Donnarumma names former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele as his Ballon dOr pick

Gianluigi Donnarumma has backed Ousmane Dembele to win the next Ballon d’Or after producing a standout performance for Italy against France.

The Manchester City goalkeeper made several important saves in the 1-1 draw between the two nations and was named player of the match by the editorial team at French publication Foot Mercato.

After the final whistle, Donnarumma was asked who he believed should receive football’s most prestigious individual award. His answer was his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Dembele, who had played against him in the same match.

“Who is my favourite for the Ballon d’Or? Ousmane Dembele,” Donnarumma said in French, according to Foot Mercato.

Donnarumma represented Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2025, a period in which the club enjoyed a historic achievement by winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

The Italy international was one of the key players in the Paris Saint-Germain squad during those four years, alongside Dembele, who has since emerged as one of the leading contenders for the prestigious individual prize.