After the Intercontinental Cup final won by PSG against Flamengo thanks to his four saves during the penalty shootout, Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was the subject of a real tidal wave on social networks. Many rival fans of the Brazilian club flocked to his profile to congratulate him and express their admiration. “The Brazilian people love you, come to Brazil”wrote a user, while another fan highlighted: “you deserve everything, brother”. Some even go too far, calling it “goalkeeper who deserves the Ballon d’Or”.
While the majority of messages came from rival Flamengo supporters, some fans of the Brazilian club did not hide their frustration. “I hate you, Guardian”confided an Internet user. Nevertheless, the general enthusiasm for Safonov’s performance illustrates the impact of his feat and the way in which he left his mark, to the point of receiving compliments from opposing supporters: “absolute idol in Brazil” or even “you made Brazil happy today”.
