Gerardo Martino

Lore & Background

Martino played mostly for Newell's Old Boys, holding the record for appearances with 505 matches. He was selected in a fans' poll as Newell's best player in club history. He coached Barcelona in 2013–14, leading Argentina to Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016, and managed Atlanta United to an MLS Cup victory in 2018. He later coached Mexico and Inter Miami.

In Their Own Story

The roar of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was deafening as the final whistle blew on the Supporters' Shield clincher. Martino stood near the sideline, his hands clasped behind his back, watching his players collapse onto the pitch in a sea of red and black. It wasn't just a victory; it was validation. In that moment, the skepticism of the league vanished, replaced by the realization that this new franchise had arrived with purpose. He turned to his staff, a quiet smile breaking through the intensity, knowing they had built something special from nothing.

Reader's Guide

Martino's most defining achievement with Atlanta United was winning the MLS Cup in 2018, not the Leagues Cup. He took the head-coach job at Atlanta United as an expansion team starting in 2017, after coaching Barcelona's first team and the Argentina national team. Atlanta United did not win the Supporters' Shield under Martino; the source does not mention that trophy for Atlanta.

Did You Know?

• Martino holds the record for most appearances for Newell's Old Boys with 505 official matches.
• He was named the greatest player in Newell's history in a fan vote.
• Martino led Atlanta United to an MLS Cup victory in their second season and was named MLS Coach of the Year.