Josef Martinez, San Diego Earthquakes Forward #17: Career & Impact
When Josef Martínez steps onto the pitch for the San Jose Earthquakes, you just know you’re watching one of MLS’s most proven forwards. He’s a striker with a long history of scoring at the top level, now donning the number 17 shirt in San Jose.
At 31, Martínez brings experience from Atlanta United, Inter Miami, and CF Montréal, plus years of international duty for Venezuela.
You see more than his club résumé, though. Martínez owns an MLS MVP award, a Golden Boot, and a league title. Those achievements explain exactly why San Jose wanted him. His time in Europe with Torino and BSC Young Boys shaped his early career, but he really built his reputation as one of MLS’s most reliable finishers.
Now, with the Earthquakes, you get to follow how he adapts in 2025, how he matches up with rivals like San Diego FC, and what kind of impact he’s got left on a league he’s already helped define. This is where his story shifts into its next chapter—and honestly, it’s one you’ll want to keep an eye on.
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Josef Martinez: Profile and Background
Here’s a forward whose career stretches across South America, Europe, and Major League Soccer. His path shows steady growth, adaptability, and a knack for scoring goals at every stop.
Early Life and Youth Career
Josef Alexander Martínez Mencia was born May 19, 1993, in Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela. His football education started at Caracas FC’s academy, where he picked up the skills that shaped his professional career.
He made his senior debut for Caracas in August 2010, coming on as a sub in a 1–0 win over Estudiantes de Mérida. By November, he’d already scored his first pro goal in a 2–2 draw with Deportivo Petare.
Caracas gave him the foundation to earn a move abroad. In January 2012, Swiss side Young Boys signed him and fellow Venezuelan Alexander González. Martínez went on loan to Thun and scored eight goals in 18 league matches. That run highlighted his natural finishing ability and set him up for the next step in Europe.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
At 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in), Martínez doesn’t tower over defenders, but his game is built on explosiveness and sharp movement. His low center of gravity lets him change direction quickly, making him tough to mark inside the box.
He thrives on timing his runs behind the back line and finishing with precision. He can score with either foot and his head, even though he’s not the tallest guy out there.
Martínez presses with real intensity. He chases down defenders, forces mistakes, and creates chances from turnovers. While he’s not a classic target forward, his quick acceleration and strong balance make him dangerous in transition.
Key Attributes:
- Acceleration and agility
- Clinical finishing
- Positional awareness
- High work rate off the ball
Path to Major League Soccer
After Switzerland, Martínez joined Torino in Italy’s Serie A in 2014. He played three seasons there, often as a winger under coach Siniša Mihajlović. His versatility helped him adjust, but his goal numbers were modest.
In early 2017, Atlanta United brought him to MLS on loan. He made an immediate impact—five goals in his first three league matches. The club quickly made the move permanent, and by the end of that year he’d scored 20 goals in all competitions, even after missing time with injuries.
From 2017 to 2022, Martínez became the face of Atlanta United. He won the 2018 MLS MVP, Golden Boot, and MLS Cup Final MVP. He set league records for most consecutive matches with a goal and became the fastest ever to reach 100 MLS goals.
His career then included stops at Inter Miami in 2023 and CF Montréal in 2024. In January 2025, he signed with the San Jose Earthquakes, bringing his scoring pedigree to Northern California.
MLS Career Stats (as of August 2025)
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United | 2017–2022 | 131 | 93 |
| Inter Miami | 2023 | 27 | 7 |
| CF Montréal | 2024 | 23 | 11 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2025– | 22 | 11 |
Martínez’s journey shows how you can adapt across leagues and still be a reliable scorer. His move to San Jose highlights both his experience and his ongoing ability to influence matches at the top level.
San Jose Earthquakes and the Signing of Josef Martinez
Josef Martinez arrives in San Jose as a proven scorer with a decorated MLS career. He brings both experience and production to a roster reshaped under Bruce Arena. The club wants to strengthen its attack with a player who’s delivered goals year after year.
Signing Details and Free Agency Move
San Jose signed Martinez through free agency after his contract with CF Montréal ended. The deal runs through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. That gives San Jose some flexibility while locking in an established forward for now.
At 31, Martinez enters his ninth MLS season. He’s starred for Atlanta United, Inter Miami, and Montréal. His résumé? The 2018 MLS MVP award, a Golden Boot, and an MLS Cup title.
Martinez joined a select group—just 13 players have scored at least 100 MLS goals. He got there faster than anyone else, in only 125 games. For San Jose, that means a reliable scorer and a veteran presence in the locker room.
