Josef Martínez 2019 Golden Boot

Lore & Background

The 2019 season arrived with high expectations for Atlanta United, but no one anticipated the sheer velocity at which Josef Martínez would score. Known affectionately as 'El Pistolero,' his ability to find space in crowded boxes was nothing short of surgical. The Golden Boot race that year was a thrilling duel, with Martínez ultimately finishing second to Carlos Vela's record 34 goals. Martínez's tally of 31 was still a historic achievement, making him only the second player to breach the 30-goal barrier in an MLS regular season.

Beyond the raw numbers, the trophy symbolizes a shift in how strikers were viewed in the league. Martínez combined traditional poaching instincts with modern movement, often dragging defenders out of position to create space for teammates like Ezequiel Barco or Gerson (in later years). His partnership with playmakers turned Atlanta's attack into a relentless machine. The 2019 Golden Boot remains a benchmark for excellence, a reminder that when the Venezuelan striker was at his peak, no defense in North America could stop him.

In Their Own Story

The noise of Mercedes-Benz Stadium fades into a dull roar as Josef Martínez stands over the ball, twenty yards out. It's late November 2019; the Supporters' Shield is already secured, but the final tally matters to history books. He takes a touch, feints left, and slots the ball past the keeper with his weaker foot. The net ripples. Thirty-one. The number hangs in the humid Georgia air, heavier than any previous record. Teammates rush him, not just for a goal, but because they know: the Golden Boot is finally, undeniably theirs.

Reader's Guide

The 2019 MLS season was defined by Atlanta United's relentless pursuit of dominance, anchored by Josef Martínez's historic goal-scoring run. Entering the campaign as defending champions in spirit and Supporters' Shield contenders, the team relied heavily on their striker to lead the charge. Martínez did not just meet expectations; he obliterated them.

Throughout the season, Martínez scored at a rate that had never been seen before in the league's history. His 31 goals came from a mix of open play, penalties, and clutch finishes against top-tier defenses. This record-breaking performance was pivotal in Atlanta winning the Supporters' Shield, the award for the best regular-season record, as their points total was bolstered by his direct contributions.

Key contributors to this success included a creative midfield that supplied Martínez with chances and a defense that allowed him to play with freedom. The 2019 Golden Boot stands as a solitary peak in MLS history, a testament to a season where one player's brilliance elevated an entire franchise to new heights.

Did You Know?

• Josef Martínez scored 31 goals in the 2019 regular season, the second-highest single-season total in MLS history at the time.
• His 2019 performance helped Atlanta United FC secure a playoff berth, though the club did not win the Supporters' Shield that year.
• Martínez scored at least one goal in every month of the 2019 regular season, showcasing incredible consistency.
• The single-season goal record was broken in the same 2019 season by Carlos Vela, who scored 34 goals for LAFC.