‘I have many concerns’ – Guardiola reacts to Donnarumma’s fourth yellow card of the season
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The Italy international was honoured on Tuesday ahead of the end-of-year gala at the Fairmont Katara Hall in Doha, Qatar.
Donnarumma, who won the European Championships with Italy against England back in 2021, replaced Ederson at City after the Brazilian joined Turkish club Fenerbahce after eight years of service.
The 26-year-old has quickly cemented his status as Pep Guardiola’s first choice, having usurped James Trafford on arrival.
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Donnarumma signing signals how Guardiola has changed philosophy – Hargreaves, Hart
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City sit second in the Premier League and fourth in the Champions League standings, with Donnarumma having kept eight clean sheets in his 18 appearances so far in all competitions.
His triumph came at the expense of elite competition, with Premier League rivals Alisson Becker, Emiliano Martinez and David Raya among those he finished ahead of to secure the award.
Speaking after receiving the accolade, Donnarumma expressed pride at the recognition, describing it as a moment he would long cherish.
“I feel extremely proud to have been named as the best in the world and ahead of such wonderful goalkeepers too, who I have great respect and admiration for,” he said.
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Watch PSG hero Donnarumma’s best saves from both semi-final legs against Arsenal
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“It was an incredible year, one that will live long in my memory, and it’s touching to be recognised for my role in the success achieved over that period.
“I will truly appreciate this acknowledgement and look ahead now to achieving more success with my new club, Manchester City.”
Sarina Wiegman’s side prevailed in the Euro 2025 final on penalties against Spain, with Hampton saving two crucial spot-kicks.
How are the award winners determined?
Later on Tuesday, the FIFA Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year will be announced, with 2025 Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Ousmane Dembele among the list of nominees.
The voting process for the awards is divided equally among four groups: men’s national team captains and coaches, women’s national team captains and coaches, media representatives from each member association, and registered fans.
Each group carries the same weight, contributing 25% to the final decision on the winners.
FIFA Men’s Player of the Year shortlist
- Ousmane Dembele (France and Paris Saint-Germain)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain)
- Harry Kane (England and FC Bayern Munich)
- Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain)
- Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)
- Pedri (Spain and Barcelona)
- Raphinha (Brazil and Barcelona)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool)
- Vitinha (Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year shortlist
- Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
- Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
- Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
- Roberto Martinez (Portugal)
- Arne Slot (Liverpool)
