Emi Martinez has last laugh after “Mbappe” chants and boos at Ballon d’Or

30 October 2023 , 21:47

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Emi Martinez was recognised as the world's best goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez picked up the Yashin Trophy despite being heckled by fans who chants "Mbappe" at him upon his arrival and despite being booed during the ceremony.

The Aston Villa star was named the world's best goalkeeper for the past 12 months, owing largely to his exploits at the World Cup with Argentina. Martinez helped his nation claim the trophy, excelling in the penalty shootout victory in the final in Qatar.

Martinez stopped two penalties to ensure Argentina won the final after also producing a stunning late save. The Villa No 1 also produced penalty heroics in the last eight as the South Americans saw off the Netherlands.

In the final though 31-year-old saw Kylian Mbappe hit four past him - three of those in the match before he also converted his penalty in the shootout. Martinez though had the last laugh as it was he who lifted the trophy and he mocked the PSG star with his celebrations back in Argentina.

His antics were criticised by some after he put Mbappe's face on a doll. The Frenchman won his personal duel with Martinez, but ultimately came up second best, however fans still tried to mock Martinez as he arrived at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.

Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured

Villa's shot stopper was also booed by sections of the crowd in the French capital with host Didier Drogba having to ask them to quieten down. Martinez's individual accolade was handed to him by his father, who snuck in back stage to share the moment with his son.

Emi Martinez was mocked upon his arrival at the ceremony (Ballon d'Or)

Emi Martinez on stage with his father, Alberto (AFP via Getty Images)

Back In 2010, when Martinez was just 17, he left Argentina to join Arsenal's youth team so that he could pursue his dream in Europe.

He reflected on that decision as he said: “I saw my brother and mom cry, saying: ‘Please don’t go.’ But I had also seen my dad crying late at night because he could not pay the bills. So I had to be brave.”

Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have ever won the Ballon d'Or, having done so back in 1963 with the great 'keepers since unable to emulate his achievement.

Samuel Meade