In an exceptional night of football that captivated the world, the Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma , guardian of Paris Saint-Germain's net, was crowned the world's best goalkeeper at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. This accolade caps a year filled with crucial saves and heroic performances, cementing the Italian goalkeeper's status as one of the most prominent names in the history of modern goalkeeping.
Details of the coronation night at the FIFA ceremony
The annual FIFA awards ceremony was attended by a host of football's biggest stars. Donnarumma secured the award after a fierce competition with a selection of the world's top goalkeepers. The votes of national team captains, coaches, media representatives, and fans played a decisive role in his victory. This win reflects the consistent performance Donnarumma has demonstrated, both with his French club in domestic and European competitions and with the Italian national team.
The historical context of "The Best" award
The Best FIFA Men's Player award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, having been launched by FIFA in 2016 after its split from the Ballon d'Or presented by France Football magazine. The Best Goalkeeper award holds particular significance, as it highlights a position often overlooked in general individual awards. Donnarumma's inclusion among the winners places him alongside legends like Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer, and Alisson Becker, cementing the legacy of the illustrious Italian goalkeeping tradition that has consistently produced some of the world's finest goalkeepers throughout history.
A remarkable journey and continuous development
Donnarumma's rise to this level was no accident; it's the culmination of a career that began very early, when he was the goalkeeper for AC Milan at the age of sixteen. Since his move to Paris Saint-Germain, the young goalkeeper has continued to develop his skills, particularly in dealing with crosses and building play from the back – hallmarks of a modern goalkeeper. His phenomenal performance at Euro 2020 remains a major turning point in his career, building the confidence that led him to this global triumph in 2025.
Importance and expected impact
Donnarumma's winning of "The Best 2025" award carries significant implications both domestically and internationally. For Italian football, this achievement reaffirms the quality of defensive talent in Serie A and the Azzurri, boosting morale ahead of upcoming international competitions. As for Paris Saint-Germain, possessing the "best goalkeeper in the world" enhances the team's prestige and increases its marketing and technical value, giving his teammates greater confidence in the back line. This accolade is not merely an individual award; it sends a message that the new generation of goalkeepers has officially taken the reins to lead the global football scene.
