Emiliano Martinez has won the 2024/25 Premier League Save of the Season award.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper produced one of the best saves in Premier League history, somehow twisting his body to stop Nicolas Dominguez's point-blank header from a corner centimetres before it crossed the line.
Martinez earned the December Save of the Month prize for that incredible stop against Nottingham Forest, the first time he had earned the monthly award.
The Argentinian's save drew praise from people across the footballing world, with some claiming it's the best they've ever seen.
"I was upset in that moment!" said Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, himself a former Portugal international goalkeeper, "But big save, big save. It was remarkable.
"That is not about anything, it is pure instinct. Reflex. It's amazing. I wish I had [the] quality to do that once, but I didn't!"
'I can't think of a better Premier League save in my life'
Jamie Redknapp compared it to a legendary save made by England goalkeeper Gordon Banks from Brazil’s Pele in the FIFA 1970 World Cup.
“I can't think of a better Premier League save in my life,” the former midfielder said on Sky Sports. “He has already got himself in a position where he is trying to get space for himself and then somehow he reacts.
"We talk about the Pele one from Gordon Banks. Somehow he saved it. It's almost like a magician, sleight of hand. That is truly sensational.”
It was one of 10 saves, nine of which won the Premier League Save of the Month award, plus a Kepa Arrizabalaga save in May, that were shortlisted for the Save of the Season award.
Martinez won after receiving the most combined votes from the public and a panel of football experts.
His save beat those of Kepa (two nominations), Martin Dubravka, Andre Onana (two nominations), David Raya (two nominations), Robert Sanchez and Guglielmo Vicario.
