EMI MARTINEZ was awkwardly BOOED at the Ballon d'Or ceremony – with Didier Drogba having to intervene to tell the crowd off.
The Argentine won the Yashin Trophy – to crown the best performing goalkeeper – having helped clinch the World Cup last year.
Martinez pulled off a stunning one-on-one save in the dying embers of the final against France and also saved two penalties in the shootout.
So he was not the most popular face during the Ballon d'Or awards in Paris, facing heckles and boos when he went on stage.
Chelsea legend Drogba – who led the ceremony – was heard saying "please, please, respect" in French as replays of Martinez were booed.
He later fumed: "Please, we are here to respect athletes. We have a great champion in front of us, please let him speak. Thank you."
READ MORE IN football
TEEN TROUBLE
I earned £6,500 a week at just 13 but women, cars and drugs wrecked my career
POWER UP
Carabao Cup: Get £40 in free bets when you stake £10 with Paddy Power
The Aston Villa stopper received the prestigious award from his dad on stage.
Martinez, 31, said: "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 beat the likes of Ederson, Aaron Ramsdale, Andre Onana, Thibaut Courtois and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to win the award.
Most read in Football
SCOLD TRAFFORD
Man Utd flops blast Ten Hag tactics and decisions on defence & Fernandes
RED DEVILSHHH
Fuming Ten Hag ordered Utd flops to sit in SILENCE and listen to City party
BALLON D’OR 2023
Messi WINS eighth Ballon d’Or trophy ahead of Prem star Haaland
LION SHARE
Messi wins EIGHTH Ballon d’Or gong after pipping Haaland and Mbappe to award
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Elsewhere on the night, Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy and was presented it by his Inter Miami boss David Beckham.
Messi, 36, said: "It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment. To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream."
He added: "I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.
"To win the Copa America and to get the World Cup after all those difficult moments in the national teams."
Source: Read Full Article