40 Facts About Anthony Martial

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Anthony Martial's journey to football stardom began in France, where his talent quickly became evident.

1. Martial was born on December 5, 1995, in Massy, Essonne, France.
2. He started his youth football career at Les Ulis, a club known for producing talents like Thierry Henry.
3. Martial later moved to Lyon, where his professional journey took off.

Rise to Prominence at Monaco

Martial's move to Monaco marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his potential on a bigger stage.

4. In 2013, Martial transferred to Monaco for €6 million.
5. Over two seasons, he made notable contributions to the team, catching the eye of top European clubs.

Record-Breaking Transfer to Manchester United

Martial's transfer to Manchester United was a landmark moment, making headlines worldwide.

6. In 2015, Martial signed with Manchester United for an initial fee of £36 million.
7. This transfer made him the highest-paid teenager in football history at the time.

Impactful Debut Season at Manchester United

Martial's debut season at Manchester United was nothing short of spectacular, earning him numerous accolades.

8. He made his debut on September 12, 2015, against Liverpool, scoring in a 3–1 win.
9. Martial won the Golden Boy Award in 2015 for being the best under-21 player in Europe.
10. He helped Manchester United win the FA Cup in the 2015–16 season, scoring a crucial goal in the semi-final.
11. Martial finished his debut season as Manchester United's top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions.
12. In September 2015, he was named Premier League Player of the Month.

Continued Success and Challenges

Martial's career at Manchester United saw both triumphs and trials, reflecting his resilience and talent.

13. He made his Champions League debut on October 21, 2015, against CSKA Moscow, scoring an equalizer.
14. Martial helped Manchester United win the EFL Cup in the 2016–17 season.
15. He won his first European trophy with Manchester United in the 2017 UEFA Europa League Final.
16. In December 2018, Manchester United extended Martial's contract until 2020.
17. He signed a new five-year contract in January 2019, keeping him at the club until 2024.

Best Goalscoring Season

Martial's 2019–20 season was his most prolific, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.

18. He netted 23 times in all competitions during the 2019–20 season.
19. Martial scored his first senior hat-trick in a 3–0 win against Sheffield United on June 24, 2020.

Red Card Incident and Loan to Sevilla

Martial faced some setbacks, including a notable red card and a loan spell in Spain.

20. On October 4, 2020, Martial received his first red card for hitting Erik Lamela.
21. In January 2022, he was loaned to Sevilla until the end of the 2021–22 season, scoring one goal in 12 games.

Return to Manchester United and Departure

After his loan, Martial returned to Manchester United but eventually decided to move on.

22. Martial struggled with fitness issues upon his return.
23. He played his last match for Manchester United on December 9, 2023.
24. On May 27, 2024, Martial announced his departure from Manchester United.
25. He signed with AEK Athens in the Super League Greece.

International Career with France

Martial has also made significant contributions to the French national team.

26. He made his senior debut for France in 2015 under Didier Deschamps.
27. Martial has earned 30 caps for France, scoring twice.
28. He represented France in the UEFA Euro 2016, appearing in the final against Portugal.
29. Before joining the senior team, Martial played for France's under-16 to under-21 teams.

Club Career Statistics and Achievements

Martial's career statistics highlight his impact and achievements on the field.

30. He played 317 times for Manchester United, scoring 90 goals and providing 47 assists.
31. Martial holds several goalscoring records at Manchester United.
32. He scored two goals in his first Premier League start against Southampton on September 19, 2015.
33. Martial won Manchester United's Goal of the Month award for his strike against Liverpool in September 2015.
34. He was named PFA Fan's Player of the Month for September 2015.
35. Martial scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–0 win against Young Boys on August 8, 2018.
36. His first league goal for Manchester United came in a 3–2 comeback against Newcastle United on August 11, 2018.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite facing personal challenges, Martial's legacy in football remains strong.

37. Martial has faced personal life issues that affected his performance on the field.
38. His contract with Manchester United included an initial fee of £36 million and £21.6 million in potential bonus payments.
39. The contract also had three bonus clauses worth £7.2 million each.
40. Throughout his nine-year tenure at Manchester United, Martial established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

Martial's Impact on Football

Anthony Martial's journey from Les Ulis to Manchester United and now AEK Athens showcases his undeniable talent and resilience. His record-breaking transfer to United, winning the Golden Boy Award, and scoring crucial goals in major tournaments highlight his prowess on the field. Despite facing personal and fitness challenges, Martial's contributions to Manchester United and the France national team remain significant. His memorable moments, like the FA Cup semi-final winner and his first senior hat-trick, have cemented his legacy. Now at AEK Athens, Martial continues to pursue excellence in football. His career, marked by highs and lows, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring footballers. Martial's story is a testament to dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the world of football.