At the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, Donnarumma’s shocking words left PSG in chaos
The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris was supposed to be a night of glamour, recognition, and unity across the football world. Yet the evening took an unexpected turn when Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s star goalkeeper, stepped onto the stage and delivered a speech that left the entire football community stunned — and reportedly drove the PSG board of directors into a frenzy.
After being honored for his standout performances across Europe and especially in the Champions League, Donnarumma grabbed the microphone and spoke with heartfelt emotion. But instead of thanking PSG, the club he currently represents, his words took a sharp and controversial turn. With the cameras flashing and millions watching worldwide, Donnarumma said: “I want to thank Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City board of directors for believing in me.”
The audience erupted into murmurs of disbelief. The reaction was immediate and electric. Journalists whispered furiously, PSG fans on social media expressed outrage, and Manchester City supporters began celebrating online as if a transfer had already been sealed.
Why were his words so explosive? Simply put, Donnarumma is still under contract with Paris Saint-Germain. To publicly thank another club’s hierarchy — and Guardiola in particular — during one of football’s most-watched ceremonies sent an unmistakable message: Donnarumma’s heart might already be elsewhere.
Reports quickly emerged that PSG’s board of directors, who were present at the event, were visibly furious. Insiders claim that some executives left their seats immediately after Donnarumma’s remarks, while others spent the rest of the evening on urgent phone calls. The sense of betrayal was palpable, especially considering PSG had invested heavily in the Italian goalkeeper, positioning him as the future of their project after years of struggling in Europe’s elite competitions.
Fans online wasted no time fueling the fire. On Twitter/X, hashtags like #DonnarummaToCity and #PSGBetrayal began trending within minutes. Many speculated that this slip — or deliberate statement — all but confirms ongoing negotiations between Donnarumma and Manchester City. After all, Guardiola is known to admire the Italian shot-stopper, and with Ederson rumored to be seeking new challenges, City could soon be in the market for a new No. 1.
On the other side, PSG supporters expressed outrage and disappointment. “How can you disrespect the club that pays your wages on such a global stage?” one fan commented. Others demanded that PSG take swift disciplinary action or even consider selling Donnarumma in the upcoming transfer window.
While Donnarumma has not clarified his comments since the ceremony, the damage has already been done. For a goalkeeper once hailed as the future of PSG, his words suggested loyalty might no longer lie in Paris. Instead, they painted a picture of a player dreaming of life under Pep Guardiola, chasing glory with Manchester City — a club currently dominating Europe with style and efficiency.
What comes next remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Donnarumma’s unexpected thank-you has sparked one of the biggest controversies of the football season. Whether it was a simple mistake, a hint at future plans, or a declaration of intent, the fallout will likely shape transfer rumors and fan debates for months to come.
And for PSG, the incident is more than embarrassing — it’s a potential turning point. A player meant to symbolize their future may have just publicly confessed that his heart beats for another team.
