PARIS — Gianluigi Donnarumma is officially the best goalkeeper in the world. In the 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Italian goalkeeper won the prestigious Yashin Trophy, an award given to the season's best goalkeeper. This success came at the end of an extraordinary season with Paris Saint-Germain, culminating in winning the 2024/25 Champions League, before his move to Manchester City.
Gianluigi Buffon presented him with the award, a symbolic passing of the torch between two giants of Italian football. On stage, Donnarumma thanked his teammates and former teammates, emphasizing the value of the collective journey that brought him to Paris. "I'm honored to receive this award ," he said emotionally. " We've achieved incredible results, thanks to the entire team. Now I'm focused on my new adventure at City and hope to win even more. If I'm here, I owe it above all to my family, who have stood by me during the most difficult times."
The Campanian goalkeeper overcame competition from champions like Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois, and Emiliano Martinez, cementing his place among the absolute champions. For Italian football, this recognition brings the Italian flag back to the Ballon d'Or stage and confirms the legacy of a school of goalkeeping without equal.
It's a great achievement for Donnarumma, but I don't know if he's the best goalkeeper in the world. Other goalkeepers are good and have done well too. The competition is fierce, and you always have to consider the context.