Argentina’s star goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, has become a global football sensation thanks to his outstanding record in penalty shootouts. The World Cup champion, who recently secured his second Copa America title, has opened up about the rituals and practices that have played a crucial role in his success.

One of the more unusual elements of Martinez’s pre-game routine is his connection to teddy bears, which he keeps on his shin pads. These stuffed animals were a gift from his wife before the World Cup, along with a heartfelt note: “You are going to bring the golden cup home.”

This sentimental gesture has become a significant source of motivation for Martinez, who now makes sure the teddy bears are always with him. He carries a picture of them on his shin pads for every match, making this an essential part of his pre-game routine. This is just one of several superstitions he follows, including doing pilates and yoga two days before a game, praying, and consulting with his psychologist.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Martinez discussed his superstitions, saying: “I always keep a picture of the teddy bears on my shin pads. I keep them with me everywhere I go. I keep my same routine: I make sure I do pilates and yoga two days before, I pray before the games and have meetings with my psychologist.”

Martinez also reflected on his penalty-saving abilities, which he attributes to both natural talent and thorough preparation.

“I have always been a good penalty saver since I was very young,” he explained. “I think I’ve only lost one shoot-out in my whole career, it’s something I’ve always been pretty good at. I always think I am going to save two or three in a shoot-out.”

“When you play 90 minutes and it is a penalty shoot-out, the pressure is completely different. Sometimes you need to have a bit of luck but, for me, working on it, reading the strikers, it is something that comes from within.”

Though Martinez is beloved by fans, he has faced criticism for his on-pitch antics and flamboyant celebrations aimed at unsettling his opponents. Defending himself, he said, “It’s something that can happen, the adrenalin kicks in and sometimes you just can’t control it. I don’t look for it, it just comes. People who think of me being a show-off are probably the ones who don’t know me. I’m just a normal guy, a family man.”

“I don’t apologise. I don’t swear, I don’t insult anyone. I just try to help my team – that’s all. I don’t cross a line, I never do. I always try to keep myself steady. When it is about winning I try everything I can to win the game. The only thing that I want is the best for my club and country. That is all that I care about.”

Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Martinez has been a key figure for the team, making over 150 appearances and contributing to significant achievements. Last season, he played a crucial role in securing a top-four Premier League finish, which qualified Villa for the Champions League. Martinez’s consistent performances in goal have been instrumental in their success, and as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Arsenal, Martinez’s former club, all eyes will be on the Argentine goalkeeper.

Emiliano Martínez

This season he played in total once for 90 minutes for Premier League.

He made 3 saves and conceded 1 goal. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Aston Villa won 2-1 against West Ham United.

Aston Villa performance and stats

Aston Villa is currently 6th in the Premier League with 3 points.

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 1.​

Aston Villa will play the next match in Premier League against Arsenal on Saturday 24th of August in Birmingham. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.​