Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has had quite an incredible couple of years.
From helping his nation and Lionel Messi to end their trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa Amercia, to becoming an Argentinian legend after winning the World Cup in Qatar seven months ago and being named the men’s best goalkeeper at FIFA’s prestigious awards, it’s been a brilliant time for the Villa keeper.
His penalty-shootout heroics in December 2022 will be the defining moment moment of his career in the game, but at just 30-years-old, Martinez still has a lot to give and he has become one of the most valuable goalkeepers in world football.
Martinez is never far away from attention, whether that be because of his performances on the field or his antics off it. Much of his success is also down to his ruthless personality. His mindset and confidence has helped him to reach the top of the game, and Villa fans will be hoping he will be key to the club’s success and progress over the next couple of years with exciting times ahead at Villa Park.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at some unforgettable and memorable moments from Martinez’s career.
1. Winning the FA Cup
Martinez was emotional after winning the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020. He produced a great display to help the Gunners win silverware and showed how much it meant to him in his post match interview
2. Penalty shootout victory over Colombia
There aren’t many better penalty savers in world football than Martinez. He became a hero for his country during his first major tournament with them at the 2021 Copa America. After a 1-1 draw in the semi-final, Argentina beat Colombia 3-2 on penalties after Martinez saved three spot-kicks. They went on to claim the trophy beating Brazil 1-0 in the final
3. Old Trafford dance
Villa were 1-0 up at Old Trafford in September 2021 going into injury time when Man United won a penalty. Martinez walked up to Bruno Fernandes who was about to take the spot kick and could be seen saying Cristiano Ronaldo should take it instead. Fernandes hit his penalty over the bar, with Martinez going on to do a little celebration dance in front of the Stretford End as villa won 1-0
4. Quarter-final win over Holland
The 2022 World Cup eneded up being the Lionel Messi story but Martinez played a huge part in his nation’s success. In the quarter-final against Holland, which ended in a draw, Martinez saved two penalties to see his country advance to the semis