On Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League, Aston Villa faced Feyenoord, but Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez was a surprise absentee. The Argentine goalkeeper was set to start, but a calf strain suffered during warmups forced him to withdraw at the last moment.

With Lionel Scaloni set to announce Argentina’s squad for the October friendlies against Venezuela on the 10th and Puerto Rico on the 13th, Martinez could be a significant doubt. Because of this setback, the Aston Villa goalkeeper will undergo medical tests to determine the extent of the injury and how long he will be out of action.

If Dibu is unable to join Argentina for the upcoming friendlies, potential replacements include Walter Benitez of Crystal Palace or Geronimo Rulli of Olympique Marseille, both viewed as candidates to step in for the World Cup–winning goalkeeper.

More Argentina friendlies scheduled in the US

The October matchups against Venezuela and Puerto Rico won’t be Argentina’s only appearances in the United States. As part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s squad is set for two additional friendlies in June.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), confirmed that Messi and Argentina will take on Mexico and Honduras, with venues still to be determined.

“While we’re still waiting for March fixtures, we already have the June warm-ups confirmed against Mexico and Honduras. Both will be played here in the U.S., with stadiums still to be finalized,” Tapia told Argentine outlet Olé.

As Tapia noted, Argentina’s March 2026 opponents have not yet been confirmed, but the reigning world champions already know part of their pre-World Cup schedule.

Martinez bid farewell to Aston Villa supporters at the end of the 2024/25 season, sparking speculation that his time in Birmingham was coming to an end. While the 2022 World Cup winner was eager for a new challenge, negotiations stalled in the final days of the transfer window.

United made a formal offer for the 32-year-old, but it was structured as a loan deal with a purchase option — a proposal Villa rejected, insisting they would only consider a permanent transfer.

Now, Galatasaray has emerged as a serious contender for Martinez’s signature. According to reports from Turkey, the Istanbul club has already reached out to his representatives to discuss salary demands as they look to replace longtime goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

A major draw for Martinez is that Galatasaray will compete in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, while Aston Villa is set for Europe’s second-tier competition. Along with a lucrative offer, the Argentine would arrive as the undisputed starter, making the move even more attractive.

With just over nine months until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Martínez’s next move could be crucial. The goalkeeper wants to enter the tournament in top physical and competitive form, a factor that will heavily influence his decision.

Martinez included in Argentina squad

Despite uncertainty over his club future, Martinez remains a key figure for the Argentina national team. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has named him in the squad for the final two rounds of South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Argentina has already secured qualification, but Scaloni insisted on keeping Martinez in the group.

Donnarumma, Italy’s No. 1, plays for powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain and commands one of the highest salaries for a goalkeeper in the game. Martinez, meanwhile, is Argentina’s hero from the 2022 World Cup and a key figure at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Despite similar levels of importance to their national teams and impactful performances at club level, there’s a wide gap between what each earns annually. Here’s how their salaries compare.

Donnarumma’s Salary at PSG

Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after a stellar run at AC Milan and a standout performance in Italy’s Euro 2020 title run, Donnarumma has secured a lucrative contract. According to Capology, the Italian goalkeeper earns approximately $10.9 million per year.

His high salary reflects his status as PSG’s first-choice goalkeeper and one of the most highly regarded young talents in European soccer. In addition to his club success, Donnarumma remains a key figure for the Italian national team.

Dibu Martinez’s Salary at Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez, who gained global recognition after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has become a fan favorite and a pillar at Aston Villa in the Premier League. Despite his elite status and crucial saves for club and country, his salary is significantly lower than Donnarumma’s.

Martinez earns around $5.1 million per year, according to Capology. Although he’s among the top goalkeepers in the Premier League and the reigning Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, his salary remains modest in comparison to some of his European counterparts.

Salary Gap and Recognition

The stark contrast in their earnings has sparked debate among fans, especially considering Martinez’s achievements with Argentina and his consistent performances in England.

While Donnarumma enjoys a higher paycheck in Ligue 1, Dibu Martinez has built a reputation as one of the most clutch goalkeepers in recent years, winning titles and individual awards that underline his value on the global stage.

Both goalkeepers have bright futures ahead, but their salaries highlight the disparities that can exist in European soccer depending on club structure, league exposure, and marketability.

The latest instance came during Thibaut Courtois’ interview with Rio Ferdinand on the FIVE podcast. When asked who he considers the best goalkeeper right now, the Real Madrid star listed three names, but Martinez wasn’t one of them.

