Gianluigi Donnarumma Crowned Best Goalkeeper in the World at Ballon d’Or 2025

Donnarumma wins 2025 Yashin Trophy

During the 2025 edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Gianluigi Donnarumma was honored with the Yashin Trophy, officially recognizing him as the world’s best goalkeeper over the past season.  Besides winning the Yashin trophy, he was ranked 9th overall in the Ballon d’Or rankings, further showing his impact beyond his position.

Donnarumma beats the likes of Alisson Becker (Brazil and Liverpool), Yassine Bounou (Morocco and Al Hilal), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium and Real Madrid), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy and Manchester City), and Yann Sommer (Switzerland and Inter)

This was Donnarumma’s second win having previously claimed the Yashin Trophy in 2021. This achievement further cements his place among the elite of goalkeeping history.

What did Donnarumma Say after this win?

In his acceptance, Donnarumma expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans. He acknowledged there are many excellent goalkeepers in the world, and said this award is “incredibly special.”

He also didn’t hide his excitement about working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, emphasizing his belief that he can still improve.

What Is the Yashin Trophy?

The Yashin Trophy, named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, is awarded by France Football every year at the Ballon d’Or event to the world’s best goalkeeper.

Since its creation in 2019, only a few goalkeepers have taken home the award. Other Goalkeepers who have previously clinched the award are: Alisson(2019), Thibaut Courtois(2022), and Emiliano Martinez(2023,2024).  The 2020 edition was not awarded due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

What’s Next for Donnarumma?

Expectations are high as Donnarumma adapts to life at Manchester City and he will hope to replicate his performances in the Premier League.

Perhaps this win adds pressure on him to prove that indeed he is the best goalkeeper in the world. Donnarumma has already had a composed start to life at Manchester keeping a clean sheet on his debut.