Aston Villa star Emiliano Martínez has admitted it is “crazy” that he is now a two-time winner of the Yashin Trophy, given his ultimate aim was only to represent Argentina.
The goalkeeper has been speaking to D Sports in his homeland after his latest success in the prestigious awards.
Martínez was named as the best goalkeeper in the world again this week at the Ballon D’Or ceremony, retaining the award he won last season.
It’s the latest honour in what is becoming a full trophy cabinet for the Argentine goalkeeper, who has established himself among the best in the world in the last few years.
He only made his debut, aged 28, for Argentina in June 2021 but since then has racked up 47 appearances and a fearsome record of just 19 goals conceded and 34 clean sheets.
Personal awards have also been plentiful for the Aston Villa star, with him named The Best FIFA Men’s goalkeeper of the year in 2022 as well as winning the Yashin Trophy in 2023 and 2024, the World Cup Golden Glove, the Copa America Golden Glove twice and making the team of that tournament in 2021 and 2024.
More trophies and awards are likely on the cards for the 32-year-old, who seemingly has no intent of stopping his rapid rise with Argentina and Argentina.
He admits, though, it’s all gotten a little crazy, as he had only ever dreamed of playing for his country.
“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,” he said.
“I went with my wife and the goalkeeping coaches; I couldn’t take the whole Mar del Plata team to Paris.”
“One is a professional and knows that that is part of everything,” he added when asked about the booing from the French elements of the crowd.
