1. She equaled a UEFA finals record at just 16 years old!
At just 16-years-old, Shekiera Martinez equaled the record for the most goals at a single UEFA finals tournament, netting nine times for Germany.
Competing in the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship in Lithuania in 2018, she got off to a perfect start, scoring both goals in Germany’s 2-1 opening group-stage victory over Finland.
Martinez's impressive form in front of goal continued, scoring Germany's first goal as they came from two goals down in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, before netting an eight-minute hat-trick as Germany thrashed host nation Lithuania 8-0, illustrating her relentless goalscoring nature.
Unfortunately for the England U17 side, she was not done there, smashing in yet another hat-trick in the semi-finals and sending the Young Lionesses home. And despite being unable to hit the net in a 2-0 defeat by Spain in the final, she cemented her legacy as one of the most prolific forwards in UEFA tournament history.
2. She reached another UEFA final in 2019
Shekiera Martinez was back in national team action for Germany at the 2019 UEFA European U19 Championship finals in Scotland.
There, she helped her country reach another final, scoring in a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals in Glasgow.
However, Germany again came up just short in the final, taking the lead against France before going down to a 2-1 defeat in Paisley.
3. She's played in the UEFA Women's Champions League
At only 22, Shekiera Martinez has been involved in nine UEFA Women's Champions League ties, scoring once and assisting twice.
Her goal came in her only start, firing home from ten yards to help Eintracht Frankfurt to a 5-0 group-stage victory over Swedish side Rosengård in January 2024.
Martinez is clearly a highly thought of young prospect, who already boasts a strong international pedigree and experience on one of football's biggest stages.
4. She made over a century of top-flight appearances in Germany
Still only 22 and a prospect for the future, Shekiera Martinez has 116 Frauen Bundesliga appearances under her belt.
Martinez debuted as a substitute for Eintracht Frankfurt at just 16 in a 3-0 Frauen Bundesliga win at 1. FC Köln on 18 February 2018. Her first start followed on 22 April in a 1-0 home defeat by 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam.
Overall, in seven seasons for Frankfurt, she scored 25 goals and provided seven assists, utilising her electric pace and ranking near the top end of the league for key passes (2.08) and progressive passes (3.58) per 90 minutes.
She is positive in her attacking approach, always looking to take on her opponent and create a chance, explaining why she has been trusted to play at the top level from such a young age.
In interview with whufc.com, she highlighted her pace as the key to her impressive goalscoring record, saying: “The Women's Super League is an incredible league and I want to challenge myself in England against the best teams. I’m a fast player and love to score goals. I hope I can help the team with my experience from playing in Germany and in the Champions League."
5. She is heading out on loan
A key component in West Ham United’s method in helping developing players is utilising the loan market successfully and to give young players the opportunity to further their development.
After completing her move to east London, Shekiera Martinez will immediately return to her homeland on a season-long loan at Frauen Bundesliga side SC Freiburg. There, she will gain further senior experience and will also accumulate the necessary points to meet the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria for international player visas.
6. She is an 'exciting prospect for the future'
West Ham United’s women’s manager Rehanne Skinner has been tracking the young forward’s progress for a while and is relishing the opportunity to work with her in the future.
Speaking about the Club’s second summer signing after the arrival of Poland international goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, Skinner expressed her delight at adding the talented 22-year-old to her attack in the long-term.
“I’m delighted to be welcoming Shekiera to the Club,” said Skinner. “Shekeira is a young forward that we have been watching for some time. Her creativity, quality on the ball and goal threat are huge strengths to her game. She is also quick, hard-working and technically astute with a real positivity to her attacking play.
“Having already gained a wealth of experience in the national team youth set-up, as well as the Frauen Bundesliga, we have no doubt Shekiera will adjust well to the WSL when she returns from her loan.
“Shekeira is an exciting prospect for the future and will be a great addition to the squad.”
