Gianluigi Donnarumma has made his choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. After frustrating Les Bleus in the 1-1 draw between France and Italy, the former PSG goalkeeper publicly backed his former Paris teammate Ousmane Dembélé.
Donnarumma enjoyed a special reunion with France and several of his former PSG teammates at the Stade de France on Friday night. The Italian goalkeeper made seven saves against Les Bleus and played a major role in securing a draw for the Nazionale. Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé were among those denied by the former Paris star.
“My favourite is Ousmane Dembélé”
After the match, Donnarumma did not only discuss his performance. Asked by La Chaîne L’Équipe about the next Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26, the Manchester City goalkeeper did not hesitate: “My favourite is Ousmane Dembélé.” It is a strong show of support for his former PSG teammate, who will attempt to retain the trophy he won in 2025. However, Erling Haaland, Donnarumma’s Manchester City teammate, is also among the 30 nominees and may not be quite as pleased with the Italian’s choice.
Donnarumma had already expressed his delight at seeing several of his former Paris teammates again at the Stade de France. “For me, it’s very special to come here and see my friends again,” the Italian goalkeeper explained after the match. Asked about Dembélé, Doué and France’s other talents, Donnarumma also described them as “fantastic players.”
