A third-generation stopper, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he started his professional journey with his hometown club MSK Zilina. Progressing through the ranks, Martin helped the club secure two Slovak Superliga titles as well as an historic maiden qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2010/11.
Earning a move to Denmark’s Esbjerg fB in January, 2014, he later headed to the Czech First League to sign for Slovan Liberec where his impressive performances caught the eye of the country’s most decorated club, Sparta Prague, joining them in July, 2017.
A renowned shot stopper who is also adept with the ball at his feet, his first taste of the Premier League came in January, 2018, joining Newcastle United on a loan deal which turned permanent that summer after a string of excellent performances in the Magpies’ final 12 league fixtures.
Ever present between the sticks for the Tyneside outfit across the following two seasons, he made an incredible 88 consecutive Premier League appearances and was named the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year for 2018. Further recognition came at the end of the 2019/20 season, as Martin claimed the club’s Player of the Year award after recording the highest number of saves across the Premier League campaign (140).
Following a short loan spell with Manchester United during the 2022/23 season, with whom he earned a Carabao Cup winners’ medal, he returned to Newcastle United and went on to win the Premier League Save of the Month award for January, 2025.
Two months later, he was again a Carabao Cup winner as the north east side ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. Playing a key role in the success, Martin featured in goal for the semi-final fixtures against Arsenal, keeping a clean sheet in both legs.
Martin’s time with the Toon came to a close after seven-and-a-half years in August, 2025, as he joined Burnley on their return to the Premier League.
Featuring in 35 fixtures across the 38-game league campaign for the Clarets, he secured a second Premier League Save of the Month Award that October, in recognition of a remarkable stop against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Capped by Slovakia on 60 occasions, he made his senior debut in May, 2014, and has represented his country at two major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024.
Slovakia
Slovakia