Details of the contract:
| Contract Length | Club Option | Age at Signing | Previous Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year (2025) | 2026 | 31 | CF Montréal |
Role as Forward #17
Martinez will wear No. 17, a number that carries weight for a player expected to lead the front line. His job is clear: score goals and give the attack a consistent target.
He’ll play as a central striker, where he’s most comfortable. His finishing inside the box and instinctive movement are still his calling cards.
With Cristian Arango also in the squad, San Jose now has two of the top seven players in MLS history in goals per 90 minutes.
Martinez’s production has stayed steady, even as he’s moved clubs. In 2024, he scored 14 goals across all competitions with Montréal. Wearing No. 17, he’ll try to keep that form going for the Earthquakes.
Integration into the Club
Joining a new team always takes some adjustment, but Martinez has done this before. He’s played in Italy with Torino, Switzerland with Young Boys, and MLS with three other clubs. That background should help him settle in quickly at San Jose.
His role goes beyond just scoring. Younger players can pick up a lot from how he positions himself, times his runs, and finishes. He also gives the Earthquakes another attacking option, so Arango doesn’t have to carry the scoring load alone.
San Jose’s roster has been in flux under Bruce Arena. Adding Martinez fits the plan—mixing proven MLS veterans with emerging talent. His ability to contribute in MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup makes him valuable in a packed schedule.
Coach and Team Reactions
Head coach Bruce Arena called Martinez an “accomplished goalscorer” and highlighted his value to the attack. That says a lot about how much the club trusts him to make an impact right away.
Teammates welcomed the move, since his track record really does speak for itself. Having a forward with over 100 career MLS goals changes how opponents prepare for San Jose. It also adds balance to a squad that sometimes struggled to finish chances.
You can bet Martinez will be central to the team’s strategy in 2025. His history of winning trophies with Atlanta and Inter Miami proves he knows what it takes at the highest level. That experience, combined with Arena’s leadership, puts him in a key spot for San Jose’s playoff push.
Martinez started his professional career with Caracas FC and came up through their youth academy before heading abroad. Not many MLS players can match that kind of arc. His arrival signals San Jose wants to compete now—not wait for later.
For more details on the signing, check out the official announcement from the Earthquakes.
Impact and Performance in the 2025 MLS Season
Josef Martínez has given San Jose a proven finisher who knows how to change matches. His experience and scoring instincts have already shaped the club’s attack in important ways.
Key Matches and Goals
Martínez made an immediate impact at PayPal Park. In April, he scored against D.C. United—a goal that pushed him closer to the top of the all-time MLS scoring chart.
That strike mattered for more than just the result. Thirty years after the league’s first match, he delivered in front of a packed home crowd.
He also played a decisive role in San Jose’s second straight win early in the season, netting the match-winner against San Diego FC. That goal showed his ability to perform in rivalry games and stay composed in the box.
At 31, the former MLS MVP from Venezuela—who played at Caracas FC’s academy before turning pro—still shows sharp movement and timing. You can see how his finishing instincts elevate the Earthquakes’ attack, especially when he links up with Cristian Arango.
Statistical Achievements
Martínez started the season ranked seventh on MLS’s all-time scoring list. By midseason, he’d added to that total, inching closer to the 120-goal mark.
His production remains steady, even as the club manages his minutes more carefully than during his Atlanta United peak.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 regular-season stats so far:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Minutes Played | 980 |
| Shots on Target | 18 |
You notice the efficiency. He averages a goal every 163 minutes, which keeps him among the league’s most reliable forwards. For a club needing veteran scoring, that ratio really means something.
MLS Team of the Matchday Honors
You expected Martínez to earn recognition, and he’s delivered. He picked up multiple MLS Team of the Matchday nods, including after his decisive goal against San Diego FC.
Those honors prove he still steps up in high-pressure games.
The league spotlighted his sharp finishing and leadership, highlighting how he lifts San Jose’s attack when matches get tight.
If you’ve watched him on MLS Season Pass, you’ve probably noticed not just his goals, but the energy he brings to the front line.
Even in a new environment, Martínez keeps showing he’s a difference-maker.
His steady performances give San Jose a forward who commands respect from opponents every week.
Rivalries and Notable Matches: San Diego FC and Beyond
Rivalries really come alive through individual performances, don’t they?
Josef Martinez, who played at Georgia State University, steps into these big moments with precision, shaping matches that define both standings and stories.
His role in these games shows how one forward can swing momentum.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC
The first-ever meeting between San Jose Earthquakes and San Diego FC carries extra weight.
