Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lautaro Javier Martínez |
| Nickname | The Bull |
| Profession | Footballer |
| Club | Inter Milan |
Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight (approx.) | 72 kg |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
Football Career | |
| Youth Career | First Club (Youth) Joined Club Atlético Liniers (Bahía Blanca) at age 9 (2006). Scored 13 goals in U-17 league (2013) and netted in a National Cup final. Trial at Boca Juniors Scouted by Boca Juniors around age 15 but was not retained reportedly due to his physical development; this rejection nearly led him to consider quitting football. Move to Racing Club Signed by Racing Club in January 2014 after scout Fabio Radaelli spotted his talent. Initially struggled with homesickness; teammate Braian Mansilla convinced him to stay. Scored 53 goals in 64 games for Racing’s reserve team, rapidly earning promotion to first-team training by 2015. [!] Rejected Real Madrid Turned down a 2015 move to Real Madrid’s academy on his father’s advice, prioritizing development at Racing. Father Mario Martínez (a former footballer) emphasized emotional readiness. [!] Early influences – Diego Milito (Racing teammate) influenced his link-up play. – Diego Cocca (Racing coach) refined his tactical awareness. – Father Mario instilled discipline and work ethic. |
| Senior Club Debut | Date of Debut 1 November 2015 (Racing Club vs. Crucero del Norte, Argentine Primera División, Round 29) Opponent Club Crucero del Norte, a lesser-known club in Argentina’s top-flight, significant only as the stage for his debut. Venue Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Perón (El Cilindro), Racing Club’s home stadium in Avellaneda. [!] Substitution Details Came on in the second half, replacing club legend Diego Milito, a symbolic moment marking passing the torch. Age at Debut 18 years and 2 months, making him one of Racing’s youngest debutants of that season. Match Result 3–0 win for Racing, a comfortable debut context that eased his integration. |
Club Career Timeline | |
| Racing Club | Joined – Left Jan 2014 (academy) – Jul 2018 Transfer Details Joined youth academy in 2014; promoted to senior team in 2015. Rejected Real Madrid in 2015. Appearances (All Comps) 62 total (48 league + cups) Goals (All Comps) 27 goals (22 league + 5 continental) Key Moments – Senior debut: 1 Nov 2015 (vs. Crucero del Norte, aged 18) – First goal: Nov 2016 vs. Huracán – Breakthrough: 2016–17 season (9 goals) after Lisandro López’s injury – Hat-trick: Feb 2018 vs. Cruzeiro (Copa Libertadores debut) Manager Relationships Coached by Diego Cocca, who integrated him tactically. Mentored by Diego Milito (teammate) [!] |
| Inter Milan | Joined – Left 4 July 2018 – present Transfer Details Signed for €22 from Racing Club, under long‑term contract. [!] Shirt No. #10 (for the Italian club Inter Milan)  Appearances (All Comps) 335 total (237 league + cups/continental) Goals (All Comps) 153 goals (115 league + 38 in cups/continental) as of August 2025. Key Moments – Debut: 19 Aug 2018 (vs. Sassuolo) – First goal: 29 Sep 2018 vs. Cagliari – Champions League hat‑trick: Jan 2025 vs Monaco—became Inter’s all‑time UCL top scorer and joined the elite list behind Mazzola [!] – Captaincy: Appointed club captain in 2023; no notable friction with manager Simone Inzaghi and broader club leadership – Landmarks: 100th Serie A goal (Feb 2024), 150th Inter goal (Apr 2025) [!] Manager Relationships Thrived under Antonio Conte (2019–2021), forming the “LuLa” duo with Lukaku. Key player for Simone Inzaghi (2021–present). |
International Career | |
