Josef Martínez

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Martínez's journey to MLS stardom began in Venezuela with Caracas before he moved to Young Boys in Switzerland in 2012. After a loan spell at Thun where he netted eight goals, he joined Italian side Torino for €3 million in 2014, scoring his first Serie A goal against Palermo and adding a single goal against Copenhagen in the Europa League on October 23, 2014. His arrival at Atlanta United on February 2, 2017, was immediate and electric; despite suffering a quadriceps injury just weeks after signing, he returned to score a hat-trick against New England Revolution on May 7, 2017, and later added another against Orlando City on July 21, 2018. By 2018, Martínez had evolved into a global superstar, winning the MLS MVP and Golden Boot in one season. He broke the single-season scoring record with 31 goals and set a new MLS benchmark for consecutive games with a goal at 15, securing his place as the greatest player in Atlanta United history.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere shifted on June 2, 2018, when Martínez converted a late penalty against Philadelphia Union to notch his fifth MLS hat-trick, tying the league record. Just weeks later, on July 21 against DC United, he broke that record in just his 44th game. The defining moment of his dominance came on August 24, 2018, when he scored his 28th goal against Orlando City to shatter the single-season record held by Roy Lassiter and Chris Wondolowski. Utilizing quick footwork to cut back and chip goalkeeper Joe Bendik, Martínez set the new mark in just his 26th match of that season. The stadium erupted as he celebrated with teammates, cementing a campaign where Atlanta United won the MLS Cup and he was named MVP of both the regular season and the final. Even after a torn ACL tore through his 2020 season, he returned to score in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, proving his resilience against all odds.

Reader's Guide

Josef Martínez arrived at Atlanta United as an expansion signing in early 2017 and immediately established himself as the league's most dangerous finisher. His 2018 season remains the gold standard for MLS forwards, where he secured the MVP award, the Golden Boot, and led his team to an MLS Cup title. He holds critical records including six career hat-tricks in his first 44 games, 35 cumulative goals (regular and post-season), and a 15-game consecutive scoring streak. Martínez also became the fastest player in history to reach 100 league goals, achieving the milestone in just 125 matches. His impact extended beyond stats; he was named MLS Player of the Month for March, September, July, and August across his peak years. Although injuries limited him in 2020 and contract issues led to his departure after the 2022 season, his legacy as the greatest player in Atlanta United history is secure. He later joined Inter Miami in 2023, CF Montréal in 2024, San Jose Earthquakes in 2025, and Tijuana in 2026 before mutually parting ways.

Did You Know?

• Martínez scored his first MLS hat-trick on May 7, 2017, against New England Revolution.
• He holds the record for scoring 100 MLS goals faster than any other player, reaching the milestone in 126 regular-season games.
• In 2018, he became the most decorated single-season player in MLS history by winning multiple major awards.
• His 15-game consecutive goal-scoring streak is the longest in MLS history, though longer streaks exist in world football (e.g., Gerd Müller, Ferenc Puskás).
• Martínez scored his first Serie A goal for Torino in a 2–2 draw against Palermo on December 7, 2014.

Venezuelan Origins and European Development

Josef Alexander Martínez Mencia began his professional career with Caracas, making his debut on August 21, 2010, against Estudiantes de Mérida. He scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw with Deportivo Petare later that year. In January 2012, he moved to Swiss Super League club Young Boys alongside Alexander Gonzalez. After debuting against Servette, he scored his first goal for the club with a volley against Grasshoppers on October 21, 2012. A subsequent loan to Thun saw him score eight goals in 18 games, briefly becoming the league's top scorer before returning to Young Boys. In June 2014, Torino signed Martínez for €3 million. He debuted in a Europa League win against Brommapojkarna and scored his first Serie A goal against Palermo on December 7, 2014. He added a brace against Copenhagen in the Europa League and another brace in Serie A against Udinese in April 2016.

Record-Breaking Dominance at Atlanta United

Martínez joined Atlanta United on February 2, 2017, making his league debut on March 5 against New York Red Bulls. He scored the club's first-ever hat-trick against Minnesota United a week later. After activating a buyout clause in March, he suffered a quadriceps injury playing for Venezuela but returned to score consecutive hat-tricks, finishing his debut season with 20 goals and an MLS Best XI selection. The 2018 season was historic: he tied the hat-trick record in June and broke it in July after just 44 games. On August 24, he scored his 28th goal to break the single-season record of 31 goals. He also set a record for most consecutive games with a goal (15) in September 2019. Despite missing all of 2020 due to an ACL tear, he returned in 2021 to score against Inter Miami and Orlando City. In 2022, after winning the Goal of the Year award, he left the club following a fallout with manager Gonzalo Pineda.

International Career with Venezuela

Martínez is a former Venezuela under-20 international who made his senior debut on August 7, 2011, against El Salvador as a substitute. He has represented his nation at three Copa América tournaments. A standout moment occurred on November 10, 2016, when he scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in a 5–0 World Cup qualifier win in Maturín. His international career runs parallel to his club success, showcasing his ability to perform for his country alongside his record-breaking achievements at the MLS level.

Legacy and Impact on MLS

Regarded as one of the greatest players in MLS history, Martínez holds the records for most career hat-tricks (six), fastest to 100 goals (125 games), and most consecutive games with a goal (15). He was the first player to win MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Golden Boot, and MLS Cup Final MVP in a single season. His 31 goals in 2018 set a new benchmark for single-season scoring that stood until he broke it himself. Although he left Atlanta United after six seasons due to contract disputes, his status as the greatest player in the club's history remains undisputed. He continued his career with Inter Miami, CF Montréal, San Jose Earthquakes, and Tijuana before departing in 2026.