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Donnarumma's departure marks the end of a glorious chapter at PSG. |
Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, was left out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad by coach Luis Enrique for the European Super Cup match against Tottenham on August 14th. It was a shocking decision, marking a sad end to the Italian goalkeeper's journey with the French capital club.
A sudden farewell
In the early hours of August 13th, Donnarumma expressed his disappointment and sent an emotional message of gratitude to PSG fans and teammates through a statement on social media : "To the special fans of Paris, from the first day I arrived, I have given everything – both on and off the pitch – to be worthy of my place and to protect PSG's goal."
"Unfortunately, someone decided that I am no longer part of the team and cannot contribute to the club's success. I am disappointed and heartbroken," Donnarumma wrote. He expressed his wish to say a proper farewell, but if that doesn't happen, their support and affection will forever be etched in his heart: "Playing for this club and living in this city has been a great honor. Thank you, Paris."
Donnarumma's contract with PSG runs until 2026, and last month many believed he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. However, the firm stance from coach Luis Enrique and PSG has changed everything.
Amidst PSG's preparations for the European Super Cup against Tottenham, Enrique made it clear: "Donnarumma is no longer in the squad; that was my decision. I take 100% responsibility." He emphasized that he wanted a goalkeeper with a different style, while still acknowledging Donnarumma as "one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
Enrique, in an effort to reshape PSG's playing style, wants a goalkeeper with better footwork to fit into a system that builds play from the back. Although Donnarumma had an extremely high save rate last season, his pass accuracy rate was only 84%, lower than goalkeepers like Alisson Becker (90%) or Ederson Moraes (88%), according to Sofascore .
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Gianluigi Donnarumma is ready to leave PSG. |
In a few matches, Enrique even experimented with Matvey Safonov, the Russian national team goalkeeper, who has a 92% pass accuracy rate and faster ball distribution, fitting the Spanish coach's ball-possession philosophy.
France Football commented: “Enrique needed a goalkeeper with a style more similar to Ederson, and Donnarumma didn't meet that requirement. That's why PSG brought in Lucas Chevalier.” Earlier this week, PSG completed a five-year contract with goalkeeper Chevalier, paying a transfer fee of 40 million euros, plus add-ons of up to 15 million euros, to Lille.
The 23-year-old newcomer has almost become the first-choice goalkeeper for PSG. This situation puts Donnarumma, who played a crucial role in the team's historic season last year, in a position where he must find a new club this summer.
Where did Donnarumma go?
Another reason Donnarumma had to leave PSG was his desire for a salary increase, which the club refused. The Italian national team goalkeeper was earning a staggering €245,000 per week, an exorbitant amount for a goalkeeper. The French club even wanted Donnarumma to reduce his salary in a new contract, leading to an irreconcilable conflict between the two parties.
Following this announcement from Enrique, a fierce controversy erupted. RMC argued that without Donnarumma's spectacular saves, PSG might not have won the Champions League. No one can forget Donnarumma's outstanding performance in the 2024/25 Champions League, which left English clubs like Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool heartbroken.
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Donnarumma played a major role in helping PSG win the Champions League in the 2025/26 season. |
In the round of 16, Donnarumma delivered an extraordinary performance at Anfield, saving two penalties from Liverpool players, helping PSG advance to the quarter-finals. In the Champions League semi-final, the Italian goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves against Arsenal.
Therefore, Donnarumma's future remains wide open with interest from big clubs. His outstanding performance last season has attracted the attention of Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
At 26, Donnarumma remains one of the world's top goalkeepers, with numerous outstanding performances and incredible saves in big matches. The sad ending in Paris is just the beginning of a new journey for Donnarumma in the Premier League, Serie A, or even Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://znews.vn/doan-ket-buon-cua-donnarumma-post1576457.html
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