Emiliano Martinez has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper for 2024, which is the second time the Aston Villa and Argentina stopper has scooped the prize.
Martinez already claimed the 2024 Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony – the second time he had won that award, too – and has added to his trophy cabinet further after being crowned the best goalkeeper of the year by FIFA.
The 32-year-old first won the award in 2022 following his heroics at the World Cup in Qatar and this year has brought more success on the international stage.
Martinez was crucial in Argentina’s triumph at the Copa America over the summer, with the divisive South American showcasing his penalty-saving ability at the tournament en route to the trophy. He conceded just once across six matches in the United States.
There was plenty of stellar performances at club level as well, with Martinez integral to Aston Villa’s surprise qualification for the 2024/25 Champions League. He’s been impressive during the current campaign, even earning a nomination for Premier League Save of the Month in September.
Martinez has taken the prize off Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, becoming the first player to claim the accolade twice since it was first introduced in 2017. Gianluigi Buffon won the inaugural award and Alisson, Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer and Edouard Mendy have triumphed since.
Six other goalkeepers were nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award in 2024, with previous winner Ederson among them. Arsenal’s David Raya was the only other Premier League player on the shortlist.
Real Madrid deputy Andriy Lunin missed out despite a stellar 2024 for the European champions, while Spain and Athletic Club stopper Unai Simon also failed to usurp Martinez. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Mike Maignan were the other nominees.