Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez showed once again on Wednesday that he’s a player who’s never forgotten where he came from. 

The Argentina men’s national football team goalkeeper donated the gloves he wore in the 2024 Copa América final for a charity auction to raise funds for the hospital where he was born.

They were sold at the FUNDAMI charity gala dinner, which raised funds for the Victorio Tetamanti Maternal and Pediatric Hospital. ‘El Dibu’ wore the gear for the nail-biting match in which Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to secure the Albiceleste’s second straight Copa América. The charity reported that they went for US$100,000.

Martínez was unable to attend the gala, but his father went, as did FUNDAMI honorary member and TV star Mirtha Legrand. The event also raised over AR$120 million (US$116,054 at the official rate, US$100,418 at the MEP rate) for the hospital.

Martínez has never been shy about paying his respects to his home city. “Being the first person from Mar del Plata to win the World Cup is an honor,” he said when he visited after the Qatar 2022 title. “Now all young goalkeepers here should dream of winning the fourth title. Thank you to all the people from my beautiful city for this welcome.”

In February 2024, he sent his greetings for the 150th anniversary of Mar del Plata’s foundation.

“Happy birthday to my beloved city, La Feliz [The Happy One] as we all call it! Greetings from gloomy Birmingham, I miss you all so much and I’ll be there soon,” he promised at the end of the video.