Gianluigi Donnarumma 2024–25: From Question Marks to Champions League Hero
When PSG embarked on the 2024–25 campaign under head coach Luis Enrique, much attention centered on the club’s reinvention. Having moved past the star-driven era—post-Messi, Neymar, Mbappé—PSG sought tactical discipline and European glory. All eyes turned to their goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose uneven performances in high stakes matches placed his reliability under scrutiny. Yet by season’s end, he had become indispensable—integral to PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph.
Unable to secure a new contract extension, Donnarumma was forced out of PSG following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille, with PSG unwilling to countenance another contract saga after Kylian Mbappe’s ugly divorce from the club. After four years in France, the Italian shot-stopper has a new challenge: competing with fellow new signing James Trafford for the starting goalkeeper role at Manchester City. Today, we’re taking a look at City’s new goalkeeper.
Statistical Foundation: Keeping the Lights On
- Donnarumma featured in 20 Ligue 1 matches, conceding 15 goals and securing 3 clean sheets
- This yields a goals-conceded-per-game rate of 0.75, paired with a save percentage around 81.8%—the best among Ligue 1 goalkeepers this season.
- Expected Goals on Target (xGOT) placed shots against at ~31.5, yet he conceded only 15—preventing about 16.5 goals—a staggering efficiency indicator.
- As first-choice in 10–12 games, he made approximately 20+ saves, kept 3 clean sheets, and conceded ~8 goals.
- His save rate climbed to 77%, preventing 2.9 goals beyond expected value—far above continental peers.
Across all competitions, he played over 3,100 minutes, registered 9 clean sheets, and was credited with 32 goals conceded in 36 appearances, keeping clean sheets in 18% of outings.
Positional Mastery & Shot-Stopping
- Standing at 6’5″, Donnarumma’s height is an asset, yet his true strength lies in his positional awareness—anticipating runs, reading through balls, and cutting angles effectively.
- His performance across key Champions League knockout matches—particularly against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal—were marked by crucial reflex saves and penalty shootout composure. For example, he saved two spot-kicks at Anfield, effectively sealing progression to the quarterfinals.
- In the Arsenal second leg, Donnarumma produced standout saves on Trossard and Martinelli, prompting lauded praise from both press and opposing staff.
- Initially criticized for being nervous under pressure, he delivered pivotal performances when it mattered—especially from March onwards. Luis Enrique described him as “sensational” after Villa, underscoring his resurgence in confidence.
Limitations & Warning Signs
- Despite his physical frame, high balls and set-piece vulnerability remained a recurring issue. Notable errors occurred in critical games.
- Critics and fans suggest he may lack consistency in physical dominance during crosses or corners—a lingering limitation for elite-level goalkeeping. PSG’s possible recruitment of Lucas Chevalier reflects a potential wish for a keeper more comfortable with build-up play. Enrique reportedly values footwork reliability, an area where Donnarumma’s passing occasionally raises questions.
Season Summative View: Growth Arc & Legacy
Donnarumma’s 2024–25 season was an arc of redemption. Early caution gave way to measured energy, while doubts turned into decisive contributions. His performance was a foundational pillar in PSG’s Ligue 1 title run, and their first continental treble—including Champions League victory over Inter Milan in the final (5–0)
His redemption narrative is supported by standout phases: top-tier save percentages, blocked expected goals, critical match-turning saves, and mental resilience on Europe’s greatest stage—earning recognition in UEFA Player of the Week rounds and among the top 10 in Ballon d’Or voting.
Donnarumma’s evolution during 2024–25 reflects a broader theme: adaptability to the demands of elite European football. While high-ball command and distribution remain areas to sharpen, his reflexes, positioning, consistency, and clutch performances made him indispensable to PSG’s success.
He may not yet fit the mold of a sweeper-keeper, but tactical rigidity and team ethos under Luis Enrique allowed him to flourish: less hero, more guardian, guiding PSG to continental glory. In the end, PSG didn’t just win the Champions League—they redefined expectations for Donnarumma, and he repaid them in full. Now, can he replace Ederson in goal and lead City back to the promised land?
By: Xhulio Zeneli
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Glenn Gervot – PSG