No more anonymous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has taken the world by storm since winning the World Cup for Argentina two years ago. Emi is a cult and national hero, not only for his miracle saves but also for his taunting, provocative mannerisms, often labeled ‘shithousery.’ Given Martinez’s latest miracle save on Nottingham Forest, 433futbol looks back to identify FIFA 2024’s best goalkeeper’s top saves of all time.
1. The Save That Defined a World Cup – Randal Kolo Muani, 2022
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup final hanging by a thread, Emiliano Martínez delivered what many call the most iconic save in football history. In the 123rd minute, France‘s Randal Kolo Muani found himself one-on-one with Martínez—just the ball, the net, and France’s hopes.
Kolo Muani struck with purpose. Martínez, a study in steel and instinct, exploded to his left, his outstretched leg deflecting the ball into the abyss of what could have been. In that moment, Martínez did more than preserve Argentina’s World Cup dream—’Dibu’ secured Messi’s most elusive prize: the World Cup.
2. Double Defiance Against Haaland – Manchester City, Premier League
Against Manchester City’s relentless juggernaut, Martínez produced a double save that defied physics and expectation. Erling Haaland, football’s deadliest striker, unleashed a venomous shot, prompting Martínez into an acrobatic parry with his iron wrists.
But it was not over. Haaland pounced again, a second attempt, closer, yet Martínez sprang to his feet and denied him again.
Access denied, bruv.
3. Penalty Shootout Heroics – The 42% Phenomenon
Mental warfare. Martínez’s record in penalty shootouts is as psychological as it is statistical: 10 saves out of the last 24 attempts, a staggering 42% success rate against the typical 76% scoring odds.
Whether Copa América triumphs or club-level drama, Martínez stands tall, arms wide, radiating confidence and menace. Shooters hesitate, shifting under his gaze. He dives decisively, never guessing—only knowing. And then Dibu dances in celebration.
4. Champions League Brilliance Against Bayern Munich
In a European showdown against Bayern Munich, Martínez demonstrated why he thrives in moments others dread. He made seven remarkable saves against the Bavarian giants, but his masterpiece came in stoppage time.
Serge Gnabry, free and unmarked, let fly from yards away—a goal seemed inevitable. Martínez, however, was already there, diving with the kind of anticipation that can only be described as second nature. He’d save another from a Harry Kane header a minute later.
Bayern left frustrated, Martínez left victorious, and his legend of last-gasp brilliance grew slightly larger.
5. The “Scandalous” Save – Nottingham Forest, Premier League
When fans describe a save as “absolutely scandalous,” you know it is something extraordinary. In a clash against Nottingham Forest, Martínez defied logic and gravity in the 60th minute. A header from close range looked destined to pass the goalline.
Yet Martínez, somehow, was there. A flick of the hand, a breath pause, and the ball pushed out over the line. The replay slowed to mere fractions, revealing its true difficulty. For Martínez, it was just another day at work.
