The Rise of Martinez: A Young Star in Women’s Football

omidbasir- Born in Capitan Bado, near the Brazilian border, handball was initially the primary sport for Martinez during her childhood. However, her father, Timeteo, who played football, introduced her to the sport by taking her to his matches. This experience fostered her love for football, which she then played with her cousins and classmates. At the age of 15, she transitioned to a five-a-side team and subsequently joined Sportivo Ameliano after relocating to Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay.

This move, approximately 400 kilometers south, brought considerable changes. In Capitan Bado, Guarani and Portuguese were the predominant languages, while in Asuncion, Martinez had to adapt her Spanish skills. More significantly, she was excited by the abundance of football opportunities.

“When I arrived in Asuncion, I was struck by the vast 11-a-side pitches. I had never played on such a field before,” Martinez told La Nacion last year. “It was a new experience, but I adapted quickly.”

After a year, she transferred to Club Olimpia, the city’s most successful club, where she began her journey with Paraguay’s youth national teams. In 2024, she participated in the Copa Libertadores and represented her country at both the U17 South American Championship and the U20 Women’s World Cup, marking the beginning of her promising career on larger stages.

In 2025, Martinez truly announced herself to the world. Following her stellar performance as the top scorer at the U17 South American Championship, which helped Paraguay secure its first women’s football title, she carried that momentum into her debut major tournament with the senior team at the end of 2024.

In the tournament’s opening match against Bolivia, Martinez scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory. She added goals against Colombia and Brazil before netting a late winner against Venezuela, concluding the group stage. Although Paraguay did not advance to the semi-finals, they reached the fifth-place match, securing qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games.

At the tournament’s conclusion, Martinez received individual accolades, sharing the Golden Boot with Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres and earning a spot on the Copa America Best XI at just 17 years old.

Her impressive performances drew attention from elite clubs worldwide, culminating in a significant transfer to the Washington Spirit for a reported fee of $950,000 (£697,000), placing it among the top ten most expensive moves in women’s football history.

Martinez has signed a three-year contract, with an option for an additional year, and will join a talented roster in the NWSL, including U.S. star Trinity Rodman.

Martinez’s greatest strength lies in her finishing ability, characterized by a powerful right-foot strike and adeptness with her left foot. Her excellent movement off the ball creates numerous scoring opportunities, paired with remarkable speed and strong technical skills, allowing her to thrive even without top-notch service.

Notably, the 18-year-old also makes significant contributions when her team is out of possession, demonstrating a commitment to defensive duties, which highlights her commendable attitude and character.

While Martinez has showcased her potential at the youth level and made an impressive impact at last year’s Copa America, the next challenge will be to consistently display her talent in a competitive league like the NWSL.

At 18, she is still physically developing and will need to strengthen her frame to compete against seasoned defenders and enhance her overall threat. These are natural challenges for a player of her age and can be addressed with experience.

Her agility, versatility in finishing, and innate goal-scoring instincts evoke comparisons to Sam Kerr, albeit with recognized differences in strength and aerial prowess due to age and experience. Nonetheless, Martinez has exhibited potential in aerial situations, which she can develop over time.

As she embarks on her NWSL journey, Martinez faces the challenge of integrating with her new team while participating in the U20 CONMEBOL Women’s Championship, extending her absence until late February. This timing may delay her adaptation to the league and impact her immediate contributions.

Despite the competition for starting positions in a star-studded lineup that includes Rodman, Martinez may benefit from a supportive environment that allows for growth. This year is poised to be pivotal for her development, as she plays a crucial role in Paraguay’s aspirations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.