Vincenzo Raiola, agent of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and Italy, explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport why he believes the keeper should win the Ballon d’Or 2025.
“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world. For me, Gianluigi deserves the Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has done a lot with his goals, but without Gianluigi’s saves against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal, PSG would never have won the Champions League”, comments relayed by RMC Sport.
We know that these words will make some people jump, but they’re not without meaning. Donnarumma has been decisive on several occasions in the Champions League, notably with some excellent saves. He could be a credible candidate.
But we also know that it’s very difficult for a player other than a striker to win such a trophy. All the more so for a defender or goalkeeper, when goals are more memorable.
In any case, as we regularly point out, it’s very difficult (pointless?) to designate a best player in a team sport. All the more so with such different roles. So opinions can differ. And it’s only logical that Raiola should put the spotlight on one of his protégés.