Emiliano Martinez lived a special moment at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, as he received the Yashin Trophy to the best goalkeeper of the season. However, the atmosphere was quite hostile for the Argentine star, who was booed by some people at the event.
The 31-year-old made a strong case to receive the prize by playing an instrumental role in his nation’s World Cup victory last year in Qatar. That success made him a hero in Argentina, but it also made him enemies outside his country.
Martinez was booed by fans outside the Théâtre du Châtelet when he was walking alonside his wife at the red carpet. But he was also disrespected on stage by people inside the building.
Why Emiliano Martinez has haters outside Argentina
In France, for instance, it’s safe to say Martinez is not so popular. Apart from making a last-minute save to force the penalties in the World Cup final and shining in the shootout, his post-match celebrations infuriated the French.
Martinez was seen with a baby doll with Mbappe’s face stuck to it during the victory parade. Shortly after that, he mocked Aurelien Tchouameni for his missed spot-kick. That’s why it wasn’t exactly a surprise to hear boos when Dibu arrived at the Ballon d’Or gala.
Martinez became a polarizing athlete since he took the spotlight in the 2021 Copa America. That’s when the world got to know his shenanigans and mind games, which made him so famous in Argentina but so unpopular in other regions.
While many understand Martinez’s trash-talk is part of the game and a reason behind his success, others see an unsportsmanlike conduct in those actions. They didn’t sit well with Colombia after the 2021 Copa America semifinals, and they bothered both the Netherlands and France in the World Cup.
Dibu also got in the eye of the storm outside Argentina for his way to celebrate certain feats. His reaction after receiving the Golden Glove both in the Copa America and in the World Cup was hilarious for many Argentineans. But they considered it rude elsewhere.
“It is normal, winning a World Cup against France and having the event in France. It’s normal and I accept it as a professional. Maybe if a French player goes to Argentina the reception is the same,” Martinez said about the boos in an interview with ESPN.
Martinez not so concerned about the Ballon d’Or
It has been quite a journey for Martinez, who went from being relatively unknown to hero in Argentina in just a couple of years. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has already won multiple titles with his country and was also distinguished at FIFA’s The Best awards earlier in the year.
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The Ballon d’Or is certainly another reason to be proud of his career so far, but nothing will be more important for Martinez than Qatar 2022. “Winning The Best and being here is something impressive, but for me the biggest thing ever was already won in December,” said Martinez at the Ballon d’Or red carpet.