“I always like to consider myself up there. But the thing with goalkeepers is, it depends on the moment, it depends on the season,” Courtois said. “I like Alisson, Maignan, and I think Oblak is playing at a high level again this year. Those three really stand out to me”.

Courtois shares his influences in goal

Ferdinand also asked Courtois about the goalkeepers who inspired him to take up the position. The Belgian star mentioned two legends of the game: Iker Casillas and Edwin van der Sar. Interestingly, Courtois followed in Casillas’ footsteps by becoming Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, rather than Van der Sar’s path at Manchester United.

“I think I was 12 when I started playing in goal, and Casillas was the number one at Real Madrid. I started following the club and watching their games because of him,” Courtois recalled. “I also followed Manchester United because of Edwin van der Sar”,

Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Courtois has racked up 267 appearances, winning two Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, three LaLiga titles, and a total of 14 trophies with the Spanish giants.

While he still has a long way to go to match Casillas’ legendary record of 725 appearances and 18 titles for Los Blancos, Courtois has firmly established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats.

Courtois praises Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone

Before his Real Madrid tenure, Courtois played 154 matches for Atletico Madrid between 2011 and 2014, where he developed under manager Diego Simeone. The Belgian offered high praise for his former coach, calling him a “special” manager who knows how to bring out the best in his players.

“His energy comes from his personality. He talks a lot with the team,” Courtois said. “I remember before a final against Real Madrid—Atleti hadn’t beaten them in like 12 years—he had a one-on-one talk with me and Mono Burgos. He said, ‘You’re the best, tomorrow you’ll kill it!’ And you go to bed thinking, ‘Wow!’ It stays with you”.

“He knew how to motivate us,” Courtois added. “He’s a special coach. I think he always finds a way to reinvent himself because he’s been there for so many years and still does great. I’d love to see him in another country, but I imagine he’s happy where he is”.

Martínez’s stellar year included being named the best goalkeeper of the 2024 Copa America, a tournament Argentina dominated with Martínez as their undisputed starter. In seven matches, he conceded just one goal—during the semifinal against Ecuador—and recorded clean sheets in six of those games.

His club success with Aston Villa was equally impressive. Martínez played a crucial role in Villa’s remarkable run to the UEFA Conference League semifinals and was instrumental in securing the club’s historic fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

That achievement booked Aston Villa’s first Champions League appearance in four decades. Notably, he already has four clean sheets in six Champions League matches this season.

This marks Martínez’s second The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award, having first won the honor in 2022 following Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar. In 2023, the award went to Manchester City’s Ederson, who was pivotal in his team’s first Champions League title win.

How many awards does Dibu Martínez hold?

In total, Emiliano Martínez has amassed seven major individual awards throughout his career. His first big recognition came in 2021, when he won the Golden Glove at the Copa América after Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in a historic final at the Maracana Stadium.

The following year, Martínez added the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to his collection. Argentina claimed their third World Cup title, and Martínez’s heroic performances, including crucial penalty saves, were instrumental. He was also crowned The Best FIFA Goalkeeper, cementing his status among the sport’s elite.

In 2023, Martínez received the coveted Lev Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or gala, recognizing him as the best goalkeeper of the year. In 2024, Martínez’s trophy cabinet grew even larger. He won the Golden Glove at the Copa América 2024 after helping Argentina lift the trophy for the second consecutive time. He also claimed his second Lev Yashin Trophy and most recently, the 2024 The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award.

The Best FIFA Goalkeeper winners

Here’s a look at all the winners of The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award since its inception:

• 2017: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus/Italy)
• 2018: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/Belgium)
• 2019: Alisson Becker (Liverpool/Brazil)
• 2020: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany)
• 2021: Édouard Mendy (Chelsea/Senegal)
• 2022: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
• 2023: Ederson (Manchester City/Brazil)
• 2024: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)

The match began favorably for the reigning world champions, who nearly struck early when Julian Alvarez delivered a low, driven cross that Lautaro Martinez narrowly missed. However, the Inter Milan striker capitalized on another opportunity moments later. Enzo Fernandez provided a delicate assist, allowing Martinez to score the opener, which was subsequently confirmed after a VAR review.

