Born in Slovakia on 15 January 1989, Martin Dúbravka currently stands guard between the sticks for Newcastle United. The 1.9m (6ft 2in) tall netminder, tipping the scales at 80kg (12st 8lb), proudly sports the number 1 jersey for both club and his native Slovakia national team. According to Transfermarkt, Dúbravka's market stature is valued around £1m, with his contract inked until 30th June 2026.source
Dúbravka's professional career took off in July 2009 with First Football League team, MŠK Žilina. Over his four-year stint, he amassed 97 appearances across all competitions for the Slovak outfit. After a fruitful spell at home, Dúbravka moved to Danish 1. Division team Esbjerg in January 2014. He subsequently notched up 65 appearances over two and a half seasons in Denmark.
In July 2016, he took his talents eastwards to Slovan Liberec in the First League of Czech Republic, where he accumulated another 28 appearances during his debut season. The following season saw Dúbravka transfer to another Czech powerhouse, Sparta Prague where he chalked up a further 11 appearances.
Dubravka's career took a significant turn in January 2018 when he moved to England, enjoying a loan spell at Premier League side Newcastle United. After an impressive 12 appearances during the latter half of the 2017-2018 season, his loan deal was made permanent for approximately £4m in July 2018. Since then, he’s regular between the sticks for the Magpies, accumulating 160 appearances across all competitions so far.
A fleeting spell on loan at Manchester United punctuated his career at Newcastle in September 2022, only to return to the Tyneside club at the completion of his loan in January 2023.
Throughout his career, Dúbravka has made a significant international contribution, holding the fort for Slovakia in the Euro 2024 and the 2022-2024 Euro Qualifiers, as well as representing his club in the Champions League 2023-2024 season, and domestic cup competitions. The seasoned goalkeeper has certainly crafted an impressive career, spanning over a decade and counting.