| Argentina Debut | Year 27 March 2018 vs Spain in Riyadh (friendly; Argentina lost 1–6); first cap aged 20 years and 217 days.  Total Caps & Goals (to Nov 2024) 70 caps, 32 goals (as of June 2025) – Ranks among Argentina’s top active scorers. Averaged 0.46 goals per game. Year‑by‑Year Breakdown – 2018: 4 apps, 1 goal – 2019: 13 apps, 8 goals – 2020: 4 apps, 2 goals – 2021: 14 apps, 6 goals – 2022: 11 apps, 4 goals – 2023: 8 apps, 0 goals – 2024: 16 apps, 11 goals Major Tournaments – Copa América 2019: 4 games, 2 goals; finished third – Copa América 2021: 6 games, 3 goals; Argentina won – 2022 Finalissima (CONMEBOL–UEFA): 1 game, 1 goal; Argentina won – Copa América 2024: 6 games, 5 goals; top scorer (Golden Boot) and tournament-winner (scored extra-time winner in final) [!] – 2022 FIFA World Cup: Started first two games (ankle injury), then bench role. Scored decisive penalty in QF shootout vs. Netherlands. Sub in final vs. France. Notable Performances & Moments – Scored match-winner vs Chile in Copa América 2024 group stage (88′ minute) to reach quarters [!] – Golden Boot in 2024 Copa América with 5 goals, matching best Argentine tally since 2000s [!] – Extra-time winner in 2024 final vs Colombia at Miami (112′ minute) [!] Penalty Record 5/6 scored (83% success rate) – Decisive in shootouts (e.g., 2022 WC QF vs. Netherlands) Manager Relationships Under Lionel Scaloni, Martínez often featured as super‑sub early in tournaments (especially Copa América 2024), yet delivered match-defining goals. Scaloni praised his professionalism amid rotational decisions  |
| Argentina U20 | Years 2016–2017: 2017 U-20 WC & 2017 SA U-20 Championship Key Context Top scorer (5 goals) in U-20 SA Championship. Nasal injury before U-20 WC limited impact |
Major Achievements at Club Level | |
| Team Trophies (with Inter Milan) | • Serie A: Champion 2020‑21, 2023‑24 • Coppa Italia: Winner 2021‑22, 2022‑23 • Supercoppa Italiana: Winner 2021, 2022, 2023 ~ Key striker in Inter’s 2020/21 Scudetto (ended Juventus’ 9-year dominance). Top scorer (24 goals) in 2023/24, earning Serie A MVP 24. [!]  |
| Historic Records | • Became Inter’s all‑time foreign top scorer, and Inter’s all‑time top scorer in Champions League with 21 goals [!] • First foreign player to score 150+ goals for Inter • Most goals in a UCL campaign for Inter (9 in 2024/25) Surpassed legends like Roberto Boninsegna and Hernán Crespo [!] |
| Individual Awards (Club/League) | • Serie A Top Scorer (Capocannoniere): 2023‑24 (24 goals) • Serie A Most Valuable Player: 2023‑24 season • Footballer of the Year (Gran Galà del Calcio AIC): 2023‑24 • Named Serie A Team of the Year (AIC, 2023‑24) [!] • Europa League Team of the Season: 2019‑20 • Golden Foot Award: 2024 winner (international lifetime achievement) [!] First Inter player since 2007 to win the Capocannoniere. Also named Serie A MVP same season. |
| Historic Feats | – 4 goals as a sub vs. Salernitana (2023) – Serie A record [!] – 100th Serie A goal in 2024 (fastest Inter player since 2000s)  |
Current Club Form (2024–25 Season) | |
| Recent Seasons’ Performance | 2023–24: Inter captain secured Serie A title, scoring 24 league goals and 27 goals across all competitions—club top scorer and league MVP. He also scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana final and was named Man of the Match. [!] 2024–25 (so far): 24 goals, 5 assists in 53 appearances (all comps) as of August 2025. Scored Inter’s 150th career goal in UCL quarter-finals vs. Bayern Munich. (12 Serie A, 9 Champions League, 1 Supercoppa, 2 Club World Cup) |
| Leadership Role | Officially named Inter club captain in July 2023, with Nicolo Barella as vice-captain. Widely described as “captain first, striker second” by Gazzetta dello Sport and Football Italia, praised for leadership and consistency. ~ First Argentine to captain Inter since Javier Zanetti. Symbolic of the club’s post-Handanović era. |
| 2024–25 Highlights | – UCL hat-trick vs. Monaco (Jan 2025) – 150th Inter goal (April 2025), becoming the first to score in 5 consecutive UCL matches for the club ~ Critical in Inter’s back-to-back UCL finals (2023, 2025) |
| Injury Updates | – Hamstring scare in March 2025 (missed Argentina qualifiers) but avoided major damage. [!] – Played through minor flexor strain in UCL semi-final vs. Barcelona |
| Form Notes & Trends | Despite minor criticism for a mid-season dip (reflected in fan commentary), his statistical output remains strong. As of early 2025, he maintains elite scoring form and continues to deliver in big games. |
Quotes from Coaches & Influences | |
| Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan Manager (2021–2025) “Lautaro is the soul of this team. His hunger and leadership are unmatched. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a symbol of Inter’s identity.” ~ Praising Martínez’s captaincy and work ethic during the 2023–24 Scudetto win. |
| Antonio Conte | Inter Milan Manager (2019–2021) “He’s a serious guy, committed and working. I’m glad to have him. He’s grown impressively but still has margins to improve.” ~ Highlighting Martínez’s development during the 2020/21 title campaign. |
| Diego Milito | Racing Club Teammate/Mentor “From day one, I saw his fire. He asked questions, stayed late to train, and wanted to absorb everything. Now he’s surpassing what I achieved.” ~ Reflecting on mentoring Martínez at Racing Club. |
| Romelu Lukaku | Inter Milan Teammate (2019–2021) “Playing with Lautaro is easy. He’s always in the right place, and his movement creates space for everyone. Our ‘LuLa’ partnership was instinctive.” ~ On their prolific strike partnership under Conte. |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina Teammate “El Toro is a warrior. He fights for every ball, and his energy lifts the team. In big games, you know he’ll deliver.” ~ Ahead of the 2024 Copa América final. |
| Cristian Chivu | Inter Milan Manager (2025–present) “His words after the Fluminense loss? That’s leadership. He demands excellence because he lives it. The squad respects that.” ~ Responding to Martínez’s post-Club World Cup criticism. |
| Javier Zanetti | Inter Milan Vice-President “He embodies Inter’s values—passion, humility, and grit. The armband isn’t just fabric to him; it’s a responsibility he honors.” ~ On Martínez inheriting the captaincy. |
Playing Style & Role | |
| Traditional Striker | Leads the line as Inter’s focal point in a 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1. Key Traits – Elite positioning in the box – Strong aerial ability despite modest height (1.74m) False Nine Drops deep to disrupt defensive lines, creating space for wingers/midfielders. Key Traits – Exceptional ball control in tight spaces – Vision to play through balls (e.g., assists for Thuram/Lukaku) Pressing Forward Initiates high presses, forcing defensive errors. Key Traits – Serie A’s top forward for pressures/90 (2023–24) – Triggers Inter’s counter-pressing system Link-Up Playmaker Connects midfield and attack with quick one-touch passes. Key Traits – 7.22 avg. rating as a forward (WhoScored) – Forms lethal partnerships (e.g., Lukaku, Thuram, Messi) Comparisons & Persona Nicknamed “El Toro” for his tenacity and charisma; compared to Sergio Agüero and Luis Suárez for technical finishing and work ethic. Former defender himself, giving defensive instinct in attack-line pressing. |
| Tactical Behavior | Positioning & Off‑the‑Ball Movement Operates primarily as a second striker or false nine, often dropping between the lines to draw defenders out and open space for teammates. Maintains a disciplined central position in the box, drifting into half‑spaces between center-backs and full-backs to exploit crossing opportunities. Frequently waits rather than chases possession, timing runs to perfection. Defensive Pressing & Transitions Acts as the first trigger in pressing under Conte—hunts the ball high, closes down defenders, and forces rushed clearances. Demonstrates high work-rate, covering 9km per 90 and regularly pressing in final-third build-up to disrupt opposition play. In-Play Transition Behavior In counter-attacks, Martinez often positions deeper or wide, then makes angled runs into the box at speed. In possession-heavy build-up, he drops into midfield to link play and act almost as a false nine or playmaker, facilitating ball progression and creating overloads. Preferred Tactical Systems Thrives in 3‑5‑2 (Conte’s Inter)—partnered with a target man like Lukaku. Also effective in 4‑2‑3‑1 and 4‑4‑2 diamond systems used by Argentina, where he can occupy half‑spaces and create dynamic movement in side-lines and channels. Role Adaptability & Weaknesses Offers versatility: can play as a poacher, creative false nine, or inside forward. However, his passing consistency can falter under pressure; tends to favour right-foot passes and is less effective linking to left-flank attackers without adjustment. Synergy in Twin-Striker Setup In partnerships (like with Lukaku or Thuram), he typically plays slightly deeper—receiving lay-offs, spinning defenders, and moving into goal-scoring positions created by partner’s hold-up play. The duo thrives in fluid off-ball interplay and coordinated transitions. |
