Emiliano Martinez wins prize for men`s best goalkeeper at FIFA`s The Best awards after World Cup exploits

Baku, February 28, AZERTAC

Argentina`s World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez has been handed the best men`s goalkeeper prize at the 2022 The Best FIFA Football Awards, according to Goal.

The Aston Villa shot stopper produced heroics in the shootout and was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament`s best goalkeeper. On Monday, an emotional Martinez dedicated his victory to his parents, having pipped Sevilla`s Yassine Bounou and Real Madrid`s Thibault Courtois to the award.

Martinez`s efforts helped win both his and Argentina's second major international trophy in a matter of years. The Villa 'keeper made a name for himself at saving penalties in the Albiceleste`s 2021 Copa America triumph. Then, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he produced a vital 123rd-minute save to deny Randal Kolo Muani before saving Kingsley Coman`s spot-kick, as Lionel Scaloni`s side were sealed their third world crown.