In addition to winning the 2024 Yashin Trophy for the second time at the Ballon d’Or event, Martinez has now added further trophies to his collection when FIFA named him the greatest goalkeeper of the year.
The 32-year-old has achieved further success on the world front this year after winning the trophy for the first time in 2022 for his heroics during the World Cup in Qatar.
The contentious South American demonstrated his penalty-saving skills at the event on his way to winning the championship, and Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s victory at the Copa America over the summer. In six games played in the US, he only gave up one goal.
There were also many outstanding club performances, and Martinez played a key role in Aston Villa’s unexpected 2024–2025 Champions League qualification. He was nominated for Premier League Save of the Month in September because of his outstanding play this season.
Martinez became the first player to win the award twice since it was first given out in 2017 after stealing it from Manchester City goalie Ederson. After Gianluigi Buffon won the first prize, Edouard Mendy, Thibaut Courtois, Alisson, and Manuel Neuer have since won.
Ederson, the previous champion, was one of six goalkeepers nominated for the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award. The only other Premier League player on the shortlist was David Raya of Arsenal.
Despite having an incredible 2024 season with the European champions, Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin was left out, while Unai Simon, the goalkeeper for Athletic Club and Spain, was also unable to unseat Martinez. The other nominees were Mike Maignan and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
