Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez Faces Backlash After PSG Defeat as Pre-Match Antics Overshadow Champions League Struggles

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, once hailed as a World Cup hero, found himself at the center of a storm after a 3-1 Champions League quarterfinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. The Argentine’s pre-game theatrics—including a custom cap mocking France’s 2022 World Cup defeat and hair dyed in Argentina’s blue-and-white flag colors—drew ire from PSG fans and sparked debates over whether his "s***housery" crossed the line.

The Cap That Lit the Fuse Martinez arrived at Paris’ Parc des Princes wearing a baseball cap featuring Argentina’s four international trophies—the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions—superimposed over a French cockerel emblem. The gesture, interpreted as a jab at France’s defeat in Qatar, triggered relentless booing from PSG supporters throughout the match. French media labeled him a “specialist in provocation,” recalling his controversial celebrations after the World Cup final, including a crude gesture with the Golden Glove award and taunts aimed at Kylian Mbappé.

A Night to Forget in Paris On the pitch, Martinez faced a barrage of criticism after PSG’s goals. French outlet Foot Mercato declared he “experienced hell,” citing Desire Doué’s 25-yard curler that clipped the crossbar and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s blistering near-post strike as examples of his helplessness. While some analysts argued the shots were unstoppable, critics like The Times’ Martin Samuel questioned Martinez’s positioning, claiming he “did not dive at all” for Doué’s goal and was “beaten at his near post” by Kvaratskhelia—a critique dismissed by others as overly harsh.

Fan Fury and Media Fallout PSG fans amplified the hostility, booing Martinez’s every touch and jeering his post-match despair. French outlets highlighted the keeper’s shaky moment when Hakimi’s offside goal forced an error, while social media lit up with memes mocking his dyed hair and “inflated” reputation. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery defended his goalkeeper, calling him “the best in the world” and praising his maturity, but the narrative of Martinez as a provocateur overshadowed his six saves on the night.

What’s Next? With Villa needing a comeback in next week’s second leg, Martinez’s ability to refocus will be critical. While his antics galvanize Argentine fans, the PSG backlash underscores the fine line between gamesmanship and distraction. As debates rage over his legacy, one thing is clear: Martinez remains a lightning rod—celebrated and scorned in equal measure.