Emiliano Martinez has been crowned the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper for 2024, marking the second time the Aston Villa and Argentina star has won the prestigious award.
This adds to his earlier triumph at the 2024 Yashin Trophy during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, making it another standout year for the 32-year-old.
International Heroics
Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa America 2024 triumph, showcasing his renowned penalty-saving ability and rock-solid presence in goal.
In the tournament held in the United States, he conceded just **one goal in six matches**, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s finest shot-stoppers.
Club Success with Aston Villa
On the club front, Martinez was instrumental in Aston Villa’s surprise qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, a major milestone for the club. His consistent performances and crucial saves earned him additional recognition, including a Premier League Save of the Month nomination in September 2024.
Historic Achievement
Martinez has joined an elite group of goalkeepers who have won FIFA’s prestigious award multiple times since its inception in 2017.
He is the first to win the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award twice.
2022: Following his World Cup heroics in Qatar
2024: For his contributions at the Copa America and with Aston Villa
This achievement also sees him dethrone Manchester City’s Ederson, the 2023 winner, and surpass other top goalkeepers like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mike Maignan, David Raya, Unai Simó, and Andriy Lunin, who were among this year’s nominees.
Martinez now stands alongside legendary winners such as:
– Gianluigi Buffon (2017)
– Thibaut Courtois (2018)
– Alisson Becker (2019)
– Manuel Neuer (2020)
– Edouard Mendy (2021)
– Ederson (2023)
This accolade further cements Martinez’s position as one of the modern game’s most dominant and decorated goalkeepers.
Dibu’s done it again.
Emi Martinez is #TheBest FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper for the second time in three years! 🧤🧤
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 17, 2024