Martín Demichelis is an Argentine footballer and manager who began his professional career with River Plate. As a versatile defender, he is best known for his successful seven-and-a-half-year tenure at Bayern Munich and his time at Manchester City. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into management, winning the 2023 Argentine Primera División with River Plate.
Martín Gastón Demichelis began his professional career in 2001 with River Plate, the club where he debuted as a first-team defender. Born in 1980 in Justiniano Posse, Argentina, he emerged as a versatile defensive talent before embarking on an extensive playing tenure across major European leagues and eventually transitioning into a career as a professional football manager.
Early Career and Move to Germany
After developing in the River Plate youth system, Demichelis made his first-division debut on 2 September 2001 against Estudiantes. His tenure in Argentina included a notable moment on 28 April 2002 when he served as a makeshift goalkeeper for the final minute of a match against Racing Club. In 2003, he moved to Bayern Munich for a fee of €4.5 million. Although his initial season was hampered by injuries, he became a consistent presence under coach Felix Magath, securing back-to-back doubles. During his seven-and-a-half-year stay in Munich, he won 11 major titles, including four Bundesliga championships.
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Demichelis joined Málaga in December 2010, reuniting with manager Manuel Pellegrini. He scored the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League goal in 2012. After a brief association with Atlético Madrid in 2013, he moved to Manchester City on a two-year contract. Under Pellegrini, he helped the team secure the Premier League title and two league cups. His time in England included a 2016 fine of £22,058 following charges by The Football Association regarding gambling rules. He concluded his playing career in 2017 after short stints with Espanyol and a return to Málaga.
International Representation
Making his debut for the Argentina national team in 2005, Demichelis earned 51 caps throughout his career. He represented his nation at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, reaching the final in the latter. His international tournament appearances also included the 2005 Confederations Cup and the 2015 Copa América, finishing as a runner-up in both. He scored his first international goal in a 2007 friendly against Australia.
Management Career
Following his retirement from play, Demichelis transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant at Málaga before overseeing the under-19 and reserve teams at Bayern Munich. In 2022, he returned to River Plate as manager, leading the team to win the 2023 Argentine Primera División in his inaugural season. His managerial trajectory continued with roles at Monterrey and Mallorca before he was appointed head coach of RB Leipzig in 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 December 1980, Justiniano Posse
- Professional Debut: 2 September 2001
- Bayern Munich Tenure: 2003–2011
- International Caps: 51
- Premier League Titles: 1
- 2023 Managerial Achievement: Argentine Primera División
- RB Leipzig Appointment: 2026
- Citizenship: Argentina, Italy
Questions readers ask
Which major clubs did Demichelis play for?
He played for River Plate, Bayern Munich, Málaga, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Espanyol.
When did he start his coaching career?
He began as an assistant at Málaga before moving into youth coaching roles at Bayern Munich.
