Emiliano Martinez Responds to Yashin Trophy Win and Boos, ‘Winning Means Everything’

Emiliano Martinez made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy for two consecutive years at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards. Despite his remarkable achievement, Martinez’s reception in Paris was anything but warm, with fans loudly booing him as he entered the ceremony. The Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper was recognized as the world’s best in his position after helping Argentina secure another Copa America victory over the summer. This year, he was chosen over Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon, who finished in second place, adding to Martinez’s previous win over Manchester City’s Ederson in 2022.

Reflecting on the honor, Martinez shared his gratitude and disbelief, stating, “It’s huge for me. I always dreamed of playing one game for the national team… winning back-to-back I couldn’t believe.” He emphasized his focus on teamwork rather than personal accolades, expressing admiration for the skill of his fellow goalkeepers and a commitment to continual self-improvement. Despite his individual acclaim, he made it clear that his main objective remains contributing to the success of his teams, Aston Villa and Argentina.

Known for his fiery personality on the field, Martinez has earned a reputation for psychological gamesmanship, often getting under the skin of opponents. This tendency was notably on display during the World Cup final in 2022, where he performed a controversial gesture after winning the Golden Glove award and took part in taunts directed at France’s Kylian Mbappe. While his actions stirred pride in many Argentine fans, they also fueled resentment in France, a sentiment that was clearly evident in Paris as he was booed by crowds outside the ceremony.

Martinez acknowledged the duality of his character, describing himself as fiercely competitive on the pitch but a devoted family man off it. “Sometimes, when you are on the pitch, you behave the way you want to win the game,” he explained. Despite his divisive image, he remains focused on advancing his career with Aston Villa, where he’s determined to build on his achievements. However, given his antics and heated rivalry with the French, it’s no surprise he’s still a controversial figure, especially in France, where fans remain less than forgiving of his World Cup behavior.