Dibu Martínez Faces Hostile Reception at Paris Showdown

PARIS, France — Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez encountered a hostile reception at Parc des Princes during a match against Paris Saint-Germain on April 9, 2025. This confrontation marked Martínez’s return to France since his pivotal performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, where he became a national hero by helping secure Argentina’s victory.

Martínez’s previous success hasn’t won him favor among PSG fans, particularly after his standout performance against France in the World Cup final, where he stopped a crucial shot from Randal Kolo Muani, leading to Argentina’s triumph in the penalty shootout. As he entered the pitch for a warmup, the crowd voiced their disapproval with loud jeers, with insults such as “Martínez es una perra” reported by French media RMC Sport.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper sported the Argentine flag painted on the side of his head, a tribute to his national team. However, some fans took his appearance as a taunt. Although initially bright, the color of the dye had faded as the match approached.

“He thrives on the negativity from opposing fans, similar to the atmospheres in the finals of the World Cup and Copa América,” Martínez has stated previously, showcasing his resilience.

In contrast to the intense animosity directed at him by the PSG supporters, his coach at Aston Villa, Unai Emery, emphasized Martínez’s maturity and growth since joining the club. “He is responsible and progressing in managing his emotions. In recent years, he has transformed into a much better player,” Emery remarked, focusing on keeping Martínez dialed into his game rather than the surrounding hostility.

This match between Aston Villa and PSG was part of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals, with both teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. Aston Villa aims to capitalize on their underdog status and advance by overcoming the unfriendly environment at PSG’s stadium.

In the run-up to the match, Get French Football News described Martínez as “public enemy number one,” warning that he should expect a fierce welcome from the fans at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. They anticipated local supporters would have a real opportunity to express their frustration from the World Cup.

As the tension mounted, fans reacted on social media, dubbing Martínez “the goalkeeper we love to hate.” Before the 2022 World Cup, he was relatively unknown, but now he’s a polarizing figure — adored by some and detested by others.

Despite the charged atmosphere, Aston Villa looks to Martinez as a key player, and they will seek to tap into his experience and talent in this critical matchup. The winner of this tie will face either Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semifinals.

This event marks one of the few times Martinez has returned to France since his World Cup glory, and it promises to be a significant test for him as he faces the very fans who once celebrated his national team’s victory.