On Monday evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Gianluigi Donnarumma once again caused a sensation at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Arriving around 8:30 p.m., alongside his wife Alessia and his son Leo in his arms, the Italian goalkeeper was greeted by a roar almost unprecedented for a Manchester City player . Even Erling Haaland or Rodri, during his coronation last year, had not generated such enthusiasm. "Coming back here is a great pleasure for me. For four years, this was my home and I am really happy with this welcome. I gave everything here, I gave everything for Paris, and I really have to thank the supporters, because they really gave it back to me," Donnarumma confided on the set of L'Équipe .
Sitting in the front row, Donnarumma was surrounded by iconic figures and his fellow players: Alisson, the first winner of the Yachine Trophy in 2019, right next to him, and Yann Sommer, the Inter Milan goalkeeper, in front of him. Winning the award for the second time in his career after 2021, he was applauded for his pivotal role in PSG 's Champions League triumph. Every save, every spectacular save was crucial, from the titanic round of 16 clash at Anfield against Liverpool to the controlled double-header against Arsenal, via Aston Villa. His performance helped PSG win the Champions League and cement his place in the club's history.
No bitterness against PSG
The evening offered a cruel twist of fate. As Donnarumma headed to the ceremony, Lucas Chevalier conceded a missed exit at the Vélodrome, precipitating PSG's first defeat against OM in fourteen years at the Vélodrome. But Gigio didn't think about it and remained focused on the ceremony. "Bitterness? I have nothing to digest, because I'm at an extraordinary club ," he declared, summing up his philosophy and his legendary calm. On stage, the moment when Gigi Buffon, Nazionale legend, gave him a friendly pat on the head to present him with his award symbolized the respect between generations and the emotion that reigned in the room. Despite his individual consecration, Donnarumma wanted to send a message of gratitude to PSG and its supporters.
In his words, he emphasized the importance of shared memories and the relationship he maintains with the city and the club: "For four years, I gave everything for Paris. The fans have always supported me and I really have to thank them." Between nostalgia, gratitude, and humility, his statements remind us that, for him, trophies are worth nothing without human connections and the history experienced on and off the pitch. A clear, elegant, and classy message for PSG and the French capital. With this second title and an exemplary career, Gianluigi Donnarumma confirms that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Calm, elegant, and respectful, he leaves behind his individual and collective successes, an image of a complete champion, capable of inspiring as much on the pitch as with his class off it.
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