Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is preparing to face England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, hoping to defeat club teammates Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, and Morgan Rogers. The 33-year-old Argentina international has been a key figure for Villa since joining in 2020, winning the FIFA Men's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022 and consecutive Yashin Trophies. However, his career has been marked by controversy, including a two-match ban for inappropriate gestures and a £20,000 guard dog purchase.
World Cup Qualifiers Ban
Martinez played a starring role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, but during post-match celebrations, he made a vulgar gesture with the Golden Glove trophy. While that incident did not result in a ban, he repeated the gesture in 2026 during a World Cup qualifier against Chile while holding a replica Copa America trophy. A separate investigation led to a two-game ban for that action and for slapping a TV camera during a subsequent qualifier against Colombia.
£20,000 Guard Dog
After returning to England as a world champion in 2022, Martinez spent £20,000 on a Belgian Malinois guard dog from Elite Protection Dogs, a company with 35 years of experience supplying trained animals to wealthy clients. The breed is used by the SAS and US Navy SEALs. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and ex-Arsenal defender Ashley Cole are among the company's past clients. The dog is intended to protect Martinez's family and his silverware collection at his West Midlands home.
Aston Villa Contract
Martinez's wages have risen significantly since joining Villa. Initially earning around £60,000 per week, he signed an extension in 2022 worth £120,000 per week. In 2024, he agreed to his current deal, reported at £150,000 per week, equating to £7.8 million per year. This makes him the joint-highest earner at Villa Park alongside Morgan Rogers and Boubacar Kamara. Martinez will face Rogers, Konsa, and Watkins on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium in the World Cup semi-final.