San Diego sits atop the Western Conference, while San Jose is fighting to get back into playoff contention.
Martinez’s finishing makes him central to this matchup.
San Diego’s attack, with Anders Dreyer and Milan Iloski leading the way, has averaged over two goals per game lately.
San Jose leans on Martinez’s 11 goals to stay in the mix.
The contrast is pretty clear: San Diego spreads out their scoring, but San Jose rides its striker.
Recent Form (Last 10 Matches)
| Team | Record | Goals Scored | Goals Allowed | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego FC | 7-2-1 | 24 | 14 | Anders Dreyer |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2-4-4 | 16 | 19 | Josef Martinez |
This match in San Jose puts the spotlight on Martinez carrying a heavy scoring load, while San Diego spreads production across its lineup.
You can expect a physical, high-tempo clash between two clubs with very different styles (AP News).
Memorable Encounters with Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake usually gives Martinez-led teams a tough time.
Their compact defense makes you search for space in tight spots.
For a striker like Martinez, timing and positioning matter so much.
In past games, Martinez thrived on quick transitions.
Real Salt Lake’s midfield presses high, leaving gaps behind the back line.
When you watch, you see Martinez drifting into those spaces, punishing defenders with sharp movement.
These games often stay low-scoring, where one chance can decide everything.
Martinez’s calm finishing has given his side an edge, especially late in the second half.
Battles Against LAFC and Inter Miami CF
Few matches get as much attention as those against LAFC and Inter Miami CF.
LAFC’s aggressive attack forces you to defend deeper, opening up counterattacks.
Martinez uses these moments to exploit mismatches with slower center backs.
Against Inter Miami CF, things shift a little.
Global stars draw the spotlight, but Martinez’s steady play remains crucial.
His knack for scoring in high-pressure games makes him a reliable option in these big matchups.
These contests aren’t just about standings—they’re about proving yourself against the league’s best.
For Martinez, it’s a stage to show his finishing and work rate hold up against top talent.
Josef Martinez’s Legacy in Major League Soccer
You see Josef Martinez’s name near the top of almost every scoring chart.
His career stands out for both consistency and impact.
His records, awards, and influence on younger strikers have made him one of the league’s most important forwards.
All-Time MLS Scoring Records
When you check out MLS goal scorers, Martinez stands out for his speed and efficiency.
He became the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goals, doing it in just 125 matches.
That put him in rare company and locked in his place among the all-time greats.
By 2025, Martinez had scored 116 goals in regular-season play.
That tally placed him seventh all-time, right up there with some legends.
He’s also added over 20 assists, showing he can do more than just finish.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his MLS scoring record:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Regular Season Goals | 116 |
| Regular Season Assists | 20 |
| Games Played | 184 |
| Goals per 90 Minutes | 0.783 |
| Fastest to 100 Goals | 125 GP |
That scoring rate—almost 0.8 goals per 90 minutes—ranks among the best ever.
Not many forwards have matched that kind of production year after year.
Awards and Honors
Martinez’s trophy case tells a big part of his story.
In 2018, he picked up MLS MVP, the Golden Boot, and the MLS Cup Final MVP while leading Atlanta United to a championship.
That year still stands as one of the most dominant seasons by any forward in MLS.
He also earned individual honors like MLS Best XI (2017–2019), MLS All-Star selections, and the All-Star Game MVP in 2019.
Team success followed too, with trophies in the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup.
Later, he spent time with Inter Miami, CF Montréal, and now San Jose Earthquakes.
Even as he changed clubs, he kept scoring and proving why he’s still a valuable striker.
Influence on Future Forwards
You don’t measure Martinez’s legacy just by counting goals. He actually changed what it means to play forward in MLS. His mix of speed, clever movement, and finishing forced defenders to rethink how they played against him.
Younger strikers watched his runs and tried to mimic the way he slipped into open space. That knack for finding gaps inside the box? It’s something a lot of kids now try to add to their own games.
His success really put a spotlight on South American talent in MLS. These days, players from Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina can look at his career and see a real shot at making it big in the league.
When you stack him up against other top forwards—think Chris Wondolowski or Bradley Wright-Phillips—Martinez stands out. He didn’t need a ton of chances; he just needed one or two, and he’d usually bury them. There’s something impressive about that kind of ruthless efficiency.
For young attackers, his journey from Caracas FC to Torino and then MLS is kind of a guide. It shows you can arrive, adapt fast, and leave a real stamp on the league.
