Lisandro Martinez’s appearance for 25/26 season—more buff and new hairstyle

Lisandro Martínez has always embodied the word mentality. From the moment he arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022—becoming one of Erik ten Hag’s first and most symbolic signings—he brought exactly the sort of warrior spirit the club had been crying out for.

In that debut season, Martínez formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Raphaël Varane, helping United secure a top-four finish, lift the Carabao Cup, and finally start to banish the malaise that had defined the post-Ferguson era. Who could forget the away goal he scored at the Emirates against Arsenal—a moment that seemed to crystallize just how much fight he possessed?

A Cruel Run Of Injuries

But since then, bad luck has stalked him relentlessly. After that strong first campaign, Martínez suffered a sequence of debilitating injuries: knee issues, ligament problems, an ACL injury, and repeated setbacks. Just when he would return to the team and build rhythm, another cruel twist would rule him out again.

His spell on the sidelines extended into both the latter part of Ten Hag’s tenure and the turbulent months when Ruben Amorim arrived midway through the season. Despite being a Copa América and World Cup winner—credentials that underline his pedigree and elite mindset—Martínez has seen much of the last two years blighted by repeated rehabilitation rather than regular football.

A New Look Unveiled

And yet, in Manchester United’s recent unveiling of the 2025–26 home kit, fans couldn’t help but notice that Lisandro Martínez looked…different.

Buffed Up For Battle

For one, his physique has changed noticeably. Where he once had a leaner, more agile build that helped him wriggle out of tight spaces under pressure—an underrated strength that allowed him to maintain poise even when being pressed by the league’s most aggressive forwards—he now appears significantly more muscular. His arms, shoulders, and upper torso look far more developed.

On the one hand, this might be an effort to meet the Premier League’s relentless physical demands—after all, defenders in England must cope with powerful strikers and aerial duels every week. But it does beg the question: Will this extra muscle cost him some of that agility, balance, and quick body positioning that made him so effective when fit?

Learning From Mainoo?

It’s not the first time United players have bulked up with mixed results. Take Kobbie Mainoo, for example. In Ten Hag’s first season, Mainoo was praised for his poise, nimble footwork, and ability to maneuver through midfield traffic. But as he became more muscular, some observers felt he lost a fraction of the balance and fluidity that had set him apart.

A Shaggy New Hairstyle

In addition to the more buffed frame, Martínez has also unveiled a new hairstyle. Gone is the clean fade that had become something of a signature look. Instead, he’s sporting a shaggier, looser cut with the hair falling forward onto his forehead—a more casual, almost unkempt style that feels like a radical departure from the past. You can still see hints of the old fade at the sides, but the overall vibe is very different, and predictably, fans had plenty to say.

The Internet Reacts (Harshly)

Rival supporters, always quick to pounce on anything that can be mocked, flooded social media with their commentary. One fan, likely an Arsenal supporter judging by their other posts, quipped:

“He looks bent AF.”

Another critic latched onto Martínez’s injury record to make a pointed dig:

“More haircuts than appearances.”

This was a reference to the frustrating reality that Martínez, who was signed to be the anchor of United’s back line, has spent far more time in recovery than on the pitch these last two seasons.

Others piled on with equally barbed remarks:

“He can’t be called a butcher anymore. He has glass legs.”

One particularly scathing (and, admittedly, creative) jab at his new look read:

“The only thing ever butchered was asking the barber for a good haircut, by the way.”

Another person simply called it “a barnet,” using the British slang term for hair. And perhaps the most surreal insult of the lot:

“Looks like a Nemo.”

Same Spirit, New Look—Will It Work?

Still, while the hairstyle has certainly divided opinion, United fans will be hoping the change in physique brings a silver lining: a stronger, more robust Lisandro Martínez capable of finally putting the injury nightmare behind him and reclaiming the level that made him so vital in 2022–23.

Whether this transformation will translate to more consistent performances—or simply more memes—remains to be seen.