The Argentinean World Cup champion Dibu Martinez exclusive interview

Since becoming a world champion with Argentina, Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has become one of the most emblematic figures in football. In a exclusive interview with Christian Martin, the goalkeeper shared reflections on his career, personal life, and his impact on others, particularly on children who see him as a role model.

Starting the interview, Dibu admitted he doesn’t usually watch entire matches again, though he acknowledges the importance of certain moments. "I don’t like watching games again, just a few flashes or comments", he said. For him, the strongest emotions of his World Cup triumph lie in what it represents for others:

"Getting up in the morning, seeing the gray, rainy sky... that’s what made me a world champion", he added.

Despite the whirlwind of professional life, the goalkeeper takes pride and joy in seeing how children look up to him. "It’s something I fought for a lot. Kids will love you in good times and bad", he affirmed.

A special connection with children

Dibu expressed that the love from children is "the purest" and that he always seeks to reciprocate it. "When someone stops me and asks for an autograph, I stop and sign because I know how that child feels", he said.

This commitment led him to establish "Causa Niñez", an organization that helps children in his hometown of Mar del Plata. There, they offer psychological, medical, and sports support. "We help all the kids, even with food", he explained, emphasizing his desire to make a difference beyond football.

Dibu: "We know what Mexico is in a World Cup: They kill you."

Martinez also discussed the difficult moments he faced during the World Cup: "I was mentally drained", he admitted. That’s when he turned to psychological help, a support he considers crucial to overcoming the pressure: "My psychologist helped me, and when we scored the first goal against Mexico, I wanted to cry. Tears were falling in the middle of the match".

The goalkeeper recalled how the match against Mexico was a turning point for the team: "We know what Mexico is in a World Cup: They kill you. Scoring that late goal and then Enzo finishing it was a relief. That’s when the World Cup started for us."

The Argentine passion and his connection with the national team

The conversation also delved into Dibu’s relationship with Argentina and his identity as a footballer. For him, the World Cup was not only a sporting achievement but also an experience that united the entire nation. "There was a union between the Argentine people and this team that I had never seen before", he said emotionally.

Martinez also reflected on his childhood in Mar del Plata, where he grew up in humble conditions. "Sometimes we didn’t have a bathroom or a yard", he recalled, highlighting the lessons from his parents: "Nothing in life is free. My dad woke up at 3 a.m. (...) and I always try to remind my kids of that".

Dibu: "I don’t consider myself the best in the world."

The goalkeeper made it clear that his style on the field reflects his essence as a person: "I play the same way in a match with friends as I do in a World Cup. It’s not something I plan; it just happens". This approach has led him to be recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, though he prefers to stay grounded: "I don’t consider myself the best in the world or the worst. For me, playing with Argentina, the best team in the world, is everything."

For Dibu, football is an expression of Argentine passion and determination: "We convey madness, passion, grit, and effort, like the Argentine worker: always striving to improve for the family". He also stressed the importance of enjoying the sport in both good and bad times. "You must always enjoy football when things go well. When things go wrong, doors close".

Dibu Martinez leaves a message for the new generations

Martinez concluded the interview with an inspiring message for children and young people: "Let them see where I came from and how far I’ve come. Nobody gave me anything. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon". He encouraged new generations to pursue their dreams without fear, prioritizing love and family over money: "A kid from Mar del Plata reached the top just by playing. Let them do it with love".

The legacy of Dibu Martinez

For Emiliano Martinez, his role as a goalkeeper goes beyond sports. His commitment to children, humility, and passion for Argentina have made him a role model not only for footballers but for anyone seeking to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.