A shocking revelation rocked the football world this Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. local time (+07), when Damián Emiliano Martínez, the charismatic Argentine goalkeeper nicknamed “Dibu,” confirmed that he had rejected a lucrative offer from Real Madrid due to his personal dislike of Kylian Mbappé, the team’s French star. In an interview broadcast live from Birmingham, where he plays for Aston Villa, Martínez made his position clear with a forceful statement: “I would rather retire than play with him.” This decision, taken after months of negotiations with the Spanish club, has unleashed a whirlwind of reactions among fans, analysts, and the sports press, marking a critical moment in the goalkeeper’s career and in the internal dynamics at Real Madrid.

Martínez, 33, had been a top target for Real Madrid after an exceptional 2024/25 season with Aston Villa, where he kept 16 clean sheets and helped the team qualify for the Champions League. The Madrid club’s offer included a four-year contract with an estimated annual salary of €15 million, plus a €10 million signing bonus. However, the Argentine, known for his strong personality and passionate celebrations, decided to prioritize his principles over the opportunity to play at the Santiago Bernabéu. Sources close to the player revealed that the tension with Mbappé dates back to previous clashes, including a verbal clash during the 2022 World Cup, where the two were involved in an intense duel between Argentina and France in the final.

The animosity between Martínez and Mbappé appears to have reached a fever pitch in recent months. The goalkeeper has reportedly expressed discomfort with Mbappé’s leadership style, with Mbappé joining Real Madrid in 2024 and quickly assuming a leading role. Fans have speculated on X about unreported incidents, such as an alleged argument after a friendly in 2023, though Martínez has avoided giving specific details, saying only: “It’s a personal matter that won’t change my career.” Spanish press, including Marca, have described the rejection as “an unexpected setback” for Real Madrid, who were eyeing Martínez as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who left for Manchester City in the summer of 2025.

The reaction on social media has been immediate and polarized. On X, Martínez’s followers have praised him for his integrity, with messages such as: “Dibu prefers his dignity over Madrid’s money, that’s respect.” On the other hand, Real Madrid fans have criticized his decision, arguing that “no player should put their grudges above the club.” Mbappé’s name has emerged as a primary focus, with videos of their past clashes circulating widely. Some users suggest the rivalry could be fueled by the pair’s competitiveness on the international stage, where Martínez has emerged as a key figure for Argentina, while Mbappé looks to cement his legacy with France.

For Real Madrid, this refusal represents a challenge in a time of transition. With Courtois out and Andriy Lunin the only viable goalkeeping option, the club is now considering alternatives such as PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Porto’s Diogo Costa. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has avoided direct comment on the matter, but the board is rumored to be frustrated at losing a goalkeeper of Martínez’s quality. For its part, Aston Villa welcomes the decision, as Martínez’s renewed contract in 2024 keeps him with the club until 2029, ensuring stability in its European project.

The personal conflict between Martínez and Mbappé has sparked a broader debate about chemistry in elite teams and the impact of individual rivalries. Some analysts believe Martínez’s refusal could inspire other players to prioritize their values, while others see it as a risk to dressing room cohesion. Mbappé, for his part, has not responded publicly, although his silence has been interpreted by some as a sign of indifference. The Argentine press, such as Olé, has highlighted Martínez’s courage, while in France, L’Équipe has suggested that this incident could affect Mbappé’s image as a leader.

As the 2025 summer transfer window progresses, all eyes are on how Real Madrid will handle this situation and whether Martínez will eventually reveal more details about his dislike. For now, his decision remains a testament to how personal passions and differences can shape the course of a career in world football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapters in this saga.