Martinez has won the Yashin trophy for being the world’s best goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season after helping Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar.

Argentina’s Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, goalkeeper of Aston Villa and the World Cup winning national team, was awarded the Yashin Trophy, which designates the best goalkeeper of last season, at the Ballon d’Or gala on Monday.

The goalkeeper, who received the award from his father, succeeds Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who won it last year.

The other nominees were Al-Hilal’s Yassine Bono, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Manchester City’s Ederson, Fenerbache’s Dominik Livakovic, Milan’s Mike Maignan, Manchestar United’s Andre Onana, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Lens’ Brice Samba and Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Martinez received the award from his father, Alberto, and confessed: “It was a surprise. It makes me want to cry.

The goalkeeper said the award is “a nod” to his career but said: “I’ve already won the biggest thing,” referring to the World Cup with Argentina. “For me, the best thing is to win as a group,” he added.

“Without my teammates in the national team and the coaching staff, without Aston Villa (his club), this would not be possible,” he added.

Martinez received some boos both when his name was announced and when he spoke, to such an extent that one of the gala presenters, former footballer Didier Drogba, asked for respect from the French public.

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