The French still hold a grudge against Dibu for the 2022 World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain will be the home team against Aston Villa for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, although all the attention from the French side is focused on Emiliano Dibu Martínez, the goalkeeper who left an indelible mark after being a key figure in Argentina's triumph in the 2022 World Cup, precisely against France.

On the eve of tomorrow's clash, a journalist published a column in the French magazine So Foot with harsh words toward the Argentine goalkeeper, whom they described as someone we "love to hate".

"Very open eyelids, dilated pupils, eyes popping out of their sockets, spinning like an amusement park ride: if you see any of these signs on Emiliano Martínez's face, be careful.  He's about to stop your penalty or he's about to dance on your grave. It's adrenaline. And also his way of expressing himself", was one of the most highlighted passages of the article.

The text, signed by Pierre Boisson and Georges Quirino-Chaves and originally published in mid-2023, was re-edited this week ahead of the match between the Parisian team and the Villains, corresponding to the continental tournament.

"Emiliano Martínez, the goalkeeper we love to hate", reads the headline of the French media's article. "Before the 2022 World Cup he was unknown. Then he upset France, embarrassed the rest of the world with his celebrations, and caused a baby boom in Argentina. In the span of one competition, he became a bastard for some, a hero for others. Proof of genius? After Les Bleus and LOSC, it's PSG's turn to face Dibu", the article continues.

The duel against Lille referenced by the media took place in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Conference League, and marked the Argentine goalkeeper's first visit to French soil since the Qatar 2022 final. Just hours before the match, the portal Get French Football News also echoed the Argentine goalkeeper's figure, titling him as the "public enemy number 1" and anticipating that "he can expect a hostile reception from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy", as "local fans will have a real opportunity to express some of their previous anger".

Unfortunately for the French, Aston Villa won on penalties and Martínez was once again decisive, saving two shots and celebrating in front of the crowd with a provocative dance, in response to the whistles and insults he received during the game.

The Beginning of the Trauma: Qatar 2022

The article also focuses on the key moment that established the Argentine goalkeeper as France's public enemy. "The way Emiliano Martínez celebrated his victory in the World Cup final caused controversy. That's the least we can say. First, there were his dance moves after Tchouaméni missed the penalty, to whom he had thrown the ball to the other side of the area to force him to walk a few more meters", they analyzed, referring to the "psychological games" of the goalkeeper.

This is added to the memorable one-on-one he won against Randal Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute of that thrilling final. "A crucial save that only a very small handful of goalkeepers in the world are capable of making, and a brilliant penalty shootout, which he simply dominated, as if everyone knew in advance that he was going to win it", they highlighted.

They also didn't overlook the taunts directed at Kylian Mbappé, one of the favorite targets of the Argentine celebrations: from the now classic "A minute of silence" heard in the champion's locker room, to other viral jibes.

"A carnival-like behavior that made Dibu Martínez a hero for Argentina and, for the rest of the world, a bastard or a madman", concluded the French media.