Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez has officially closed a historic chapter in Major League Soccer, moving to Club Tijuana in Liga MX. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the league’s most influential and iconic players, particularly during MLS’s rise in the late 2010s.
Josef Martínez quickly became the face of Atlanta United after joining in 2017 as the club’s first-ever Designated Player. His leadership and goal-scoring ability helped the expansion side transform into a dominant force in the league.
Josef Martínez’s Record-Breaking Achievements
Across his MLS career, Martínez scored 130 goals, 98 of them for Atlanta United, before later stints with Inter Miami, CF Montréal, and San Jose Earthquakes. His 2018 season stands out, as he scored 31 regular-season goals, claimed the Golden Boot, earned MLS MVP honors, and led Atlanta to MLS Cup glory, scoring in the final. That same year, the team also won the Supporters’ Shield, completing a rare domestic double.
He also helped the club win the 2018 Campeones Cup and the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, solidifying his role as the centerpiece of Atlanta United’s golden era. Multiple Best XI selections reflect his consistent excellence and influence on the field.
As he begins a new chapter with Xolos in Liga MX, Josef Martínez leaves an MLS record blending individual brilliance, team success, and cultural impact. Few players have matched his ability to inspire fans, dominate games, and define a period in the league’s history.
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