Anthony Martial: Man Utd’s French wonderkid tipped future Ballon d’Or winner, now clubless
By Luke Oluoch, September 12, 2026On the 11th anniversary of his iconic debut for Manchester United in the Premier League clash against Liverpool in 2015, Anthony Martial remains a player with a special place in the hearts of Old Trafford faithful.
Martial arrived at Manchester United from AS Monaco in 2015 and instantly captured the imagination by scoring a brilliant solo goal on his debut against Liverpool after coming off the bench. The goal saw him draw a comparison to France legend Thierry Henry and was tipped to become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Explosive start at Man U
He enjoyed his most productive United campaign in 2019/20, scoring 23 goals across all competitions while operating primarily through the middle.
However, persistent injuries and fluctuating form ultimately limited his availability. He concluded his United career with 90 goals in 317 competitive appearances, missing a staggering 108 games through injury along the way. Martial left Manchester United when his contract expired in the summer of 2024, bringing a complex nine-year spell to a close.
His subsequent move to Greek side AEK Athens offered a brief glimpse of his immense talent. He started life at the club in scorching form, scoring in his first three consecutive matches and netting three goals early on. That was followed by a productive run of nine goals and two assists across 19 consecutive matches—his longest run of uninterrupted fitness in years.
Unfortunately, familiar struggles soon resurfaced. A muscle injury, a red card, and a managerial shift derailed his momentum in Greece before the club let him go, shedding a massive chunk of their wage bill in the process.
Seeking a fresh start, Martial moved to Mexican side Monterrey on September 12, 2025, continuing a global career that has already taken him through France, England, Spain, and Greece.
His time in Mexico proved difficult, yielding just one goal in 20 games alongside ongoing injury issues, public frustrations, a bust-up with the manager, and exclusion from the final games of the season.
Injuries and frustrations
Still, his journey remains a fascinating subject of interest among football fans.
Martial’s technical elegance, ability to play off the left flank, and clinical finishing as a central striker defined his best years. Yet, a severe lack of luck with injuries and the evolving demands of modern football prevented him from fully turning the corner after his Manchester United exit.
Reflecting on a career that once saw him win the prestigious Golden Boy award, Martial’s story remains one of immense natural talent that was ultimately held back by fitness struggles and external hurdles.