Gianluigi Donnarumma joined Manchester City in the summer of 2025 after parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain. The transfer immediately sparked conversation: could he truly fill the shoes of Ederson a player who had been central to City's playing style for years?
Signed on a five-year deal with an option for a sixth, Donnarumma officially became City’s new number one. And it didn’t take long for him to show that this move was far more than just a formality.
Thrown into high-stakes matches right from the start, Donnarumma proved he was up to the challenge. His debut came in the always-heated Manchester Derby, and just three days later, he faced a tough test on the European stage.
In both matches against Manchester United in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League Donnarumma impressed with his composure, sharp reflexes, and calm presence at the back. He kept clean sheets in both games, made crucial saves, and earned praise from both teammates and coaching staff.
It’s becoming clear that City got exactly what they were looking for: not just a capable backup, but a world-class starter who can handle pressure and perform when it matters most.
Donnarumma made his City debut on September 15, 2025, in front of a packed Etihad Stadium against United. With Ederson having completed a move to Turkey, the Italian was handed the gloves and he didn’t disappoint.
City ran out 3–0 winners. Phil Foden opened the scoring before Erling Haaland sealed the result in the second half. Donnarumma’s clean sheet was the perfect finishing touch, reaffirming the faith placed in him.
One of the standout moments of the match came when Donnarumma pulled off a stunning one-handed save to deny Bryan Mbeumo’s volley from the edge of the box a save that even earned applause from Haaland himself.
Speaking to City’s official website after the match, Donnarumma said he already felt part of the squad: “It feels like I’ve been here for years that’s how welcoming everyone has been.” That sense of belonging has clearly helped him stay calm and focused, even in a high-pressure debut.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed, either. Stats site FotMob gave him a solid match rating of 7.8, reflecting a debut to remember.
