a close relationship with his family and hometown despite his fame. Martínez speaks Spanish, Italian and English.
Away from football, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets. A lover of animals, he owns two dogs called Romeo and Venus. His other hobbies include watching TV series, playing video games and listening to Latin music.
Lautaro Martínez Net Worth and Sponsorships
According to multiple reports, Lautaro Martínez has a net worth of approximately €20 million as of 2024. However, at just 24 years old and with his career on a rapidly upward trajectory, this figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
His current salary at Inter Milan is estimated at €4 million per year. The length of his existing contract runs until 2026, rewarding him handsomely as one of the club’s most important players.
Martínez also earns additional income through various sponsorship deals and endorsements. Major partners include sportswear giant Nike, who supply him boots and other gear.
Other endorsements include luxury watchmaker Hublot and prestigious fashion label Hugo Boss, who Martínez models for. These commercial deals are indicative of his growing status as a global football superstar.
With his success on the field showing no signs of slowing down, the earning power and net worth of Lautaro Martínez is only likely to increase in the future. Aged just 24, his prime years and peak salary demands still lie ahead.
Lautaro Martínez Career Stats and Honors
- Serie A: 1 (with Inter in 2020–21)
- Copa América: 1 (with Argentina in 2021)
Individual
- Serie A Player of the Month: 1 (February 2021)
- Serie A Team of the Year: 1 (2020–21)
- Copa América Team of the Tournament: 1 (2021)
Conclusion
In summary, Lautaro Martínez is undoubtedly one of the most talented rising stars in world football today. At just 24 years old, he has already achieved feats that most players can only dream of.
His blend of pace, power, technique and intelligence has seen him develop into a truly world-class striker. For both Inter Milan and Argentina, he has proven himself as a phenomenal goalscorer and selfless team player.
Martínez’s trophy haul already includes a Serie A title, Coppa Italia and Copa América winner’s medal. Individual accolades like finishing second in the European Golden Shoe at just 23 years old highlight his incredible ability.
Still with most of his career ahead of him, the potential for Lautaro Martínez to achieve legendary status is immense. If he continues on his current upwards trajectory, Ballon d’Or awards and Champions League titles could soon be within his grasp.
This modest and hardworking young man certainly has the talent and work ethic to become an all-time great for both club and country. For now, he remains grounded and focused only on keep improving. The rest of the football world waits excitedly to see just how far ‘El Toro’ can go.
FAQs
What is Lautaro Martínez’s current club?
Lautaro Martínez currently plays for Inter Milan in Serie A, having signed for the Italian giants from Racing Club in Argentina in 2018.
How much did Inter Milan pay for Martínez?
Inter Milan paid a reported transfer fee of €25 million to sign Lautaro Martínez from Racing Club in 2018. This fee now looks an absolute bargain given his development.
What is Lautaro’s nickname and why?
Martínez’s nickname is ‘El Toro’, which translates to The Bull in Spanish. He earned this nickname due to his powerful, energetic style of play and his tenacity when pressing opponents.
Has Martínez won any major trophies?
Yes, Lautaro Martínez was part of the Inter Milan side that won the Serie A title in the 2020-21 season. He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021, their first major trophy since 1993.
What number shirt does Lautaro wear for Inter?
Martínez wears the prestigious number 10 shirt at Inter Milan, which has been worn by club legends like Ronaldo, Wesley Sneijder and Gabriel Batistuta.
Is Martínez dating anyone currently?
Yes, Lautaro Martínez has been in a long-term relationship with Argentine model and TV presenter Agustina Gandolfo since 2018. The couple have a daughter together named Nina, born in 2021.
What are Lautaro’s main hobbies off the pitch?
Off the pitch, Martínez enjoys spending time with his family and pets, watching TV series, playing video games, and listening to Latin music.
How many goals has he scored for Argentina?
As of January 2024, Lautaro Martínez has scored 21 goals in 40 appearances for the Argentinian national team.
What individual awards has Martínez won?
His individual accolades include the Serie A Player of the Month award, selection in the Serie A Team of the Year, and inclusion in the Copa América Team of the Tournament.