Gianluigi Donnarumma says Ousmane Dembele is his favorite to win the Ballon d'Or. The Italian goalkeeper reunited with his former PSG teammates during France vs. Italy.
Stunning against the Blues on Friday night with Italy, Gianluigi Donnarumma spoke after the match and revealed who he would vote for in the Ballon d'Or. One of his former teammates is his favorite.
Gianluigi Donnarumma did not miss the chance to greet his former PSG teammates, whom he reunited with last night during France vs. Italy (1-1).
After leaving Paris for Manchester City in the summer of 2025, the Italian goalkeeper returned to the capital Friday night with his national team, alongside several players with whom he had notably won PSG's first Champions League title a few months before his departure.
Sportingly, the reunion turned in Gigio's favor. The Italian captain, author of seven saves, notably denied Desire Doue and then Ousmane Dembele in quick succession in the 48th minute. An impressive double save, but not the most decisive in his opinion.
He named his save against Adrien Rabiot (70th minute) as the most difficult of his evening. "For me, it is very special to come back here, to see my friends again," he confided after the match on La Chaîne L'Équipe.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 'My Favorite Is Ousmane Dembele'
Donnarumma took advantage of his time on La Chaîne L'Équipe to position himself a few weeks before the Ballon d'Or ceremony, scheduled for Oct. 26. His choice is clear: "My favorite is Ousmane Dembélé." The Italian hopes to see his former Parisian teammate keep the trophy he won in 2025, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also among this year's favorites.
Donnarumma didn't reserve his compliments for the Ballon d'Or alone. Asked about Dembele, Doue, and Bradley Barcola, he called his former teammates "fantastic players." He will reunite with most of them on Oct. 14 in the Champions League, during Manchester City vs. PSG.
Donnarumma’s comments are especially relevant considering the context in which he left PSG. The Italian never publicly hid his desire to stay in the French capital after PSG's 5-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Inter.
Still, head coach Luis Enrique had other plans. Enrique wanted a different profile from the Italian, so they decided not to extend his contract and to part ways with him.
In fact, during the farewell they organized for Donnarumma at Parc des Princes, he even looked uncomfortable, making his displeasure with the situation evident.
Even so, a few months later, already adapted to his new context and team, he came out and made these kinds of statements in favor of his former teammates and club. Maximum respect for Donna.
