PSG Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Announces Departure Amid Controversy

Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper who helped Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinch their first Champions League title in 2024, has confirmed his exit from the club after being excluded from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham on August 13, 2025. The announcement, made via an emotional Instagram post, has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, highlighting tensions with PSG’s management and raising questions about Donnarumma’s next move. This article explores the circumstances of his departure, the reasons behind it, and its implications for one of football’s brightest stars.

On August 12, 2025, Donnarumma took to Instagram to confirm his departure, writing, “To the special Paris fans, from the first day I arrived, I gave everything—on and off the pitch—to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.” He expressed gratitude to fans and teammates, calling the latter his “second family,” and hoped for a chance to say goodbye at Parc des Princes. The post, written in Italian, English, and French, underscored his four-year tenure since joining from AC Milan in 2021, during which he made 161 appearances and won 10 trophies, including the 2024-25 Champions League.

The catalyst for Donnarumma’s exit was his omission from PSG’s UEFA Super Cup squad, a decision by head coach Luis Enrique, who took full responsibility, stating, “Gigio is an exceptional goalkeeper and an even better person, but I need a keeper with different qualities.” PSG’s recent signing of 23-year-old Lucas Chevalier from Lille for €55 million, including bonuses, signaled a shift, with Chevalier named the new No. 1 goalkeeper. Enrique cited Chevalier’s superior distribution skills as a key factor, an area where Donnarumma faced criticism, notably for a 2022 error against Real Madrid. With one year left on his contract, expiring in June 2026, PSG aims to avoid losing Donnarumma for free, pushing for a transfer now.

Contract negotiations also played a role. Donnarumma, earning €850,000 monthly, rejected PSG’s new salary structure—a lower base with performance-based incentives—seeking a raise instead. His agent, Enzo Raiola, criticized the club’s handling, telling Sky Italy, “We’re shocked. The club showed no respect after four years. Gigio was willing to take a pay cut, but PSG kept changing terms.” The signing of Chevalier and Donnarumma’s exclusion from the Super Cup squad cemented his departure.

PSG fans are divided. Many, moved by Donnarumma’s key saves against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Inter Milan en route to the 2024-25 Champions League title, expressed gratitude, with comments on X like, “Gigio gave us everything, he deserves respect.” Others supported Enrique’s decision, citing the need for a modern goalkeeper suited to PSG’s possession-based style. PSG captain Marquinhos addressed the situation, saying, “It’s tough. Gigio was incredible last season, but players come and go. If he leaves, we’ll thank him; if he stays, we’ll welcome him back.” Enrique, frustrated by repeated questions, declared, “No more on this. It’s my decision, and the club backs me.”

With a reported €50 million transfer fee, Donnarumma is linked to several top clubs. Manchester City, seeking a potential replacement for Ederson, is a frontrunner, with reports of an agreement in principle. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Inter Milan have also contacted Raiola, though Chelsea’s interest has cooled. Bayern Munich, with Manuel Neuer’s contract nearing its end, is another option. Saudi clubs like Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are in the mix, offering lucrative deals, but Donnarumma’s focus on the 2026 World Cup suggests a preference for a competitive European league. His nomination for the 2025 Yashin Trophy underscores his elite status, making his next move critical.

Donnarumma’s exit mirrors past PSG sagas, like Kylian Mbappé’s free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024 and Keylor Navas’ displacement by Donnarumma in 2021. It highlights the club’s ruthless pursuit of tactical evolution under Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos, prioritizing players who fit their vision. For Donnarumma, the move offers a fresh start but also pressure to maintain his form ahead of Italy’s World Cup campaign, having missed the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The controversy also fuels debates about player loyalty versus club strategy, with fans questioning PSG’s treatment of a proven star.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure from PSG, driven by strategic and contractual differences, marks the end of a transformative era for the club and the goalkeeper. His heartfelt farewell reflects the pain of an abrupt exit, but his world-class talent ensures a bright future. As he eyes a new club, likely in the Premier League or Bundesliga, fans await his next chapter with anticipation. For PSG, the focus shifts to Chevalier’s ability to fill Donnarumma’s gloves, while the saga underscores the high stakes of modern football.