MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates his team’s second goal scored by teammate Jeremy Doku (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
The Italy international is not only among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees in Paris tonight, but also won the award for the best goalkeeper of the year.
It’s the second time that Gigio has won the Men’s Kopa Trophy, as he had received the same recognition in 2021 after Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.
Donnarumma received the award from Italy’s delegation chief, Gigi Buffon, and said from the stage: “I’m honoured to receive this award. I’m so happy with my performances from last season. We achieved incredible results. I want to thank the team and my ex-teammates. If I’m here tonight, it’s also thanks to them. We had a formidable season.”
Donnarumma won the treble with PSG last season before joining Manchester City on a permanent €27m deal on deadline day.
“I’m focused on my new adventure. I want to thank Manchester City. We have many targets to fulfil, and I hope to reach many of them and win many trophies together,” he added.
“Lastly, I want to end my whole family because, especially in bad moments, you’ve always been close to me. I thank my parents, my brother, my sister, my wife, and my little child. If I’m here today, it’s thanks to you.”
Donnarumma has made it to the Ballon d’Or top 10, which will be released later today.
Serie A stars Scott McTominay, Lautaro Martinez and Denzel Dumfries have made it to the top 25.
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