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Sevilla’s January signing is the ninth of the 19 winners of the prestigious award who’ll play in Spain’s top division. The transfer of the French international attacker, one of the most impressive movements of this winter in Europe
Sevilla FC celebrated the club’s 132nd anniversary on Tuesday by completing the signing of France international Anthony Martial, who joins on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. This is a major coup, with Martial having demonstrated throughout his career that he is a versatile forward, capable of playing out wide or in the No.9 role. He even hit 23 goals for United in the 2019/20 season, before an injury-impacted 2020/21.
Aged 26, Martial is now looking for a new challenge and has chosen the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, the stadium where he’ll hope to play in the Europa League final with home club Sevilla FC in May. The 30-time France international will also aim to score the goals that could fire Sevilla FC to the LaLiga Santander title, with the Andalusian club just four points behind leaders Real Madrid at this mid-way stage of the campaign.
With former Monaco teammate Lucas Ocampos already in the Sevilla FC squad, as well as France national team colleague Jules Koundé, Martial is looking to hit the ground running. Upon arrival, the new signing said: “I’m joining a big club here in Spain. I’ve spoken with the coach, but the most important thing for me is playing, it doesn’t matter which position. This is a good team and they play good football. I want to bring my experience here and help the team to keep winning. I hope to be able to train soon with my teammates and work well with them to fight for the competitions we’re still in. I’m ready to play.”
A ninth Golden Boy winner to play in LaLiga Santander
With Martial’s arrival, the Spanish first division has yet another top-level player and yet another Golden Boy alumni. The Frenchman won the prestigious Golden Boy award for the best Europe-based under-21 player in 2015, the year of his breakout season with Monaco and transfer to Manchester United.
In signing with Sevilla FC, Martial follows Rafael van der Vaart, Cesc Fàbregas and Alexandre Pato in playing for a LaLiga Santander club after winning the Golden Boy elsewhere, while Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Isco, João Félix and Pedri all won the Golden Boy prize while dazzling in Spain’s top tier, with FC Barcelona’s Pedri the reigning champion.
That means that, since Tuttosport launched this award in 2003, nine of the 19 winners of this prize have spent at least part of their careers in LaLiga Santander.
A special message from Ronaldo Nazário
There is excitement across Spanish football at Martial’s arrival, including from Real Valladolid president and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo Nazário. Aware that the Brazilian was one of Martial’s idols growing up, Sevilla FC organised a video message from the 45-year-old to play to Martial when he stepped onto the pitch of the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in the club’s red and white colours.
O Fenômeno told Martial: “Welcome to LaLiga and to Sevilla, a great club of Spain and Europe. They have an incredible fanbase and incredible city. Good luck and I wish you the best. I hope to see you soon!”
Martial’s first experience of LaLiga Santander will come after the international break, when Sevilla FC visit CA Osasuna on February 5th. Then, on February 11th, he’ll play his first home game in front of the Sevilla FC fans when they host Elche CF.
