Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez is currently one of the standout players in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. He shares the top scorer title in the tournament with Flaco López, both having scored seven goals. Racing Club prepares to face Flamengo on October 22, and Martínez is a pivotal player for the Argentine side at the Maracanã Stadium.
Who is Adrián Maravilla Martínez?
Martínez, a prominent figure at Racing Club in Avellaneda, played an essential role in winning the 2024 Copa Sul-Americana against Cruzeiro. During that campaign, he netted 10 goals, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer. His journey in football is marked by perseverance and passion.
In 2014, Martínez faced a personal tragedy when his brother was shot three times, a case that remains unresolved. Wrongfully accused of seeking vengeance against the alleged shooter, he was detained for six months before proving his innocence. Despite this setback, Martínez forged a successful career without traditional youth academy training. His earlier jobs included working as a construction laborer and a garbage collector, experiences that helped shape his strong character.
Professional Career
- First Club: Began professional career in 2018 with Sol de América (Paraguay).
- Goals Scored: 13 goals in 20 matches at Sol de América.
- Next Step: Joined Libertad (Paraguay) and scored 24 goals in 87 appearances over three years.
- Loan Spell: Brief loan at Cerro Porteño in 2021, failing to score.
- Argentinian Clubs: Played for Defensores Unidos and Atlanta, in addition to stints in Paraguay and Coritiba.
- Racing Club: Joined in early 2024, becoming a fan favorite.
- Performance: In just 49 matches, he scored an impressive 30 goals, averaging 0.61 goals per game, contributing notably to the Copa Sul-Americana victory.
Contract and Salary Details
According to El-Balad, Racing Club has extended Martínez’s contract until December 2028. This new deal includes the highest buyout clause in Argentine football history, set at €122 million (approximately R$ 786 million).
His estimated annual salary is reported at USD 2,327,000, translating to around USD 48,500 weekly or R$ 13,263,900 per year, as stated by Salary Sport.
