Gianluigi Donnarumma has officially been crowned the winner of the 2025 Yashin Trophy, marking the second time in his career that the Italian international has collected the prestigious award. The announcement was made during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, confirming Donnarumma’s reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
The 26-year-old only joined Manchester City in the summer transfer window, but his exceptional performances for Paris Saint-Germain last season—particularly in their Champions League-winning campaign—were decisive in earning him the accolade.
Back-to-Back Recognition for Donnarumma
Donnarumma previously won the Yashin Trophy in 2021 while at PSG. With his latest success, he joins an elite list of winners that includes Alisson Becker and Thibaut Courtois. The award, introduced in 2019, is named after legendary Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin and is reserved for the standout shot-stopper in world football each year.
His Champions League heroics last season for PSG included five clean sheets in nine knockout matches and a Player of the Match display against Liverpool in the Round of 16. He was later named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season and continues to serve as Italy’s captain with 76 international caps.
Donnarumma Reacts to Winning the Yashin Trophy
“It’s a great honour to win the Yashin Trophy for a second time. It’s a team game but this is a personal award that all goalkeepers want to get their hands on so I’m delighted to have been selected by the panel,” Donnarumma told ManCity.com.
“There are a lot of brilliant goalkeepers around the world, so this is incredibly special to me. I know I can still improve, and that’s a major reason why I chose to move to Manchester City. I am fully focused on working with Pep Guardiola and helping this team to achieve even more success.”
Impact on Manchester City
For Manchester City, the award validates their bold decision to replace long-time No.1 Ederson, who left for Fenerbahce this summer. Donnarumma’s arrival was seen as a marquee signing, one that could provide not only world-class quality but also leadership in Guardiola’s evolving squad.
His triumph now confirms City’s faith in their summer transfer strategy. With James Trafford and Stefan Ortega providing backup options, the competition for game time could intensify, especially with Donnarumma firmly established as one of the world’s very best goalkeepers.
Looking Ahead
Donnarumma’s recognition as Yashin Trophy winner adds another layer of expectation at the Etihad Stadium. Fans will hope that his pedigree and experience in Europe can help Manchester City push further in the Champions League while maintaining their domestic ambitions.
FAQ
What is the Yashin Trophy?
The Yashin Trophy is an annual award introduced in 2019 by France Football, given to the best goalkeeper in the world. It is named after Soviet legend Lev Yashin.
How many times has Donnarumma won the Yashin Trophy?
He has now won the award twice—first in 2021 with PSG and again in 2025 as a Manchester City player.
Why did Manchester City sign Donnarumma?
City identified Donnarumma as a world-class replacement for Ederson, aiming to bring leadership and proven Champions League-winning experience to the squad.
What does this mean for City’s other goalkeepers?
With Donnarumma established as the clear No.1, James Trafford and Stefan Ortega may face limited opportunities, potentially raising transfer questions in the January window.
Conclusion
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s second Yashin Trophy triumph cements his place as one of football’s greatest goalkeepers of the modern era. For Manchester City, it serves as both a validation of their summer transfer business and a major boost in their pursuit of silverware at home and abroad. With Donnarumma at the peak of his powers, City fans have every reason to believe he can be the difference-maker in the battles to come.