Argentina’s joy was short-lived. Just eight minutes after Lautaro’s goal, the hosts found the equalizer. Paraguay came close with a header that struck the crossbar, but in the ensuing play, Antonio Sanabria connected with a cross from the right and delivered a stunning overhead kick. His spectacular strike left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with no chance to react, leveling the score at 1-1.

Argentina players angry with the referee

Although Argentina entered halftime tied 1-1, their performance in the first 45 minutes was strong, and they had opportunities to regain the lead. However, a lack of precision in key moments kept them from capitalizing. Yet, that wasn’t the only source of frustration for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Argentina’s players expressed their anger toward referee Anderson Daronco over what they believed was a pivotal missed call. Near the end of the first half, Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete fouled Lionel Messi, halting a potentially dangerous attack. Scaloni’s team argued that Alderete deserved a second yellow card, which would have left Paraguay with 10 players. However, the referee decided against issuing the card, allowing Paraguay to continue with a full squad.

The 32-year-old veteran is in the midst of his 12th season in England but has yet to sign a new contract as his current one nears its final month. Despite the widespread belief that re-signing the Spaniard to a new contract would guarantee him a starting role, it’s believed that some United officials are eager to find a replacement for the goalkeeper.

Due to the ambiguity surrounding David de Gea’s job and the futures of Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton, the Old Trafford side would be willing to add a new keeper this summer. An interesting fact is that both backup goalkeepers’ contracts also expire on June 30.

Who do Manchester United reportedly see asDavid De Gea’s successor?

United are reportedly already on the trail of De Gea’s potential long-term successor, as they areaggressively searching for the next long-term No. 1.Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa has attracted attention from three English teams, one of whom being Erik ten Hag’s side.

TyC Sports’ Argentinean correspondent Gaston Edul reports that the goalkeeper is expected to depart theLions during the next summer transfer window. He has added thatTottenhamand Chelsea are bothalso keeping an eye on the situation, with Spurs showing the greatest interest as they search for a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris.

Martinez has been regarded as one of the league’s greatest keepers since joining Villa.He became a fixture in the Argentine national team because of his strong performances in the Premier League, and he was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022.

There is no word on how much Unai Emery would wantfor his goalkeeper if they are willing to allow him to go this summer, but his exit seems certain.It is assumed that most of the Red Devils’fund would go toward acquiring a new striker, so if the World Cup herois available for a reasonable price, they will have to sell before moving for him.

Keepers are essential in both the offensive and defensive phases. The finest teams in the world have always been backed by the best goalkeepers in history. As a result, the majority of the best players in this position in the world are members of national teams or participate in international competitions.

The best goalkeepers of all time hold the records for most shutouts, fewest goals allowed, most games played, and other statistical categories.Because of their essential role, theyalso command substantial salaries in the sport of football.

Which goalkeeper earns the most money in football?

The success or failure of a team frequently rests on the shoulders of the goalkeeper, whose job it is to protect the goal. Manchester United lost 3-0 (5-2 on aggregate) in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals clash afterDavid de Gea madetwo costly errors.

His present position as the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world only makes his recent performance more disappointing. Surprisingly, his salary is more than three times that of Manchester City’s standout goalkeeper, Ederson. The Spaniard also narrowly beats off Oblak and Neuer for first place.

Meanwhile, the disparity is significant when comparing them with Milan’s Mike Maignan and Inter’s Andre Onana, the goalkeepers that each team hasin the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals.Considering the Frenchman is now the most in-form ‘keeper in the world, his current weekly salary of £60,000 is shockingly cheap. His competitor in the city, Onana, pulls in £65,371 weekly.

Take a look at thetop 15highest-paid goalkeepers in football/soccer as per Capology:

15. Ederson (Manchester City) – £100,000-a-week
14. Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest) – £100,000-a-week
13. Steve Mandanada (Rennes) – £111,216-a-week
12. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) – £120,000-a-week
11. Alphonse Areola (West Ham) – £120,000-a-week
10. Jordan Pickford (Everton) – £125,000-a-week
9. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) – £150,000-a-week
8. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) – £150,000-a-week
7. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) – £152,816-a-week
6.Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus) – £204,434-a-week
5. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – £216,150-a-week
4. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – £254,694-a-week
3. Jan Oblak (Ateltico Madrid) – £353,685-a-week
2. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – £356,572-a-week
1. David De Gea (Manchester United) – £375,000-a-week

A lot of people didn’t like Emiliano Martinez‘s attitude during and after the game, for example. The Aston Villa goaliespoke extensively with the players throughout the match, making several gestures and shouting out remarks, and stretching out the time between penalty kicks.

