In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Damián Emiliano Martínez, the charismatic Argentine goalkeeper affectionately known as “Dibu,” confirmed that he rejected a lucrative offer from Real Madrid due to his personal aversion toward Kylian Mbappé, the French star of the Spanish giants.

During a live interview broadcast from Birmingham, where he currently plays for Aston Villa, Martínez made his stance crystal clear with a blunt declaration: “I would rather retire than play alongside him.”

This decision, reached 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 within Real Madrid’s internal dynamics.

Martínez, 33, had been a top target for Real Madrid following 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 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, chose 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 confrontations, including a fiery verbal clash during the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina and France faced off in a gripping showdown.

The animosity between Martínez and Mbappé appears to have reached a boiling point in recent months.

Reports suggest that Martínez expressed discomfort with Mbappé’s leadership style, who joined Real Madrid in 2024 and quickly assumed a starring role.

On X (formerly Twitter), fans have speculated about unreported incidents, such as an alleged argument after a friendly match in 2023, though Martínez has refrained from providing specific details, stating only, “It’s a personal matter that will not change my career.”

Spanish media outlets like Marca have described Martínez’s refusal as “an unexpected setback” for Real Madrid, which had eyed him as the replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who transferred to Manchester City in the summer of 2025.

The reaction on social media was immediate and polarized.

On X, Martínez’s supporters praised his integrity with comments like, “Dibu chooses dignity over Madrid’s money, that’s respect.”

Conversely, many Real Madrid fans criticized his decision, arguing that “no player should put personal grudges above the club.”

Mbappé’s name quickly became the focal point, with videos of past confrontations circulating widely.

Some users suggested the rivalry might be fueled by competition on the international stage, where Martínez has emerged as a key figure for Argentina, while Mbappé seeks to cement his legacy with France.

For Real Madrid, this refusal presents a challenge amidst a period of transition.

With Courtois gone and Andriy Lunin as the only viable goalkeeper option, the club is now considering alternatives such as Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG and Diogo Costa from Porto.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has avoided direct comment on the matter, but rumors indicate the board is frustrated at losing a goalkeeper of Martínez’s caliber.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa is celebrating the decision, as Martínez’s contract renewal in 2024 keeps him at the club until 2029, ensuring stability in their 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 locker room cohesion.

Mbappé has not responded publicly, though his silence has been interpreted by some as indifference.

Argentine media outlets like Olé have highlighted Martínez’s courage, while in France, L’Équipe suggested this incident could tarnish Mbappé’s image as a leader.

As the summer 2025 transfer window progresses, all eyes are on how Real Madrid will handle this situation and whether Martínez will eventually disclose more details about his aversion.

For now, his decision stands as a testament to how personal passions and differences can shape the trajectory of a career in world football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapters in this unfolding saga.