Emiliano Martinez wins his 2nd Yachine Trophy. Between success and controversy, his secrets about Football and his relationship with France.
The Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinezcrowned with a second consecutive Yachine Trophy, continues to be talked about. During the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the Aston Villa goalkeeper looked back on his successes and notable moments.
An ambivalent relationship with the French public
Despite his exploits, Martinez remains a controversial figure in France. During the ceremony, he did not escape further criticism. In an interview given to France Footballhe wanted to clarify his feelings towards French supporters:
“I have no hatred towards France. The French are lovely people. But in football there is a natural rivalry. When they won the 2018 World Cup, they also upset Argentina. It’s part of the game.“
However, the Argentinian does not hide his frustration with certain behaviors.
The Paris Olympic Games: an irritating episode
Martinez particularly denounced an incident that occurred during the Paris Olympic Games. He believes that respect between players has been damaged:
“The French celebrated in front of our noses, kicked us and called us arrogant. There was anger in them. Between professionals, you have to know how to respect each other.“
These statements reflect an underlying tension between national teams, exacerbated by the stakes and emotions of international competitions.
A player with strong character
Known for his outspokenness and warrior temperament, Martinez does not hesitate to defend his teammates. He also defended Enzo Fernandez, accused of discriminatory behavior:
“Enzo is a charming guy, not racist at all. When Argentinians do something, it’s always horrible..”
Despite the controversies, Emiliano Martinez remains focused on his journey. With Aston Villa, he continues to impress, and his role within the Argentina national team remains central. This second Yachine Trophy reinforces his place among the best goalkeepers in recent history.
