Josef Martínez 2018 Best XI Forward

Lore & Background

This honor cemented his legacy alongside other club legends, marking the peak of the 'Golden Era' under head coach Gerardo Martino. Martínez's inclusion in the Best XI was a rare feat for an expansion team player so soon after inception, signaling that Atlanta United had arrived as a genuine powerhouse. His ability to find space in crowded boxes and finish with clinical precision made him the undisputed number one choice for the forward position across the entire league.

In Their Own Story

The roar of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was deafening as Martínez received the ball on the edge of the box, his eyes locked on the top corner. With a single, explosive touch that defied gravity and time, he unleashed a strike that rattled the crossbar before bouncing into the net. The crowd erupted, not just for another goal, but for the realization that history was being written in real-time. In that moment, amidst the confetti of victory, it became clear: Josef Martínez was not just playing the game; he was owning it.

Reader's Guide

The 2018 season remains the pinnacle of Atlanta United's early dominance, anchored by Josef Martínez's extraordinary performance. He led the entire league in scoring with a staggering 31 goals, earning both the Golden Boot and his place on the Best XI. This achievement was fueled by his partnership with creative midfielders like Brooks Lennon and the tactical flexibility provided by Gerardo Martino.

Martínez's record-breaking campaign included multiple hat-tricks and crucial goals against rival teams, helping Atlanta secure a high playoff seed. His efficiency was unmatched; he averaged more than one goal per match for significant stretches of the season. The Best XI selection served as official recognition from peers and media that his contributions were not just statistically impressive but tactically transformative for the sport in North America.

Beyond the numbers, Martínez's presence elevated the entire squad, forcing opponents to play with a defensive caution that often left them vulnerable elsewhere. This trophy represents the moment Atlanta United became synonymous with attacking excellence.

Did You Know?

• Josef Martínez scored 31 goals in 2018, setting an MLS single-season record for goals by a forward at the time.
• He was the first player in club history to be named to the MLS Best XI.
• His 2018 campaign included a hat-trick against New York City FC and another against Toronto FC.
• Martínez's goal-scoring rate that season averaged better than one goal every 75 minutes played.