| Key Strength | Clinical Finishing Lautaro consistently delivers precise, low-driven finishes—particularly effective from tight angles and inside the box. He often outperforms his xG (expected goals), showcasing sharp composure and ambidextrous shooting ability. Notably efficient in 1v1 scenarios. Intelligent Positioning Exceptional at timing runs into dangerous areas, especially between full-backs and centre-backs. Exploits half-spaces and stays just onside, helping him arrive in scoring positions without heavy physical duels. Frequently scores from near-post and pull-back zones. Short-Passing & Combinations Highly efficient in close quarters: links up well with attacking midfielders and partner strikers through quick one-twos, backheels, and intelligent flicks. Frequently drops deep to connect with midfielders and start transitions. Aerial Threat Despite Height At just 1.74 m, Lautaro wins a surprising number of aerial duels due to his explosive leap and anticipation. Has scored multiple headed goals in both Serie A and UCL, particularly attacking low crosses and near-post corners. Composed & Pressing-Intense Handles pressure well inside the box and during transitions—rarely rushes shots or passes. Also one of the most intense pressing forwards in Serie A, regularly leading Inter’s press and recovering second balls in the final third. Strength Per % – Clinical finishing: 85% conversion rate in Serie A (2023/24); ambidextrous shooter. – Aerial prowess: 12 headed goals since 2020 despite being 1.74m – Pressing: Top 10% of forwards for pressures/90 in Europe – Link-up play: 7.22 avg. rating (WhoScored); excels in one-touch combinations Preferred Systems – 3-5-2 (Inter): ★★★★★ – 4-4-2 (Argentina): ★★★★☆ – 4-2-3-1: ★★★☆☆ – 4-3-3: ★★☆☆☆ |
| Weaknesses | – Over-aggressive pressing (leaves midfield gaps) – Limited playmaking (0.15 xA/90) ~ Requires tactical balance (e.g., a defensive midfielder like Barella) |
Injuries & Suspensions | |
| Left hamstring strain (biceps femoris) | Year Mar 2025 Details Withdrew from Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers vs. Uruguay/Brazil after discomfort post-Atalanta match. Diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain [!]  |
| Flexor muscle strain | Year Apr 30 – May 4, 2025 Details Sustained during Champions League semi first leg vs Barcelona (3–3). Substituted at halftime after visible discomfort. [!]  |
| Muscle fatigue | Year May 9 – May 20, 2025 Details Minor fatigue, short-term absence in May |
Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 22 August 1997 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 27 years |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Place of Birth | Bahía Blanca, Argentina |
| Religion | Christian |
| Social Media | |
Relationship & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Agustina Gandolfo (married May 29, 2023) ~ Fitness trainer, entrepreneur, and former model. Met at a party hosted by Mauro Icardi in 2018. Owns Coraje, a Milan-based restaurant with Lautaro. [!]  |
| Children | Daughter Nina born 1 February 2021; son Theo born 7 August 2023 ~ Theo shares a birthday month with Lautaro. Family resides in Milan.  |
| How They Met | Introduced by Wanda Nara (Icardi’s ex-wife) at a 2018 party in Argentina. Relationship began months before Lautaro’s Inter transfer. Married in a lavish ceremony at Lake Como’s Villa d’Este (120 guests). [!] |
| Agustina’s Career | – Fitness trainer & social media influencer (1.7M Instagram followers) – Entrepreneur: Co-owns Coraje restaurant in Milan – Former amateur volleyball player and model |
