Ariel Martínez

Ariel Pedro Martinez González (born 9 May 1986) is a former Cuban footballer.

Club career Following his defection from Cuba to the United States in July 2015, but was not cleared to play until late in the season due to issues with the processing of his documentation and work permit. Martínez made his only appearance for Charleston in a playoff loss to Louisville City before leaving the club at the end of 2015.

In March 2016, Martínez signed for North American Soccer League side Miami FC ahead of its inaugural season.

Martínez made the move to USL Championship side FC Tulsa on 18 December 2019.

On 19 January 2021, Miami, now competing in the USL Championship, announced Martínez had re-signed with the team for the 2021 season.

On 19 April, 2022, Hartford Athletic announced that they had signed Martínez for the remainder of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

Martínez signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on 19 January 2023. Martínez was released by the Rowdies at the end of the 2023 season.

Martínez announced his retirement from the professional game on 15 January 2024.

International career Martínez made his debut for Cuba in a September 2006 Gold Cup qualification match against the Turks and Caicos Islands. He was a squad member at the 2007 Gold Cup Finals. He has earned a total of 54 caps, scoring 11 goals, represented his country in 7 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played at 3 CONCACAF Gold Cup final tournaments.

On 17 July 2015, it was confirmed that Martinez had, alongside teammates Keyler García, Arael Argüelles and Darío Suárez, defected to the United States following Cuba's victory over Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Coaching career In February 2024, Martínez returned to Miami FC as a member of Antonio Nocerino's technical staff.

Statistics Career

International goals Scores and results list Cuba's goal tally first. No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 4 September 2006 Estadio Pedro Marrero, La Habana, Cuba 2007 Caribbean Cup qualification 2. 6 September 2006 7–0 3. 4. 14 November 2012 Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Trinidad and Tobago 2012 Caribbean Cup qualification 5. 10 December 2012 Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda 2–0 2012 Caribbean Cup 6. 7. 16 July 2013 Rentschler Field, East Hartford, United States 4–0 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup 8. 9. 10. 11 November 2014 Montego Bay Sports Complex, Montego Bay, Jamaica 2014 Caribbean Cup 11. 18 November 2014