Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has once again been named a candidate for the Yashin Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d’Or gala, placing the Argentina and Chelsea goalkeeper among the ten finalists vying to be recognized as the best shot-stopper in world football, according to reports from outlets including Perfil and Doble Amarilla.
The Yashin Trophy Nomination and Competition
Martínez, 34, heads into the voting cycle looking to add a third Yashin Trophy to his resume. Records show he previously claimed the award consecutively in 2023 and 2024 following standout campaigns for Aston Villa and the Argentina national team. Perfil notes that Gianluigi Donnarumma secured the honor in the previous edition after winning the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
To claim the 2026 award, Martínez faces a competitive shortlist of nine other elite goalkeepers. According to Perfil and Doble Amarilla, the nominees include Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois, Joan García, Gregor Kobel, Édouard Mendy, David Raya, Matvey Safonov, Unai Simón, and Vozinha. Multiple reports indicate that Spain and Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón enters the field among the nominees for the recognition.
Club Transitions and Premier League Continuity
The nomination arrives during a period of professional shift for the Mar del Plata native. According to Perfil, Martínez concluded a four-year tenure at Aston Villa where he achieved cult-hero status, helped secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, and guided the club into elite European competition. Unai Emery’s tactical restructuring—which brought in Zion Suzuki and established Marco Bizot as a starter—set the stage for his departure.
While Juventus pursued the Argentine international ahead of the World Cup cycle, that move ultimately stalled. Martínez opted to remain in English football, securing a transfer to Chelsea. He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut against Brighton and establishing regular minutes under the Blues’ technical staff, as detailed by Perfil.
International Standing with Argentina
Martínez’s sustained excellence with the Albiceleste remains the central pillar of his Ballon d’Or candidacy. During recent major international tournaments, including the World Cup run under manager Lionel Scaloni, the goalkeeper delivered crucial defensive displays in high-stakes knockout fixtures leading up to the final against Spain, as reported by Perfil.
Despite Martínez’s continued recognition, Doble Amarilla highlighted a notable omission from the accompanying gala categories: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was left off the shortlist for the Men’s Coach of the Year award. That honor will be contested instead by Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany, and Luis Enrique.
Next Steps
The winner of the Yashin Trophy will be revealed during the official Ballon d’Or ceremony. Fans and followers can monitor updates via official governing body announcements and tournament organizers as the gala date approaches.
