Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy for the second time in his career during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper outshone competitors like Alisson Becker and Thibaut Courtois with standout performances in the prior season. The event, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, gathered global football stars, organized by France Football.
The Italian earned the award for his contributions to Paris Saint-Germain, where he helped secure four titles in the 2024-25 season. He played 47 matches, keeping 17 clean sheets and making critical saves in key moments of the European campaign. Donnarumma took the stage visibly moved, joined by his compatriot and idol, Gianluigi Buffon.
The Yashin win underscores the upward trajectory of the player, who moved from AC Milan to PSG in 2021 at no cost, betting on an ambitious project. Now at Manchester City, he is adapting to Pep Guardiola’s style, but the recognition stems from his time in France.
- He surpassed Alisson of Liverpool, who came second after a strong Premier League campaign.
- Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid completed the podium with notable LaLiga performances.
- Other nominees included Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa and Yann Sommer of Inter Milan.
- The award honors Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or in 1963.
Decisive performances at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a historic season under Luis Enrique, with Donnarumma emerging as a defensive cornerstone. He played every match of the domestic treble, providing stability at the back and allowing the attack to flow confidently. His penalty saves during the Champions League, particularly in the round of 16 against Liverpool, drew global attention.
Across 47 appearances, the Italian goalkeeper posted impressive stats, with an over 80% save rate in high-pressure situations. He contributed to the unbeaten run in the French Cup knockouts, where PSG defeated Reims 3-0 in the final. His 1.96-meter frame intimidated opponents and inspired teammates.
Donnarumma and Buffon! 😁#ballondor pic.twitter.com/YSvALOa0YG
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
Luis Enrique publicly praised the goalkeeper during the campaign, highlighting his growth in playing out from the back, crucial for the possession-based system. Donnarumma quickly adapted to tactical demands, reducing errors in ball distribution and linking with midfielders through precise passes. This versatility set him apart from more traditional peers.
The Champions League final against Inter Milan, won 5-0, capped his efforts with a commanding clean sheet. He neutralized Italian attempts in the first half, ensuring PSG lifted the trophy for the first time. This performance earned him a spot in UEFA’s team of the season, cementing his elite status.
Collective triumphs in Paris
PSG achieved the domestic treble for the second consecutive season, claiming Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup. The team amassed 84 points in the league, 19 ahead of Olympique Marseille, with an unbeaten home record. Donnarumma anchored this solid defense, conceding just 22 goals in 38 rounds.
In the Super Cup against Monaco in January, the goalkeeper secured a 1-0 win with late saves. He repeated the feat in the French Cup semifinal against Lyon. These performances pushed the club to 50 historic trophies, surpassing previous milestones.
The European campaign saw eliminations of Arsenal and Barcelona in earlier rounds, with Donnarumma saving crucial penalties. The club earned €162.5 million in UEFA prize money, boosting future investments. His role was vital in Enrique’s high-pressing system, recovering balls in the final third.
- Ligue 1: Title clinched six rounds early, with 28 wins and only four draws.
- French Cup: 16th title, a tournament record, with a 3-0 final over Reims.
- French Super Cup: Narrow win over Monaco, starting the year on a high.
- Donnarumma’s total games: 47, with 17 clean sheets and individual league awards.
Move to Manchester City
Donnarumma signed with Manchester City in September 2025 for €30 million, replacing Ederson, who moved to Fenerbahce. The contract runs until 2030, with an extension option, and he wears the number 25. The deal came after his PSG contract expired without renewal, despite the trophies.
Pep Guardiola saw the Italian as the ideal fit for his system, valuing his distribution and quick reflexes. Donnarumma debuted with a 2-0 win over the local rival, keeping a clean sheet. He expressed excitement for the new challenge, citing the club’s winning history.
Adapting to the Premier League demands adjustments, especially in aerial duels and transition speed. Yet, his knockout-stage experience in Europe prepares him for the schedule. City invested £185.8 million in the summer window, with Donnarumma as the final piece.
Hugo Viana, City’s football director, highlighted the player’s pedigree, with 74 Italy caps and a Euro 2020 title. He arrives as the undisputed starter, ahead of Stefan Ortega as backup. The English fans already cheer his physical presence and charisma on the pitch.
Emotional remarks at the ceremony
Donnarumma returned to Paris for the ceremony and didn’t hide his gratitude for the city that hosted him for four years. In an interview with L’Équipe, he called the welcome “a great pleasure,” emphasizing the fans’ affection. He said he gave everything for the club, receiving unwavering support in return.
