Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez received the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
The 31-year-old was presented with the trophy – named after legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin – by his father, Alberto.
The World Cup winner produced a heroic last-minute save in the World Cup final to deny French striker Randal Kolo Muani, which would have won the game for Les Bleus. Argentina went on to lift the World Cup after winning on penalties, in which Martínez was the hero again.
In response to winning the trophy, Martínez said, “I’m full of emotion to have won this. Without my team-mates at Aston Villa and in the Argentina national team, this wouldn’t have been possible – this moment in my career.”
Martínez, who also finished 15th in the overall Ballon d’Or rankings, played for La Liga side Getafe in 2017-18.
GSFN | Finn Entwistle
