Emiliano Martinez was awarded at the Ballon d’Or 2023 gala ceremony, the Argentinian received the prize for the best goalkeeper (Lev Yassin Trophy). As he took to the stage, the Aston Villa player was booed and booed by the French crowd at the Théâtre Châtelet in central Paris.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and an empty gesturePhoto: Heuler Andrey/SPP / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

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Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez booed at the Ballon d’Or 2023 gala ceremony

Martinez caused a lot of comment when, after Argentina defeated France in the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, on penalties, he celebrated with an obscene gesture at the awards ceremony (the gesture was directed at French fans).

The French public had not forgotten what Martinez had done in Qatar and now the footballer was booed and booed when he took to the stage.

“We have a great champion in front of us, let him prove himself,” commented Didier Drogba (master of ceremonies) to the audience present at the Châtelet theater.

The organizers’ surprise for Martinez: he received the award for the best goalkeeper from his father, Alberto.

“Seeing him here is a pleasant surprise. I want to cry, I am overwhelmed with emotions. It’s really a gift for my career, for me the most important thing is to win trophies and win the group,” said Emiliano Martínez, as quoted by News.ro.

The moment when Emiliano Martinez is booed at the Théâtre Châtelet in Paris: