Emiliano Martinez provokes PSG fans with controversial cap in Champions League

In early April 2025, Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez drew attention and hostility from Paris Saint-Germain fans when he arrived in Paris for a Champions League quarter-final match wearing a provocative baseball cap. This cap featured the French cockerel emblem alongside symbols of the four major trophies he has won with the Argentina national team, including the World Cup, two Copa Americas, and the Finalissima. Martinez's antagonizing behavior had made him a controversial figure among French football fans, particularly after his performance in the controversial penalty shoot-out against France during the 2022 World Cup final. His actions during that match had included delaying French players’ attempts to score and making lewd gestures after being awarded the Golden Glove. These antics effectively established him as a 'specialist in provocation' according to French media, highlighting the animosity that had developed between him and French supporters. Ahead of the match against PSG, Villa's manager Unai Emery, who previously coached PSG, asserted that Martinez has matured over the years and should focus on his performance rather than the crowd's reaction. Despite the expected hostility, Emery expressed confidence in Martinez's ability to manage his emotions. Additionally, teammate Youri Tielemans noted that while he was indifferent to Martinez's pre-match behaviors, he believed that Martinez was focused and ready for the game. Ultimately, Martinez's decision to wear the cap became a focal point leading to unrest, as he was greeted with boos and whistles from the home crowd when he took the field, demonstrating the ongoing tension between him and fans of PSG.