"PSG made a blatant mistake and disrespected Donnarumma. They appeased manager Luis Enrique because he brought them the Champions League, but you can't do that to an iconic player who contributed significantly to the victory," Ghoulam told L'Equipe on 14/9.

Donnarumma played in the Man City 3-0 Man Utd match on the evening of 14/9. Photo: Offside

Donnarumma played in the Man City 3-0 Man Utd match on the evening of 14/9. Photo: Offside

Ghoulam, a two-time Coppa Italia and one-time Supercoppa Italiana winner with Napoli, believes Enrique dropped Donnarumma to make room for a more ball-playing goalkeeper, new signing Lucas Chevalier. But he questions why Pep Guardiola, a friend who shares Enrique's philosophy, immediately signed Donnarumma for Man City.

Ghoulam rates Donnarumma as one of the two or three best goalkeepers in the world, potentially a top 10 Ballon d'Or contender in 2025. Beyond talent, the 26-year-old goalkeeper is also very popular with teammates and PSG fans.

"I also live in Paris, so I understand many things and people there. I know how much his teammates and the fans love and respect Donnarumma. I cannot understand PSG's decision. It's foolish," Ghoulam added.

Donnarumma played for PSG from the summer of 2021 to 2025, contributing to one Champions League title and four Ligue 1 titles. During the 2024-2025 Champions League campaign, the 26-year-old goalkeeper was one of their best performers, shining in matches against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.

According to AS, after the Club World Cup in mid-July, PSG informed Donnarumma that he was no longer in Enrique's plans. Subsequently, the reigning Champions League winners spent 45 million USD to acquire goalkeeper Chevalier from Lille.

Donnarumma joined Man City on the last day of the summer transfer window for 35 million USD. In his debut on the evening of 14/9, the 26-year-old goalkeeper helped his new team defeat Man Utd 3-0, including a diving save to deny Bryan Mbeumo's volley.

Thanh Quy (L'Equipe)