Asked about bitterness over his exit, he firmly denied it, stating he’s at “an extraordinary club.” He thanked former teammates and staff, mentioning Buffon as a mentor during the event. His speech lasted just over two minutes but resonated with the audience.
The Italian dedicated the award to his family and the Azzurra, recalling the Euro as a personal milestone. He avoided controversies, focusing on his City future and desire for more trophies. The emotion shone through as he kissed the trophy, symbolizing closure in Paris.
PSG fans flooded social media with supportive messages, celebrating his legacy despite the departure. Donnarumma reciprocated with nostalgic posts, including Parc des Princes photos. His maturity at 26 impresses, balancing past and present with grace.
Rivalries overcome in Yashin
The Yashin Trophy race featured ten elite nominees, with Donnarumma emerging as the favorite after a flawless season. Alisson, the runner-up, shone at Liverpool with 28 Premier League clean sheets but lacked European impact. Courtois took third with LaLiga saves, though injuries limited him.
David Raya of Arsenal impressed with consistency in England, while Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa stood out in penalties. Yann Sommer of Inter suffered from the Champions League final loss to PSG, ironically. Lucas Chevalier, now at PSG, was nominated for his Lille stint but didn’t challenge the podium.
The jury, comprising journalists from 100 countries, prioritized collective achievements and individual stats. Donnarumma led in first-place votes, tying in tiebreaker criteria. The award solidifies his position as Buffon’s heir in the Azzurra.
- Top nominees: Alisson (Liverpool), Courtois (Real Madrid), Martínez (Aston Villa).
- Voting criteria: Points by ranking, with tiebreakers for first-place preferences.
- Yashin history: Created in 2019, it honors Soviet legend Lev Yashin.
- City impact: Bolsters the blue goal with continental title experience.
Legacy in Italian football
Donnarumma carries the weight of being Italy’s youngest goalkeeper debutant at 17 in 2017. His leadership in the Euro 2020 penalty shootout win over England earned him the tournament’s best player award. He has 74 caps, with clean sheets in 40% of matches.
At AC Milan, he rose through the youth ranks to become a starter at 16, playing 246 games before France. His free transfer to PSG in 2021 sparked controversy but paid off with titles. His style blends cat-like reflexes with refined footwork, shaped by coaches like Enrique.
The second Yashin places him alongside Oblak and Neuer as multiple winners. He inspires young Italian goalkeepers, engaging in federation clinics. At City, he aims for the Premier League, missing from his resume, completing a cycle across top leagues.
The Paris return symbolizes gratitude, but his focus is on the Etihad. Donnarumma plans to extend his legacy, eyeing the 2026 Club World Cup. His journey from Milan to Manchester exemplifies ambition without regrets.
Iconic season moments
Impossible saves defined Donnarumma’s season, like Darwin Núñez’s penalty in the Champions League round of 16 against Liverpool. He dove left, securing the shootout qualification. In the semifinal against Arsenal, he stopped Saka on a counterattack, preserving the clean sheet.
In Ligue 1, his save against Mbappé, a former teammate, in the Monaco clash saved three points. He earned player-of-the-month honors three times. These moments went viral, amassing millions of views on digital platforms.
The French Cup final saw him lead the defense in a 3-0 win, with a clean exit sparking the third goal. He averaged an 8.5 rating per game, per French analysts. These highlights explain his Yashin win.
- Núñez penalty: Decisive in the round of 16, with 100% shootout success.
- Saka save: Foiled counterattack, praised by Guardiola as “perfect reading.”
- Champions League final clean sheet: 5-0 over Inter, no dangerous shots faced.
- Monthly awards: Three in Ligue 1, including February’s unbeaten run.
Adapting to Guardiola’s style
At Manchester City, Donnarumma tackles the challenge of Guardiola’s possession-based system, averaging 70% ball control. He trained short passes with Rodri, improving from 85% to 92% accuracy in pre-season. His debut against United showed progress, with 12 precise long balls.
Guardiola praised his “peripheral vision,” comparing him to Neuer. The Italian studies Ederson’s footage to refine footwork. With Ortega as backup, he ensures cup rotation. The Etihad fans welcomed him with chants, speeding up integration.
Challenges include England’s weather and physical duels, but his height aids in aerial balls. He targets the Premier League title in December, with City unbeaten so far. This transition could elevate his game to new heights.
His goal is consistency, aiming for 20 clean sheets in the league. Donnarumma sees City as a platform for more Yashins, honoring his legacy in England.
