Achraf Hakimi has thrown his support behind Gianluigi Donnarumma as the standout goalkeeper of this season’s Champions League, following Paris Saint-Germain’s semi-final triumph over Arsenal.
The Moroccan full-back praised his teammate’s heroic display, asserting that the Italian is currently in a league of his own.
Both Donnarumma and Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer were pivotal in their sides’ dramatic paths to the final, each producing a series of vital saves to carry their teams through demanding semi-final ties.
PSG edged out Arsenal, while Inter prevailed in a high-octane shootout with Barcelona.
Donnarumma’s performance against the Gunners was widely hailed as one of his finest in a PSG shirt. The Italian goalkeeper was called into action from the first moments of the second leg, denying Declan Rice’s powerful header in just the third minute.
He remained under siege throughout the first half, repelling a dangerous shot from Martin Ødegaard in the seventh minute and continuing to frustrate Arsenal’s attacking line well into the second half.
Even as Arsenal increased their pressure, especially through Bukayo Saka’s effort in the 63rd minute, Donnarumma stood firm. Though he eventually conceded, it proved inconsequential as PSG held on to their aggregate advantage to secure a place in the final.
On the other side of the draw, Yann Sommer was equally critical in Inter’s nail-biting clash with Barcelona, which ended with a combined score of 7-6 over two legs.
The Swiss international delivered a commanding performance, thwarting Barça’s attacks time and again. His positioning and reflexes proved decisive, particularly in the latter stages of the second leg when Barcelona pushed relentlessly for an equaliser.
Yet when asked to compare the two goalkeepers after PSG’s win on May 7, Hakimi had no doubts.
“Donnarumma or Sommer? Two excellent goalkeepers, but Gigio is stronger,” said the Moroccan international, speaking after the match. His comment underscored the growing influence of Donnarumma within PSG’s setup and set the stage for a fascinating reunion when PSG meet Inter in the final.
Hakimi, who spent a successful spell at Inter Milan before joining PSG, acknowledged the emotional weight of facing his former club in such a decisive fixture.
“It will be a special moment,” he admitted. “I’ve experienced some wonderful things at Inter, including winning the Scudetto, but today, my goal is clear: to bring the Champions League back to Paris.”
Reflecting on PSG’s journey to the final, Hakimi highlighted the team’s resilience. “The season hasn’t been easy, we started badly, but this team has worked hard. We owe this journey to no one but ourselves.”
With both goalkeepers in sublime form and emotions running high, the Champions League final promises to be a gripping contest—not just between two of Europe’s top clubs, but between two of the finest shot-stoppers in world football.
As Hakimi prepares to face familiar faces in the Inter dressing room, his belief in Donnarumma could prove to be PSG’s secret weapon.
