The gloves used by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez in the tense penalty shootout against France in the World Cup final in Qatar last year were auctioned off on Friday to raise money for a children cancer hospital. The gloves brought in $45,000.
The Argentine Pediatric Fund posted on Instagram, “$45,000 for the Dibu gloves to help the Garrahan boys!” referring to the oncology unit of the Garrahan Hospital, the primary children hospital in Argentina.
Martinez participated in the Friday online auction via video link from his residence in England, where he plays for Aston Villa.
Martinez wore the gloves as he competed in the penalty shootout against France in the championship game in Qatar, which Argentina won 4-2, giving Lionel Messi’s team the victory. The game had ended in a 3-3 tie after extra time.
Speaking in an event, yhe goalkeeper said, “When they gave me the option to donate the World Cup gloves, I didn’t hesitate, it’s a good cause for the boys.”
When the donation was announced in February, Martinez personally signed the inside of the gloves.
“The World Cup finals are not played every day, (the gloves) are special. But it helps a child much more than me having them hanging in a frame in my house,” he said.
