Emiliano Martínez Wins Yachine Trophy for Best Goalkeeper in 2024

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Donnarumma, the star of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, remains one of the top keepers in the world and a crucial player for PSG.

A poster showing list nominees for Ballon d'Or. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.

By Robert Mutasi

Aston Villa and Argentina’s standout goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, has been crowned the 2024 Yachine Trophy winner, solidifying his status as the best goalkeeper in the world.

This prestigious award, handed out during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, recognizes the top-performing goalkeeper over the past season, and Martínez’s heroics in both domestic and international competitions made him the clear frontrunner.

The Yachine Trophy, named after the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, is awarded annually by France Football to the top-performing goalkeeper in world football.

Martínez, who is 32 years old, becomes the latest to join a distinguished group of winners, after his remarkable performances that helped lead Aston Villa to their best Premier League finish in over a decade and his continued success with the Argentina national team.

Martínez has been in sensational form since his pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory.

His penalty-saving prowess in the final against France, which helped secure the title, earned him global recognition.

Building on that success, he has continued to produce world-class performances for Aston Villa, proving crucial to their rise under manager Unai Emery.

His commanding presence, sharp reflexes, and leadership on the pitch have made him indispensable to both club and country.

Martínez edged out stiff competition for the award. Finishing second in the Yachine Trophy rankings is Spain’s Unai Simón, the reliable shot-stopper for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team, who at 27 is considered one of the most consistent keepers in Europe.

Simón has been a pillar for Bilbao, earning a reputation for his calm under pressure and ability to pull off game-changing saves.

Andriy Lunin, the young and promising 25-year-old from Real Madrid, claimed third place. Despite being the backup to Thibaut Courtois at Madrid, Lunin has impressed whenever called upon and is seen as one of the brightest goalkeeper prospects.

Finishing fourth was Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain, who has already enjoyed a remarkable career at just 25 years old.

Donnarumma, the star of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, remains one of the top keepers in the world and a crucial player for PSG.

Rounding out the top five is Mike Maignan of AC Milan, who has been one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers.

The 29-year-old Frenchman’s quick reflexes and sharp distribution have drawn comparisons to his countryman, Hugo Lloris.

Emiliano Martínez’s triumph in the Yachine Trophy represents not only individual brilliance but also a reward for years of perseverance and determination.

As he continues to shine, both at Villa Park and on the international stage, Martínez has firmly established himself as a dominant force in modern football.

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