ATHENS – AEK Athens has made a major statement in European football by securing the signature of French international forward Anthony Martial from Manchester United. Martial has agreed to a contract with AEK that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.

Martial’s football journey began in Massy, France, where he was born on December 5, 1995. At the age of 8, he joined the youth ranks of local club CO Les Ulis. His talent soon drew attention, and by the age of 14, Olympique Lyonnais had brought him into their academy. Martial’s prolific goal-scoring with Lyon’s U17 team, netting 32 goals in 21 matches, earned him a call-up to the first team. In 2013, at just 17 years old, he was transferred to AS Monaco for €5 million.

His time at Monaco solidified his reputation in European football. In 70 appearances over two seasons, Martial scored 15 goals, catching the eye of Manchester United. On the final day of the 2015 summer transfer window, the Premier League giants made a bold move, paying nearly €60 million, including bonuses, to bring him to Old Trafford—a record fee at the time for a player under 20 years old.

Martial’s career at Manchester United spanned nine years, during which he made 317 appearances, scoring 90 goals and providing 47 assists. His contributions helped United win multiple trophies, including the FA Cup (2015-16), Carabao Cup (2016-17, 2022-23), Community Shield (2016), and the UEFA Europa League (2016-17). Martial also had a brief loan spell at Sevilla in the second half of the 2021-22 season.

On the international stage, Martial has represented France at every youth level before making his senior debut in September 2015. He has earned 30 caps for France, scoring two goals, and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

AEK Athens sees Martial’s arrival as a key addition to the team, hoping that his experience at the highest levels of European football will boost their ambitions both domestically and in European competitions.

“Anthony, welcome to the AEK family!” the club declared in their official statement.