In the world of football, some label him as an “idiot” or a “vulgar clown” who behaves “stupidly.” Others describe him as a “good guy,” “passionate,” who plays the role of a “leader.” It’s hard to find someone more divisive. Hated by opponents but adored by his teammates, Emiliano Martinez leaves no one indifferent. Aston Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper will be a key player in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, April 9, in Paris, between his Birmingham-based team and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 32-year-old expert in provocation did not wait for Wednesday’s kickoff to start hostilities, predicting he’d be heavily booed at the Parc des Princes. “They will insult me,” he predicted on March 27 on the Argentine channel Telefe. The world of French football has indeed abhorred him since the 2022 World Cup final, which the French team lost to Argentina in Qatar (3-3, penalties 2-4).
In the vast Lusail Stadium, Martinez stood out as much for his high-level sporting performance – especially his decisive save against Randal Kolo Muani in extra time and the two penalties he saved – as for his behavior deemed disrespectful on the field to unnerve the French shooters. Hailed as a hero in his country, “Dibu,” as he is known for his supposed resemblance to a cartoon character, aggravated his status as a public enemy in France by taking part in the taunts against Kylian Mbappé during the title celebrations in Argentina. He also infamously performed an obscene gesture with the World Cup’s Best Goalkeeper trophy, shaped like a golden glove, in front of the cameras.
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