COPA AMÉRICA | ARGENTINA

How many penalties has Emiliano Martinez saved? The Argentina goalkeeper’s success rate

The Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper has built a reputation for saving penalties on the biggest stages, from Copa América to the World Cup.

BRETT DAVIS

Julián Chamero Roddy Cons

Update: Jul 19th, 2026 17:19 EDT

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and Spain’s Unai Simón could decide the outcome of the 2026 World Cup final.

For Martínez, another World Cup final represents another opportunity to add to a growing reputation as one of the best penalty stoppers in the world.

Emiliano Martínez became a World Cup hero in 2022

During Argentina’s previous World Cup final appearance, Martínez cemented his place among the game’s elite goalkeepers.

His most famous moment came in the dying seconds of extra time against France, when he produced a stunning save to deny Randal Kolo Muani and keep Argentina alive before the match went to a penalty shootout.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper has earned global recognition not only for his shot-stopping ability but also for his remarkable record against penalty kicks. His numbers, particularly in major competitions, are enough to worry any opponent that faces him from 12 yards.

Martínez’s penalty record with clubs

Martínez has produced memorable performances throughout his club career with Arsenal, Getafe and current club Aston Villa.

One of his standout moments came last season during Aston Villa’s UEFA Conference League quarterfinal against Lille. After the tie was decided by a penalty shootout, Martínez saved the decisive kick to send Unai Emery’s team into the next round.

His numbers with Aston Villa highlight his ability to read penalty takers. He has saved 5 of the 27 penalties he has faced for the club, giving him a save rate of 18.25%.

Of those five saves, four have come when Martínez dived to his right, while only one came when he went to his left.

Emiliano Martínez’s penalty record with Argentina

Martínez’s statistics become even more impressive when he wears Argentina’s famous blue and white jersey.

The goalkeeper has faced 25 penalties for his national team, saving nine. Thirteen have beaten him, while three were missed because the taker sent the ball wide or over the goal.

That gives Martínez a penalty save rate of 36% for Argentina. When including penalties that did not result in goals for any reason, his overall success rate rises to 48%.

Those numbers underline why opponents fear facing Martínez in the biggest moments.

Martínez’s biggest penalty shootout moments

Some of Martínez’s most iconic performances have come in penalty shootouts.

The goalkeeper played a decisive role in Argentina’s Copa América semifinal victory over Colombia in 2021, making key saves during the shootout. He then became a World Cup champion after helping Argentina defeat France on penalties in the 2022 final.

Beyond his reflexes, Martínez has developed a reputation for influencing penalty takers with his presence, confidence and ability to handle pressure.

With another World Cup final ahead, Argentina once again has one of soccer’s most feared penalty specialists ready for the biggest moment.