The goalkeeper’s antics during the penalty shootout were controversial enough, but it was his actions after the game that really caused a stir. While his squad celebrated their triumph, the 30-year-old made a vulgar gesture with the Golden Glove trophy,as well as mocked Kylian Mbappe over and over again.

What didUEFA president Aleksander Ceferin say ofEmiliano Martinez?

Aleksander Ceferin, head of UEFA, has now criticized Le Albiceleste’s captain Lionel Messi for failing to restrain histeammate Emiliano Martinez following Argentina’s World Cup victory lastDecember. According to the Slovenian administrator, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winnershould have intervened to prevent the goalkeeper’s jubilation.

“I don’t understand why ‘Dibu’ mocked Mbappe. Messi should’ve told him to show respect. In the end, Messi plays all year with Kylian Mbappe.If you see how he reacted during penalties… I can’t understand why he mocks Mbappe, the one with the puppet and things like that.

“That’s not sportsmanship, it was primitive and I didn’t like it. That is not done. You won the World Cup! Show some greatness, show that you are not primitive. You can be a perfect goalkeeper, but if you are not a good person…“, Ceferin is quoted as saying byMarca.

Both Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni squandered France’s World Cup-winning penalty kick opportunities in the shootout. Without a doubt, it was the unconventional methods that the goalieused to keep his opponents off balance that propelled him to international fame.

He engaged in a lengthy conversation with them, made many physical gestures, screamed several comments, and dragged out the intervals between penalty kicks. The 30-year-old gained widespread notice after adopting an aggressive approach during World Cup penalty shootouts,even catching the attention of FIFA.

What did French goalkeeper Mike Maignan say ofIFAB’s new penalty rules?

Because of what happened with Emiliano Martinez in the World Cup Final, the soccer authorities have established new rules to prohibit goalkeepers from adopting the same tactics.The International Football Association Board (IFAB) declared this week that goalkeepers will be penalized for actions such as delaying the taking of a penalty, touching the posts or crossbars, unjustly distracting the taker, and disrespectful behavior.

The judgment’s overall principle is to prohibit goalkeepers from unbalancing the penalty taker.The recent strictness with which goalkeepers must remain on their line during penalties has been accompanied by the introduction of new regulations that seem to favor the penalty-takers in every way.

However, new France starting goalkeeper Mike Maignandoesn’t seem pleased with the adjustments, as he took to social mediato poke fun at the regulations. “New IFAB penalty rules 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot. If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick”, he wrote sarcastically.

As Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international duty, Les Bluesturned to his alternative, MikeMaignan. TheMilan goalkeeper made a penalty save in the last minute of Friday’s 4-0 win against the Netherlands in the opening game of theEuro 2024 Qualifiers.

There has been a lot of preparation for what is effectively a prolonged trophy parade since the chaotic events in Buenos Aires in the days after the World Cup. In a friendly match, Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada scored for Lionel Scaloni’s team, which ultimately resulted in a 2-0 victory against Panama.

Outside Buenos Aires and within the Stadium Monumental, there was a carnival atmosphere as eighty thousand people cheered on their world champions.When fireworks exploded in the backdrop, the celebration began as the players came to the field with their loved ones to give the World Cup trophy to the spectators.

Watch: What kind of antics didArgentina players do after the Panama game?

During Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout victory against France four months ago, the squad was criticized for going too farin their celebrations. Messi’s club colleague Kylian Mbappe was the target of many harsh comments.

And the PSG superstar and recently anointed France captain is sure to have disapproved of the shenanigans that ensued after Thursday’s match.Before starting to celebrate with their heroes on the field, Argentine supporters staged a faux ‘minute of silence’for France, mimicking a slogan begun by Emiliano Martinez in the locker room after last year’s World Cup Final.

Several people, including fans, analysts, and evenMartinez’s own manager Unai Emery, were also offended by another vulgar gesture the goalkeeper madewith his trophy after the game against France.While it didn’t go down very well, the Aston Villa goalie hasdoneit again.

This time he was accompanied by some of his teammates,backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, as well as forwards Guido Rodriguez, Marcos Acuna, and German Pezzella. Le Albiceleste celebrated their triumphant return to their homeland with exciting replicas of the World Cup trophy.