Argentine Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez faced several insults from the French fans during the Ballon d’or ceremony held in Paris, France. The insults came in when Emiliano Martinez was giving his winner’s speech and the video of his save against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final was playing on the big screen as he received the 2023 Yashin trophy.
However, Didier Drogba came forward in this situation and defended Emiliano Martinez from the insults. He asked the French fans politely to show some respect.
He said, “please, please, respect” to the French fans.
This gesture by the Chelsea legend was appreciated by the people present in the ceremony. His response was followed by a round of applause from the great majority of those in attendance.
The event was hosted by Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert.
Emiliano Martinez crowned winner of the 2023 Yashin Trophy
Emiliano Martinez was ranked as last season’s best goalkeeper and hence, won the 2023 Yashin Trophy.
This was mainly due to his heroics in the FIFA World Cup 2022, held last December. He put on a stand-out performance during the tournament that included multiple penalty saves and helped Argentina to win the World Cup.
Also, his fine run of form in the Premier League with Aston Villa last season, which saw them finish in top 7, added value to his worthiness for this award.
The 2023 Ballon d’or
Argentina and Inter Miami’s star player Lionel Messi was crowned as the winner of the 2023 Men’s Ballon d’or. One of the main factors for this was his great performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. Also, he won the Ligue 1 and French Cup with French club PSG last season.
This was his record extending 8th Ballon d’or. He got the better of his last season’s teammate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City star man Erling Haaland to win the coveted prize.
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