Signing Info:
Transferred from: AS Monaco, 31/08/2015, £36m
Previous Clubs:
Olyimpique Lyon, AS Monaco, Seville (loan)
Debut:
12/09/2015 v Liverpool (H) 3-1 (Premiership)
Farewell:
Released from contract, 01/07/2024
Passed Away:
Biography
Anthony Joran Martial (born 5 December 1995, Massy, France) is a French professional footballer best known for his time as a forward at Manchester United. Blessed with pace, close control, and a composed finishing style, Martial built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers after a sensational breakthrough in English football.
Early Life & Youth Career
Martial grew up in the Southern Paris suburbs and joined Les Ulis from 2001 before the Olympique Lyonnais academy, he then moved to AS Monaco in 2013. It was at Monaco that his raw talent began to flourish, with his performances in Ligue 1 attracting attention from elite clubs across Europe.
Manchester United Career
In September 2015, Martial completed a high-profile transfer to Manchester United, becoming one of the most expensive teenagers in football history at the time. He made an instant impact, famously scoring on his Premier League debut against Liverpool, a goal that immediately endeared him to supporters.
During his early seasons at Old Trafford, Martial won the Golden Boy award in 2015, recognising him as Europe’s best young player. He played a key role in United’s success winning an FA Cup with Louis van Gaal & was a key member under José Mourinho, helping the club secure the EFL Cup v Southampton, and featured as a substitute for Marcus Rashford in the UEFA Europa League final win over Ajax.
Martial enjoyed his most productive individual campaign in the 2019–20 season, finishing as Manchester United’s joint top scorer across all competitions with 23 goals in 48 appearances. His ability to operate both as a central striker and from the left wing made him a versatile attacking option under multiple managers.
On 24/06/2020 during a Premiership fixture v Sheffield United, Martial 7', 44', 74' became the 1st Frenchman to score a hat-trick or better for Manchester United.
However, his later years at United were disrupted by injuries and competition for places, leading to loan spells away from the club as he sought regular first-team football.
Loan Spell & Later Career
In January 2022, Martial joined Sevilla on loan in La Liga, gaining experience in Spanish football. Although his time in Spain was hampered by fitness issues, it marked another chapter in a career spent at the highest level of European competition.
International Career
Martial represented France at youth level before earning senior caps for France national football team. He was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2021, adding international silverware to his honours.
Martial was released from contract, 01/07/2024 before a move to AEK Athens in Greece, the French forward then moved to Mexico where he played for Monterray.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 18', Marcus Rashford 25', Jan Bednarek 34' (o.g.), Edinson Cavani 39', Anthony Martial 69', 90', Scott McTominay 71', Bruno Fernandes 87' (pen), Daniel James 90'+3