Emi Martínez is targeting future titles with Aston Villa and Argentina after being named the Yashin Trophy winner for the second successive year.
The 32-year-old collected the prestigious prize, which recognises the best goalkeepers in the world, at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night.
Martínez, who also won the award in 2023, thanked his teammates at international and club level before telling of his personal pride at the recognition.
“It’s huge for me,” he said.
“I always dreamed of playing one game for the national team. Coming from such a young lad to England and trying to work my way up to succeed at Aston Villa and with the national team, winning one (cap) was an honour.
“Back-to-back (Yashin Trophies) is something I never expected. I’m just proud to be here today. All thanks go to my family and friends.”
Speaking to hosts Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert on stage, the World Cup winner also expressed his pleasure at the progress being made by club and country.
Martínez said: “Sometimes when you’re on the pitch you behave in the way that you want to win the game.
“Off the pitch, I’m a dad, I’m a proud man, I’m a husband, I’m a son. On the pitch, I want to do everything I can to help my national team and my club, which is Aston Villa.
“We’re doing something amazing in the club, we’re moving forward. We’ve won back-to-back trophies with the national team and that’s all I care about.”
Martínez, who also placed 18th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, faced competition from nine of the best goalkeepers in the world for the award.
The Argentine says he is motivated by team success rather than individual accolades as he looks to add to his glittering CV in the coming years.
“I don’t see myself as the best – there are so many good goalies I see week in, week out,” he said.
“I only care about group titles with the national team, with Aston Villa. I focus on myself and my goalie coaches know the work I put in every day.
“For me, it’s about improving myself.”
