Aston Villa goalkeeper and Argentina international Emiliano Martinez has been given the Yashin award for best goalkeeper at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The trophy, named after legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin, is awarded after a round of votes from experts.
On top of the Yashin trophy, Martinez was ranked the 15th best football player in the world.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was welcomed on stage to accept the award to an echo of cheers and boos, with many opposed to the player due to his World Cup antics, where he shuffled and teased French spot-kick takers.
In an emotional moment, Martinez was presented with the award by his father, who has recently struggled with health problems.
In his acceptance speech, Martinez said: “I’m full of emotion to have won this.
“Without my teammates at Aston Villa and in the Argentina national team, this wouldn’t have been possible – this moment in my career.
“I was looking at the screen with the previous award winners and it is a really proud moment to join them.
“We are part of the goalkeepers’ union and it is important to stick together
