Emiliano Martinez explains vulgar World Cup trophy gesture

December 19, 2022

Argentina goalie Emiliano Martinez heard the boos loud and clear from France fans during the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday.

After Argentina won the shootout 4-2, to win the World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Martinez was awarded the Golden Glove trophy, which is given to the most outstanding goalkeeper of the tournament. Martinez raised eyebrows during the postgame ceremony when he was seen holding the trophy near his groin, appearing to thrust his hips.

“I did it because the French booed me,” Martinez told Argentine radio station La Red of the gesture, per multiple reports. “Pride does not work with me.”

It’s unclear if the goalie will face a fine or other discipline for the matter.

Martinez became the first player to represent Argentina to win the Golden Glove. He was joined at the trophy ceremony by teammate Lionel Messi, who won the Golden Ball, as well as Enzo Fernandez, the winner of the Best Young Player award.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after receiving the Golden Glove trophy for the best goalkeeper after defeating France to win the World Cup in Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022.

The 30-year-old Martinez played a key role in Argentina’s dramatic final to win the country’s first world championship in 36 years.

The Aston Villa goalie, who had three clean sheets in the tournament, carried his team through extra time and a penalty shootout following a 2-2 tie in regulation. He brilliantly denied France’s Kingsley Coman with a diving left save in the performance.

After Argentina’s historic win, an emotional Martinez said, “We suffered a lot. We thought we were in control but they managed to come back. It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer. They had one last chance to win, luckily I was able to stop it with my foot.

Kylian Mbappe of France scores the goal penalty shot out on Argentina goalie Emiliano Martinez during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. — Kylian Mbappe of France scores the goal penalty shot out on Argentina goalie Emiliano Martinez during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match on Dec. 18, 2022 in Qatar.

“This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I left very young for England and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family.”

Martinez has been the goalkeeper for Aston Villa since 2020. Last year, he helped his country to its first Copa America trophy since 1991.