Emiliano Martinez has played down his chances of landing another major individual award after a difficult start at Chelsea.
The goalkeeper has conceded ten goals in his first four appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge. His reputation is hardly going to collapse because of four matches, but it has certainly not been the dream start.
Martinez is now away with Argentina for the international break. On arrival, he spoke to several outlets in the Argentine media and was asked about the Ballon d’Or awards.
Martinez doesn’t fancy his chances
The Chelsea goalkeeper is among the ten nominees for the Lev Yashin Trophy, having previously won the award in 2023 and 2024. Yet Martinez doesn’t appear particularly confident about adding another one to the collection.
Asked about his chances, as relayed by multiple sources in Argentina, he replied: “No chance. Messi, yes. Me, no.”
Of course the nomination covers his final season at Aston Villa and Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. That gives him plenty to point to.
His first few weeks at Chelsea have been much tougher though. Ten goals conceded from four games isn’t what either the player or his new club would have wanted.
Martinez was also asked about Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
“It was nice to reach another final. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win it and that will hurt for a long time,” he said.
| Every Chelsea signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa | £120m |
| Maxence Lacroix | Crystal Palace | £52m |
| Geovany Quenda | Sporting | £41.5m |
| Marco Palestra | Atalanta | £47m |
| Valentin Barco | RC Strasbourg | £34m |
| Pep Chavarría | Rayo Vallecano | £17m |
| Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa | £7.8m |
| Danny Welbeck | Brighton | £5.1m |
| Jordan Henderson | Brentford | Free |
His next steps with the ‘Scaloneta’
At 34, Martinez also made it clear he still loves joining up with the national team, even after the disappointment of the World Cup.
“I enjoy being here, coming back to the national team,” he said. “The players who are here aren’t new. They’re lads who have already been here.”
“The national team will always be the national team, regardless of the people who leave.”
There was plenty more for the Chelsea man to discuss as Argentina prepare for three friendlies. Lionel Messi’s planned farewell against Benin on October 6 naturally dominated much of the conversation.
“I thought he had already retired!” Martinez joked. “Having the possibility to retire in Argentina is a dream for him.”
He added that Argentina’s players will try to make it “a beautiful day” for their captain.
There is uncertainty over Lionel Scaloni as well. The manager’s current contract expires at the end of the year. Martinez wasn’t giving anything away on that one.
“I have no idea,” he said. “It’s a decision for him and his coaching staff, and whatever he decides, we’ll always support him.”
Well, the international break gives Chelsea’s new goalkeeper a change of scenery after a rough opening few weeks.
Martinez clearly doesn’t expect another individual prize right now. Getting things settled at Stamford Bridge will probably be the more immediate concern when he returns. But the Argentine national team still seems to be his safe haven.
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— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 22, 2026
