Ballon d’Or: Aston Villa’s and Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, wins the 2023 Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper award)
Martinez defeated rivals Mike Maignan, Ederson, Thibaut Courtois, and Yassine Bounou to take home the trophy.
- The Argentinian played a pivotal role in his country’s 2022 World Cup victory.
- When the pivotal save was played at the Theatre du Chatelet, the Aston Villa goalie was jeered.
At the Ballon d’Or event, Emiliano Martinez was named the 2023 Yashin Trophy winner for his heroics with Argentina during the 2022 World Cup.
The Aston Villa goalie was a vital member of La Albiceleste’s team in Qatar at the end of the previous season. In the championship match, he made a crucial save from Randal Kolo Muani, which helped La Albiceleste win on penalties at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
When a video of that save was shown during the ceremony at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, the French audience was not impressed, and co-host Didier Drogba had to calm the crowd’s jeers. Martinez’s father attended the prize presentation with his son.
Martinez won the title over Mike Maignan, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ederson, Aaron Ramsdale, Andre Onana, Thibaut Courtois, Yassine Bounou, Brice Samba, and Dominik Livakovic.
The Argentinian, who finished 15th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, was the 2022 World Cup Golden Glove Award winner as well as the winner of the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award.
