Emiliano Martinez makes rude gesture after being presented with Golden Glove award

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez shocked fans watching the World Cup final as he made a lewd gesture after receiving the Golden Glove award following his star showing in their victory.

Argentina triumphed over France, winning on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Martinez – who is shot-stopper at Premier League side Aston Villa – made a huge save in the final moments of extra-time to take the game to spot-kicks.

And his confidence between the posts and his mind games made the difference in the shootout.

After the game he was presented with the Golden Glove, a trophy handed out to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets.

And he proceeded to hold it in front of his groin and make a rude gesture as he made his way back to join his team-mates. 

‘Emi Martinez is a very positive guy and told his team-mates he was going to save some penalties,’ revealed Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.

Martinez made two huge saves, one in extra-time and one in the penalty shootout

BBC Sport’s pundits at the game were all in agreement too that Martinez’s antics played a huge part in the victory.

‘There is no doubt he had a massive impact mentally in the shootout,’ said former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Back in 2019 Martinez was on loan at Championship strugglers Reading.

The club sent him a good luck message before yesterday’s final – half-joking his grit had been first shown on a cold night in the Midlands.

Reading FC sent a good luck message to Martinez, calling him the first Royals player in final

It said: ‘Yeah…you’ll play in front of more than 80,000 in the Lusail Stadium in Doha this afternoon, competing alongside your captain Lionel Messi – against the reigning world champions – for the honour of lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina. But can you do it on a cold night in Stoke?

‘Yes you can. March 16. 2019, a memorable save from Sam Vokes, a goalless draw and a crucial point courtesy of a clean sheet earned by a certain Emi Martinez stood defiantly between the Reading posts.

‘We know we cannot truly lay claim to you. But today you become the first player to have represented Reading Football Club and to play in the World Cup Final. And…once a Royal, always a Royal.

‘From blue and white hoops to blue and white stripes… Good luck Emi.’

Martínez has been married to childhood sweetheart Amanda ‘Mandinha’ since 2017.

It is understood they got married on the outskirts of London.

She is professional interior designer and runs company MiSuenos Kids.

Martínez and his wife have two children together Santi, and Ava Martínez.