Emiliano Martinez playing for the Argentina national soccer team on the pitch.
A London Bus Stop Encounter
Emiliano Martinez is known for his unshakable confidence on the pitch. But away from the stadium, the Argentina goalkeeper was once too intimidated to speak to the woman who would become his wife.
Emiliano Martinez looking focused during a match on the soccer pitch.
In 2013, shortly after joining Arsenal, the 33-year-old crossed paths with Amanda “Mandinha” Gama. The two frequented the same London bus stop on their daily commutes.
Speaking in his Netflix documentary, Martinez admitted he lacked the courage to make the first move. “I used to see her get on the bus every day to go to work,” Martinez said. “I was too shy to say anything, but I couldn’t stop looking at her.”
Overcoming the Nerves
At the time, Mandinha was working at her parents’ local restaurant. She noticed the quiet footballer but entirely misinterpreted his silence.
“He would always look away when we crossed paths,” she revealed. “I actually asked his friend why he wouldn’t say hello, and I thought he was just being arrogant!”
The standoff broke when Martinez finally sent her a message. He explained his shyness and asked her out for coffee.
“It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to finally ask her out,” Martinez recalled. “I saw her at the station one day, built up the nerve to talk to her, and we went to eat something nearby. We’ve been together ever since.”
Building a Life Together
Mandinha stood by Martinez as he navigated early career uncertainty, enduring multiple loan spells before finding stability at the top of the sport. The couple married in May 2017 at the historic Brocket Hall estate near London.
Emiliano Martinez posing on the pitch alongside his wife and two children.
“Our perfect day,” Mandinha said of their wedding. “I am lucky enough to have married my soulmate and my best friend.”
They share two children: a son named Santiago, born in June 2018, and a daughter, Ava, born in July 2021. Martinez famously missed Ava’s birth while competing in the Copa America, a tournament he ultimately helped Argentina win.
Away from soccer, Mandinha is a professional interior designer. She founded MiSuenos Kids, a company initially focused on luxury children’s decor that has since expanded to include toys and clothing.
World Cup Glory
Martinez’s career hit historic heights during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He became the first Aston Villa player to feature in a World Cup final.
His crucial penalty shootout save against France secured the trophy for the Albiceleste and earned him the prestigious Golden Glove award.
Today, Martinez remains a cornerstone for Argentina as the national team aims to secure back-to-back World Cup triumphs against rivals like Spain.
