Former Reading goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or award after helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League.

32-year-old Martinez impressed back in 2019 on loan with the Royals, playing 18 times and kickstarting his career as Arsenal's back-up keeper.

Moving to the Midlands in 2020, the Argentina stopper has racked up over 150 appearances and won the 2022 World Cup.

Last year, he won the Yashin Trophy as well as his FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022.

The Villains finished fourth last season and qualified for the Champions League for the first time since winning the European Cup in 1982.

For the first time in over 20 years, neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo made the list.

From the Premier League, four Manchester City stars made the long list as well as star performers for Arsenal and Chelsea.

USSR keeper Lev Yashin is the only former goalkeeper to lift the Ballon d'Or, coming back in 1963.