Argentine world champion Emiliano Martínez calmly accepted the whistles and boos as he was honored as the best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
“Perhaps the same thing would have happened if a Frenchman had done that with Argentina. I have nothing against them,” said the 31-year-old professional footballer from English Premier League club Aston Villa.
Martínez won France Football’s Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper of the previous year. As we walked onto the stage, some boos and whistles could be heard from the prominently packed hall.
When, among other things, one of the decisive scenes of the World Cup final against France was shown during his speech, in which Martínez saved the Albiceleste from a penalty shootout with a save against Randal Kolo Muani, some expressed their displeasure again.
That’s why presenter and legendary striker Didier Drogba was forced to interrupt the usual proceedings and called on the audience to be calm and respectful. Martínez was greeted with a few whistles when he arrived at the Théatre du Chatelet with his wife Mandinha.
Argentina won the World Cup final on penalties against France in Qatar last December. At the award ceremony and the honor as the best World Cup goalkeeper, Martínez caused worldwide criticism with an obscene gesture.