What makes Donnarumma one of the most divisive keepers in football?

Gianluigi Donnarumma is having a fantastic 2024/2025 season with Paris Saint-Germain and the former AC Milan keeper has played a crucial role in Les Parisiens' recent victories and unbeaten record in the league. However, the 25-year-old remains one of the most divisive goalkeepers in Europe.

The 2020 Euros champion and 2021 Yashin Trophy winner showcased his talent early in his career, earning the No.1 goalkeeper spot at AC Milan and for the national team, succeeding Gianluigi Buffon. However, since joining PSG in 2021, Donnarumma became a divisive figure at the club due mostly to many costly mistakes made in the Champions League.

Here at PSG Post, we decided to take a closer look at what makes Donnarumma such a polarising presence between the posts, analysing his key strenghs, exposing his weaknesses and examining why he continues to divide opinion among fans and pundits alike.

Donnarumma's key weaknesses

The Italian shot-stopper rose to prominence as a teenage sensation at AC Milan and cemented himself as Italy's No.1 with heroic performances at Euro 2020. Nonetheless, the keeper who possesses the the potential to dominate for the next decade, failed to cast aside all the doubts. Is he the right long-term fit for PSG ?

Donnarumma's biggest weakness is undoubtedly his ball distribution, in the age of ball-playing goalkeepers, the Italy international is certainly an exception. The 25-year-old showcased issues when it came to effectively build play from the back. Many will remember his infamous mistake that led to Paris' Champions League exit against Real Madrid in 2022. Due to his difficulties in this area, numerous teams decided to press him, making it harder for his team to rely on him when distributing the ball under pressure.

Furthermore, despite his size (1.96m ), sometimes failed to be a commanding presence in his box and lacks of Sweeper-Keeper instincts when compared to modern keepers like Ederson and Neuer who are more proactive off their lines. As indicated by his Defensive Actions Outside the Penalty Area per 90 (0.82), according to FBref.com.

Donnaruma's key strenghts

Although the 25-year-old has areas of his game that still need refinement, he is already considered one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. According to FBref.com, Donnarumma possesses one of the best save percentage in Europe per 90 with 75.5% of shot saved. His ability to save shot has helped his side in recents Champions League clashes notably against Manchester City, which was certainly PSG's most important game of the season so far.

Moreover, even though he is just 25 (turns 26 on 25th of February), he has over 300 senior club and international appearances. Which makes him one of the most experienced players within Paris' squad. Through the years he became one of the leaders of the club and could be in the years to come.

What does the future hold?

What makes him so divisive at the club among fans and pundits, his certainly his costly mistakes in Champions League games. Additionally, he took over Keylor Navas who played a great role in Paris' Champions League run that led the club to their only final in the competition. Furthermore, with his international status, he cannot escape comparisons to other elite keepers like Ederson, Courtois or Alisson who excel in different areas of the game.

There is also PSG's style of play under Luis Enrique that demands to his keeper to excel in ball distribution, though it is an area that Donnarumma has dramatically improved in this season. Donnarumma is incredibly talented and became a key player for the club over the years.

With a stellar 2024/2025 season underway, the club has initiated contract renewal talks with the Italian, aiming to secure his long-term future at PSG but, do you think Donnaruma is the right goalkeeper for PSG's long-term ambitions?