October 28th 2024.
For the second year in a row, Emiliano Martinez proudly accepted the Yashin Trophy, solidifying his position as the world's best goalkeeper. However, his triumph was not without obstacles, as he faced loud boos on his way into the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony.
As a member of Aston Villa and the Argentinian national team, Martinez was recognized once again for his outstanding performance, particularly in his victory at the Copa America this past summer. Last year, he beat out Manchester City's Ederson for the top spot, and this year, it was Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon who came in second.
In an interview, Martinez expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, "It's a huge honor for me. I never imagined playing for my national team, especially after coming to England at a young age. To win this award twice is beyond my wildest dreams. It's a proud moment for my family and friends."
Despite his individual success, Martinez remains humble and credits his team for their collective efforts. "I don't consider myself the best. There are so many talented goalkeepers out there, and I see them every day on the field. I just want to continue improving and contributing to the team."
Off the field, Martinez is known for his playful antics, often riling up opponents and even entire countries. When asked about his behavior, he explained, "When I'm on the pitch, I do whatever it takes to win. But off the field, I'm just a proud man, husband, and brother. With Aston Villa, our focus is on progressing as a team."
Despite his success, Martinez remains a polarizing figure in France, as evidenced by the boos he received from fans outside the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. This is not the first time he has faced backlash in the country, as he famously made a lewd gesture after winning the Golden Glove award at the 2022 World Cup.
But Martinez's antics did not stop there. He also held a minute of silence for Kylian Mbappe in the Argentina dressing room and even brought a baby doll with the French superstar's face on it during a victory parade in his home country.
His provocative behavior may not have earned him many fans in France, but it certainly worked in his favor, as he helped lead his team to victory in the World Cup final. And on Monday night, he proudly walked into the Ballon d'Or ceremony with his partner, despite the disapproval of some French fans.
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