Emiliano Martinez’s incredible journey from Arsenal’s bench to becoming one of the stars of the footballing world took another remarkable turn at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Argentine goalkeeper was named the best goalkeeper on the planet and found himself ranked as the 15th-best player in the world. This meteoric rise showcases his immense talent and the recognition he has garnered just three years after leaving Arsenal.
Martinez’s decade-long association with Arsenal began when he joined the club as a teenager from Independiente in Argentina back in 2010. Despite his lengthy spell at the club, he never enjoyed a regular starting role.
His breakthrough came when Bernd Leno sustained a severe injury during the 2019/20 season, thrusting Martinez into the spotlight. He played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure the FA Cup and the Community Shield, quickly establishing himself as a world-class goalkeeper.
Now, with a World Cup appearance and several incredible performances behind him, Martinez has rightfully earned the title of the best goalkeeper globally and secured the 15th spot on the list of the world’s top players. The recognition is well-deserved and marks a significant achievement in his career.
Notably, Martinez has surpassed several notable names in the rankings, including Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Lautaro Martinez, and even his former Arsenal teammates Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. This incredible feat highlights the magnitude of his impact on the footballing world and the strides he has made since leaving Arsenal.
However, Martinez’s rise and subsequent recognition have left Arsenal with a goalkeeping predicament. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced a decision in 2020 when he favored Bernd Leno and decided to sell Emi Martinez. He justified his choice at the time, but the situation could be more complex if he decides to part ways with Aaron Ramsdale in the upcoming transfer windows.
Ramsdale’s remarkable performances have put him in contention as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, and Arsenal may have to witness him reach the same heights as Martinez if he moves to a prominent club in January. The decision to let go of such a talented goalkeeper will not be an easy one for Arteta, but it’s a testament to the quality and depth of goalkeeping talent that Arsenal has possessed in recent years.
