Josef Martínez defies gravity for Atlanta United with spectacular bicycle kick goal

Josef served up a reminder of what he’s capable of

Josef Martínez, in possibly his final days with Atlanta United, just reminded everyone what he’s capable of.

With Atlanta trailing a must-win game against the New England Revolution, Martínez produced a goal-of-the-year frontrunner, leaping up to smash a bicycle kick past goalkeeper Djordje Petrović.

It’s nearly the imagined ideal of an aerial volley, with Martínez using the torque created by his turn away from goal to snap his leg towards the ball. Sometimes bicycle kicks don’t have full power, but Martínez nearly tore a hole in the back of the net with this one.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, it wasn’t enough. A victory was the only way for them to stay in the playoff chase in MLS’s Eastern Conference, and Martínez’s goal pulled them even in the 81st minute. Atlanta’s hopes lasted for all of four minutes, with New England attacker Gustavo Bou putting the Revs back in front with the eventual game-winner.

The goal comes at an inflection point for Atlanta and their one true club icon. Martínez has put up 10 goals and four assists in 2022, which is a solid (if not superstar Designated Player-level) return on an Atlanta side that hasn’t impressed at all this year.

However, there have been rumors of friction between player and club all year. Martínez tore into his teammates and the team’s overall recruitment earlier this summer, and Atlanta recently suspended him for a game after he reportedly flipped over a table full of food and had an altercation with head coach Gonzalo Pineda. During the match, reports from TUDN and The Athletic had Martínez and the club planning to meet in the offseason to discuss his future.

Watch Martínez’s spectacular goal

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