WATCH: How French fans reacted to a video of Emi Martinez’s save in the World Cup final at the Ballon d’Or ceremony; Drogba forced to intervene

Emi Martinez also won the Adidas Golden Glove.

WATCH: How French fans reacted to a video of Emi Martinez’s save in the World Cup final at the Ballon d’Or ceremony; Drogba forced to intervene

Emi Martinez's save vs France in the final (via X/@CentreGoals)

France Football held the 2023 Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony on Sunday, the 31st. The Théâtre du Châtelet was once again witness to a historic Lionel Messi win, as the crowd gave a standing ovation to what seems to be the Argentine’s ‘final’ Ballon d’Or. Alongside the Argentine #10, his trusted teammate, Emiliano Martìnez also received recognition for his commendable season.

The 31-year-old finished 1st in the Yachine Trophy rankings, thereby clinching the award for the first time in his career. Subsequently, the World Cup winner was called on stage and was congratulated by Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert. Moreover, his father also joined the Dias and embraced his son in a heartwarming moment. The hosts then proceeded to play a video of the player’s exploits that warranted him the award.

YouTube video

As the video featured Martìnez’s iconic save in the final, the French crowd expressed their distaste. Several fans howled and booed as the video showed an ecstatic Martìnez denying Randal Kolo Muani in the dying seconds of the World Cup final.

FS Video

Drogba was forced to intervene. He hushed the booing fans and also asked them to show respect to the World Cup winner. Martinez also won the Adidas Golden Glove for Argentina in the WC.

Emi Martinez runs into IShowSpeed during the Ballon d’Or ceremony

Emiliano Martìnez was in attendance for the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Argentine goalkeeper received the 2023 Yachine Trophy for his goalkeeping prowess in the last season. In a hilarious moment, internet sensation IShowSpeed ran into the World Cup winner at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The duo shared a hilarious interaction which has then gone viral on social media.

IShowSpeed and Emiliano Martinez
IShowSpeed with Emiliano Martinez (via X/@SpeedHQ)

Speed was starstruck for a while after running into the Argentine. However, he returned to his usual self, before asking Martìnez “Messi or Ronaldo”. Martinez let out a laugh before asking Speed: 

What do you think? There's only one for me.

There is no doubt that Martìnez prefers international teammate Leo Messi. Speed was accompanied by Iran Ferreira, the ‘Receba’ TikTok sensation.

Speed then asked: 

How are you so good at goalkeeping?

In response, Martìnez mentioned he started diving at age five. They later parted ways, but not without a humorous exchange. Speed said: 

Nice to meet you, bro. But Ronaldo forever, man.

Martinez playfully responded, ‘No way!’ and they went their separate ways.

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