Gianluigi Donnarumma Names Clear Ballon d’Or Favorite At PSG

Speaking to L'Équipe TV, the Italy goalkeeper did not hesitate when asked about the Ballon d'Or race. His vote goes straight to Ousmane Dembélé, whom he hopes to see crowned during the ceremony on October 26, 2026. Gianluigi Donnarumma wants the French international to retain the individual prize he lifted in 2025, despite fierce competition led particularly by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Italian captain delivered an outstanding display against France on Friday, October 2, 2026. He pulled off 7 saves in the 1-1 draw. The shot-stopper produced a spectacular double save to deny Désiré Doué and then Ousmane Dembélé in the 48th minute. He followed that up by turning away an Adrien Rabiot strike in the 70th minute. Gianluigi Donnarumma praised the France attack, hailing Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola as fantastic players.

These warm words set the stage for a crucial European fixture. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM in the Champions League. The goalkeeper faces his former side, which he left in the summer of 2025 after helping secure the first European Cup in Parisian history.

Ahead of this continental showdown, the shot-stopper stood out during France versus Italy on Friday, October 2, 2026. With 7 saves in the 1-1 draw, he shone against several familiar faces. He notably denied a quickfire double attempt from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé in the 48th minute, before turning away a strike from Adrien Rabiot in the 70th minute.

Speaking to L'Équipe TV after the final whistle, the Italian international named former teammate Ousmane Dembélé as his top pick to claim the prestigious individual prize. The race for the Ballon d'Or will reach its conclusion at the official ceremony on October 26, 2026.