This name is one that even the most casual of soccer fans are more than likely familiar with. Josef Martinez has been playing for Atlanta United since its inaugural match on March 5th, 2017. Since then, he has become a living legend in Atlanta.
The Venezuelan initially joined Atlanta United on loan from Italian club Torino but permanently joined the Five Stripes later that same year. Joining Atlanta United will probably be the best thing to happen to Martinez in his career.
The forward has been amazing for the Five Stripes thus far, having broken many records during his time in Atlanta. Martinez recently set a new league record by scoring in 15 consecutive MLS games this season, a streak that was broken due to an injury picked up during a match.
Josef Martinez has scored an amazing 77 league goals in 80 starts during his three years for the Five Stripes. In 2017, the forward only played in 20 matches but still scored 19 goals. goals. Atlanta United fans saw the potential goal-scoring numbers in his first season, but the rate at which he is scoring goals is truly astonishing.
Martinez has collected a variety of personal accolades during his time in MLS as well. In 2018 he won the MLS Golden Boot in 2018 after scoring 34 goals in the regular season and the Landon Donovan MVP Award. He also won the MLS Goal of the Year Award in 2019 and was part of the MLS Best XI in both 2018 and 2019.
Martinez signed a contract extension last year that secured his services until 2023. Atlanta was able to secure the forward’s services with very little competition from other clubs largely due to the connection and affection he feels with the club and the fans. It is definitely a possibility that the Venezuelan will retire in Atlanta, but then he is only 26 years old and still has seven or eight good years left in him.
Photo Credit: MLSsoccer.com
Kyle Soto is the Sports Content Marketing Director at The Wolf Internet Radio. You can follow Kyle for soccer content on Twitter @kyledsoto.
