Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez Still Can’t Get Mbappé’s Name Right
Two years after the unforgettable Qatar 2022 World Cup final, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez is still making headlines with stories that highlight his charisma and unique personality. In a recent video shared by the AFA, the Argentine goalkeeper recalled a moment before facing France when he asked Lionel Messi for tips on how Kylian Mbappé takes penalties. The funniest part? His quirky way of pronouncing the French star's name: “'Mpappe,' how do you guys say it?” he joked, laughing.
Martínez's dedication to preparing for Mbappé was impressive. He even asked teammates like Thiago Almada to mimic the French forward’s penalty style during training sessions. According to Almada, this level of preparation shows how meticulous Dibu is, leaving nothing to chance—a strategy that proved crucial in the historic penalty shootout.
Although Mbappé scored a hat-trick in the final and converted his penalty in the shootout, Dibu Martínez's performance was pivotal. His iconic save against Kolo Muani in extra time and his calm under pressure during the penalties cemented him as one of the heroes of the tournament.
With anecdotes like these, Dibu Martínez showcases not only his dedication on the field but also his ability to keep spirits high during high-pressure moments. His blend of humor and professionalism continues to solidify his legacy in world football.