Josef Martínez, a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a striker, is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and exciting forwards in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. But unfortunately he will not be available to play at home against the Ecuadorians in the stadium where Venezuela recently won against Chile by 3-0.
So far Josef Martinez has 66 caps with the Venezuela men’s national football team since 2011, he has scored only 14 goals, with 2016 being his most productive year with the national team with 15 caps and 5 goals. Since then Martinez has had about 5 caps a year and no more than 2 goals.
The last time Josef scored a goal for Venezuela during the South American qualifiers was in 2022 in an on the road match against Uruguay, even though Venezuela lost that game, Josef scored the only unit to end the game 1-4.
The reason behind the absence of Josef Martinez
Josef Martinez was not called up to the game against Ecuador and Peru. There is no official confirmation from the team’s manager, ‘Bocha’ Bautista, but it is likely that the reason behind Josef’s absence is that he now has no team since early November.
Born in Valencia, Venezuela, on May 19, 1993, Martínez began his professional career at the tender age of 17 with Caracas FC, his hometown club. Although he played for a short time with European teams it was in the MLS with Atlanta United where Josef Martinez showed all his potential scoring 93 goals in 131 games.
In 2017, Martínez made a decision that would forever alter the trajectory of his career: he signed with Atlanta United FC of MLS. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Martínez made an immediate impact, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills, powerful shot, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net.
His exceptional talent, coupled with his unwavering dedication and infectious personality, has earned him a place among the league’s most beloved and respected players.