Emiliano Martinez Wins Yashin Trophy Despite NOT Being Top Goalkeeper In Ballon d'Or Vote

Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the 2023 Yashin Trophy. But Martinez was NOT the top goalkeeper in the Ballon d'Or vote.

Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the 2023 Yashin Trophy on Monday night.

Manchester City and Brazil stopper Ederson came second in the vote, with Al-Hilal and Morocco star Yassine Bounou third.

Thibaut Courtois and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were fourth and fifth respectively.

Martinez was presented with his award by his father.

Despite winning the Yashin Trophy - the prize created to celebrate the best goalkeeper in the world - Martinez was not the highest-ranked keeper in the overall Ballon d'Or vote.

Martinez had been one of just three goalkeepers to make the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d'Or. Bounou and Andre Onana were the others.

Bounou came 13th in the Ballon d'Or vote, while Martinez was 15th and Onana 23rd.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pictured with his wife Amanda at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris :: IMAGO/PA Images/Adam Davy

Martinez said after picking up the Yashin Trophy: "I'm full of emotion to have won this.

"Without my teammates at Aston Villa and in the Argentina national team, this wouldn't have been possible - this moment in my career."

Martinez kept 13 clean sheets in 37 Premier League games for Villa last season.

He also recorded three shutouts in seven games for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

However, his most memorable performance at Qatar 2022 came in a 3-3 draw against France in the final.

Martinez pulled off one of the most iconic saves in World Cup history to prevent Randal Kolo Muani from scoring a winning goal in the 123rd minute.

Moments later, he blocked a penalty kick from Kingsley Coman to help Argentina prevail 4-2 in a shootout.

Martinez pictured saving a penalty kick during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final :: IMAGO/Propaganda Photo/David Rawcliffe