Italian football agent Vincenzo Raiola has thrown his weight behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, stating the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper should be the leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or — not his PSG teammate, Ousmane Dembélé.

In an interview with YSScores, Raiola emphasized that PSG's UEFA Champions League victory hinged on the brilliance of Donnarumma between the sticks, especially in key matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.

“For me, Donnarumma deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has contributed a lot with his goals, but without Donnarumma’s saves... Paris would not have been able to win the Champions League,” Raiola declared.

📊 Ballon d'Or 2025: Who Should Take It Home?

With PSG sweeping a historic continental treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League — it's no surprise that multiple players from the French giants are in the conversation.

Ousmane Dembélé: Crucial goals, electrifying wing play, and consistent performances all season long.
Donnarumma: Unbeatable in critical UCL moments, especially during high-pressure knockout matches.
Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mbappé: Outstanding campaigns with club and country.

💭 Opinion: Should Goalkeepers Get More Recognition?

Donnarumma’s case reignites the age-old debate: Why are goalkeepers often overlooked for individual accolades? Since Lev Yashin in 1963, no goalkeeper has won the Ballon d'Or — despite game-changing performances every season.

Raiola's comments serve as a bold reminder that football isn’t only about goals scored — it’s about goals denied. In the UCL final run, Donnarumma’s saves weren’t just brilliant — they were season-defining.

Yes, Dembélé dazzled and Mbappé was majestic, but when the stakes were highest, Donnarumma kept PSG alive.

📌 Final Take:

In a year stacked with Ballon d'Or-worthy talents, will the judges finally shift the spotlight to the man with the gloves? If merit were based purely on impact in the biggest games, Donnarumma’s name deserves serious consideration.