Didier Drogba praised for reaction to audience booing Emi Martinez at Ballon d’Or

'Big respect to Drogba'

Martinez was the winner of the 2023 edition of the Yashin trophy but was subjected to boos as they played footage of the Argentina 'keeper's save against France’s Randal Kolo Muani in the World Cup final.

The Yashin trophy is awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world, according to his voting panels, and was pivotal in Argentina's first World Cup win since 1986.

"I’m full of emotion to have won this," the Aston Villa star said when collecting the prize.

"Without my teammates at Aston Villa and in the Argentina national team, this wouldn’t have been possible – this moment in my career."

But while Drogba, who presented the award, spoke to Martinez and asked if the save against Kolo Muani was "the save of your life?", many of the audience could be heard booing.

Drogba immediately then shut down those booing by saying: "please, please, respect".

The former Chelsea star's actions on stage led to plenty of plaudits on social media.

"Big respect to Drogba for telling the audience to be respectful after all the boos," said one fan.

"They instantly stopped when Drogba intervened lol," wrote a second.

Another said: "King Drogba."

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