Gianluigi Donnarumma: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

AC Milan

Donnarumma's professional journey began at AC Milan, where he made his Serie A debut on October 25, 2015, against Sassuolo at the San Siro stadium. At 16 years and 242 days, he became the third-youngest goalkeeper to start a Serie A match. Throughout his tenure at Milan, he was consistently praised for his ability to keep clean sheets and perform under pressure. A highlight was his role in Milan's 1–0 victory in the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus, where he saved a crucial penalty in the shootout.

Donnarumma continued to establish himself as Milan's first-choice goalkeeper, marking significant milestones such as becoming the youngest player to reach 100 Serie A appearances. Despite the arrival of competing goalkeeper Pepe Reina, he maintained his position as the main goalkeeper, leading the squad to memorable performances, notably finishing second in the 2020–21 Serie A season, thereby securing Champions League qualification for Milan.

In June 2021, after his contract with Milan expired, Donnarumma signed a five-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), marking a new chapter in his club career.

Paris Saint-Germain

Donnarumma officially joined PSG on July 15, 2021. He made a notable impact from his debut, contributing to a 4–0 victory over Clermont. His Champions League debut came against Manchester City in a memorable 2-0 win. His subsequent performances affirmed his reputation, culminating in winning the Yashin Trophy in November 2021 as the world's best goalkeeper.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Donnarumma's international journey began in the youth ranks, debuting for Italy's U21 team at only 17 years and 28 days old. His impressive performances at this level included a key role in the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Senior National Team

Gianluigi made his senior debut for Italy on September 1, 2016, replacing Gianluigi Buffon in a match against France, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play for the national team. His performances peaked during UEFA Euro 2020, where he was instrumental in Italy's triumph, earning the Player of the Tournament award and saving decisive penalties in the final against England.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is a prominent Italian professional footballer renowned for his exceptional talents as a goalkeeper. Currently playing for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captaining the Italy national team, Donnarumma has been a significant figure in international football. His early debut in Serie A at age 16 and subsequent performances have garnered him numerous accolades, including being named the Yashin Trophy winner and UEFA Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• AC Milan: Supercoppa Italiana (2016)
• Paris Saint-Germain: Ligue 1 (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24), Coupe de France (2023–24), Trophée des Champions (2022, 2023)
• Italy: UEFA European Championship (2020), UEFA Nations League third place (2020–21, 2022–23)

Individual Achievements

• UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament (2020)
• Yashin Trophy (2021)
• Serie A Best Goalkeeper (2020–21)
• UNFP Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year (2021–22, 2023–24)

Awards and Recognition

Donnarumma received numerous accolades recognizing his exceptional goalkeeping skills. These include the prestigious Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award, and inclusion in FIFA FIFPro World11 (2021), cementing his status as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.

Career Overview

Gianluigi Donnarumma's impact on football is marked by a rapid ascent to the top ranks of goalkeeping. His consistent performances, especially during high-pressure scenarios like penalty shootouts, have left a lasting legacy. As the captain of the Italian national team, his influence continues to grow.

Off the Field

Donnarumma maintains a positive public image, recognized for his professionalism and dedication to the sport. In July 2023, he faced a robbery at his Paris home, highlighting the challenges athletes sometimes face off the pitch.

Personal Life

Gianluigi has been in a significant relationship with Alessia Elefante since 2017. As of 2024, the couple expects their first child, marking a new personal milestone for Donnarumma. This aspect of his life reflects his off-field stability and commitment to his family alongside his professional endeavors.