A Horrific Injury and a Career Takeoff

Football fans have identified a pivotal moment in the history of the sport, when Arsenal's Bernd Leno suffered a devastating injury during a match against Brighton in 2020. Leno's injury, caused by a collision with Brighton's Neal Maupay, marked a turning point in the career of Arsenal's second-choice goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, who went on to achieve remarkable success, including winning the World Cup in 2022.

The Fateful Trip to Brighton

Arsenal's trip to Brighton in June 2020 may have resulted in a 2-1 defeat, but it brought Emiliano Martinez into the spotlight. Fans have pinpointed this singular event as the moment that changed the entire footballing timeline.

A Backup No More

Prior to the match, Martinez had spent a decade as a backup goalkeeper for Arsenal, with only six Premier League appearances to his name. However, the clash between Maupay and Leno in the first half of the game opened the door for Martinez to seize his opportunity.

Seizing the Chance

With Leno sidelined due to his injury, Martinez stepped in as Arsenal's goalkeeper. His performance helped the team recover from their worst Premier League finish since 1995 and win the FA Cup. Martinez's impressive form caught the attention of Aston Villa, and he made a £20 million move to the club in the summer of 2020.

Rising to International Stardom

Martinez's standout performances for Villa earned him his debut for the Argentina national team in June 2021. Later that year, he played a crucial role in Argentina's victory in the Copa America, where he was named the tournament's best goalkeeper. This solidified his position as Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Continued Success and Recognition

Martinez's heroics in the World Cup final against France, particularly in the penalty shootout, secured Argentina the title and earned him the Golden Glove award. His exceptional performances were further recognized on Monday night at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he received the prestigious Yashin Trophy for the best-performing goalkeeper.

A Fan Conclusion

It is thanks to Maupay's collision with Leno that Martinez's extraordinary journey was set in motion. Fans believe that without this incident, his incredible rise in the world of football would never have happened.