Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has expressed his astonishment at being a two-time winner of the Yashin Trophy, stating it’s “crazy” considering his initial goal was simply to represent Argentina.
In an interview with D Sports, Martínez spoke about his latest achievement at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he retained the title of the best goalkeeper in the world. This recognition adds to his growing collection of accolades, marking him as one of the top goalkeepers globally in recent years.
Martínez, who made his debut for the Argentina national team at the age of 28 in June 2021, has since become a key player. He has accumulated 47 caps, boasting an impressive record of only 19 goals conceded and 34 clean sheets.
His contributions have been pivotal in Argentina’s recent successes, including two Copa America titles, the World Cup victory in Qatar, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions in 2022.
The 32-year-old has received numerous personal awards throughout his career. He was named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2022, won the Yashin Trophy in 2023 and 2024, and earned the World Cup Golden Glove. Additionally, he secured the Copa America Golden Glove twice and was named to the tournament’s team in both 2021 and 2024.
Martínez’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, and more awards could be on the horizon for the talented goalkeeper. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he remains humble, admitting that it all feels surreal.
“It’s crazy. I told my friends and family: I only wanted to play for the Argentine national team. Now I have had the chance to be in that place (the Ballon d’Or) twice and win it,” Martínez said.
He attended the event with his wife and coaching staff, humorously noting that he couldn’t bring his entire team from Mar del Plata to Paris.
When asked about the booing he faced from certain sections of the French crowd during the ceremony, Martínez took it in stride. “One is a professional and knows that this is part of everything,” he remarked, demonstrating his ability to focus on the positives amid adversity.
Martínez’s achievements serve as an inspiration not only to aspiring goalkeepers but to all athletes. His journey from making his national team debut later in life to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world illustrates that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable success.
As he continues to shine on the international stage, Martínez remains grounded in his love for the game and his commitment to representing Argentina. With more challenges ahead, fans can expect to see him strive for further success, both individually and as part of the national team.