| Languages & Interests | Fluent in Spanish, Italian and English. Enjoys family time, watching TV series, playing video games, Latin music, and is an animal lover with two dogs named Romeo and Venus. |
| Family & Background | Son of former player Mario Martínez and mother Karina Vanesa Gutiérrez; has two brothers Alan and Jano, the latter playing professional basketball. Maintains strong family values rooted in Bahía Blanca, Argentina. |
| Lifestyle | – Enjoys luxury vacations (e.g., Miami yacht trips) [!] – Drives high-end cars but maintains humility  |
Off‑Pitch Profile | |
| Philanthropy | – Restaurant Gesture: Covered a €100 unpaid bill at Osteria Din Dan Don (Milan restaurant staffed by people with disabilities) and donated extra funds for meals. [!] – Bahía Blanca Flood Relief: Organized campaigns for his hometown after 2024 floods, citing family ties. [!] – Youth Football: Funds training programs in Bahía Blanca through local club Liniers. |
| Endorsements | – Nike: Primary sponsor since 2019; featured in global campaigns – Pirelli: Inter Milan’s sleeve sponsor; appears in joint promotions – Restaurant Venture: Co-owns Coraje in Milan with wife Agustina Gandolfo ~ Leverages image for commercial deals while maintaining local ties (e.g., Coraje reflects Argentine-Italian fusion) |
| Controversies | – 2025 Club World Cup Outburst: Publicly criticized teammates after Fluminense loss: “If you don’t want to stay, then leave”—later confirmed by Inter president Marotta to target Calhanoglu. The statement caused friction with players like Dumfries and Thuram, prompting internal intervention. Francesco Totti later commented that Martínez “did not pick the right moment” to speak out. [!] – Real Madrid Snub (2015): Father revealed turning down Madrid’s academy offer to prioritize development at Racing Club. |
Financial Profile & Career Contracts | |
| Current Market Value | Transfermarkt – €95M Transfermarkt estimates Lautaro’s value at €95 million as of August 2025—down from €100 m in 2024 due to a recent dip in form, especially in top‑tier matches. Football Transfers – €105.1M (ETV) Reflects his status as Inter’s captain and top scorer. [!] Comparison: • 2023: €80M • 2021: €70M (post-Copa América win) |
| Transfer History | 4 July 2018: Racing Club → Inter Milan for €22.7–25m (reports vary but most recent official fee is €25m). Only one professional transfer in his career. Notable: • Rejected Real Madrid’s academy offer in 2015 to stay at Racing • 2020: Barcelona’s €111M release clause bid failed due to financial constraints. [!] |
| Contract Details (Inter Milan) | Current Contract – Until June 2029 Weekly Salary – £183,000 (€214,000) Annual Salary – €16.67M (2024/25) Release Clause – None (removed in 2020 renewal) Salary Progression: 2019: €2.2M/year → 2020: €6M/year → 2024: €16.67M/year |
| Estimated Net Worth | SalarySport – £47.5M (€55M) Includes salary, bonuses, and endorsements [!] Investments: Co-owns Coraje restaurant in Milan with wife Agustina Gandolfo [!]   |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals does Martínez have?
As of mid‑June 2025, Martínez has scored around 153 goals in 335 appearances for Inter Milan (all competitions). With Argentina, he has added approximately 32 goals in about 70 caps.
Did Lautaro Martínez win the World Cup?
Yes. He was part of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring a decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout vs. Netherlands
Who is Lautaro Martínez’s idol?
He has repeatedly stated that his childhood idol was Radamel Falcao, admiring his passion and finishing during Falcao’s time at River Plate and Colombia.
How many trophies has Lautaro Martínez won?
With Inter: 2× Serie A, 2× Coppa Italia, 3× Supercoppa Italiana. With Argentina: 2022 World Cup, Copa América in 2021 & 2024, plus 2022 Finalissima. He’s also been runner-up twice in both Champions League and Europa League.
What is Lautaro Martínez’s nickname?
“El Toro” (The Bull). Teammates at Racing Club gave him the name for his aggressive playing style and power in duels.