Emi Martinez picked up the World Cup Golden Glove award as Argentina lifted the World Cup by defeating France in an all-time final.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was instrumental between the sticks for La Albiceletse throughout the tournament and becomes the first South American to win the award as a result.
Despite being beaten by a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick in the 120 minutes of football in the final, Martinez came up with a number of saves and proved his worth in the penalty shootout, saving Kingsley Coman’s effort and psyching out Aurelien Tchouameni who went on to fire his spot kick wide of the post.
The 30-year-old kept three clean sheets and conceded just seven times throughout the tournament to further cement his reputation as one of the most reliable stoppers in world football right now, proving integral once again for Lionel Scaloni in line with Argentina’s ascent.
Martinez was key for his nation as they won the 2021 Copa America, and has now followed on from that triumph by being crowned a world champion and the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
It’s been a remarkable few years for Martinez who only became a regular first choice in club football upon signing for Aston Villa in 2020. He made his full debut for Argentina in 2021, 10 years after being called up to the squad but remaining an unused substitute.
