PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered another stellar performance in the 1-0 away victory against Arsenal during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Tuesday night. The Italian keeper has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with opinions split on the potential of the former AC Milan player. While some regard him as a world-class talent, others have questioned his consistency, especially in high-stakes matches in previous seasons.
However, his displays this season, particularly during significant Champions League evenings for PSG, are proving he is among the world`s elite goalkeepers and could be key to helping the French side secure their first ever UEFA Champions League title, provided they maintain their advantage in the upcoming second leg in Paris. If PSG achieves this historic win, a significant portion of the credit must go to the Italian netminder, who appears to be in the finest form of his career. Success could also place him firmly within the top 10 contenders for the next Ballon d`Or award.
After making his professional debut in Italy`s Serie A at just 16 with AC Milan, Donnarumma moved from the club in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer. This came just weeks before his triumphant victory with Italy at UEFA Euro 2020, where he was the hero in the final against England at Wembley, saving the decisive penalty against Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka. That moment was defining, yet his career since has seen both highs and lows, notably facing criticism after the Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in his initial season at PSG. Despite the challenges, Donnarumma remained confident his moment would arrive.
PSG has undergone significant changes, both in personnel and coaching staff. Star players like Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Kylian Mbappe have all departed in recent years. Yet, Donnarumma consistently chose to remain with the club that showed the most determination to sign him after his AC Milan contract concluded. Former PSG director Leonardo, who had previously worked with Donnarumma at AC Milan, was instrumental in bringing him to Paris, aided by his friend and player`s agent Mino Raiola. Moving to PSG was not an easy decision for a young player, as Donnarumma was only 22 when he left the Italian giants. The manner of his departure as a free agent was not well-received by much of the AC Milan fanbase, but the Italian player consistently showed resilience and maturity beyond the criticism surrounding him.
When current director Luis Campos was appointed by PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, he had no doubts about the long-term plan involving Donnarumma and sought to integrate him even more deeply into the team`s leadership. Gigio embraced this, increased his work ethic, and this season reflects a much higher level of confidence in his role. He has been a standout performer in all key Champions League fixtures this season, with very few errors. He saved two crucial penalties at Anfield in the Champions League round of 16 (Note: Source text contains factual inaccuracies regarding opponents and locations). He made three vital saves against Aston Villa in the quarterfinals (Note: Source text contains factual inaccuracies), which helped PSG advance to the last four. His performance against Arsenal at the Emirates was another key factor enabling Luis Enrique`s side to hold a one-goal advantage going into the return leg. Should PSG emerge victorious in Europe this season, Donnarumma`s contributions will undeniably be fundamental to their success.
Adrian Whitmore