Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had nothing but praise for Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper’s stellar performance. At just 26, Donnarumma continues to impress fans with his composure, class, and experience — so much so that Guardiola joked it feels as if the Italian shot-stopper “has been playing for a century.”
A rare talent who matured too soon
In a football world full of rising young stars, few have made an impact as early and consistently as Gianluigi Donnarumma. When Pep Guardiola — one of the most demanding managers in modern football — admits that “it feels like he’s been playing for a century,” it speaks volumes about the stature Donnarumma has earned through years of top-level consistency.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said:
“This guy started playing top-level football for Milan and the national team at 17 — let me repeat, 17. When people tell me he’s only 26, it really feels like Gigio has been around for a century.”
But Guardiola’s praise wasn’t just about longevity. He highlighted Donnarumma’s professionalism, calmness, and ability to rise to the occasion — the qualities that separate good goalkeepers from great ones.
“Goalkeepers at big clubs don’t have many chances to make saves,” Pep explained. “Usually, when those teams play well, the goalkeeper doesn’t have to face too many shots. But when that one big chance comes, he must deliver — and Donnarumma did exactly that today.”
“It wasn’t an easy situation — we made a mistake, and he found himself in a 1v1. Yet he handled it perfectly.”
Guardiola went on to emphasize Donnarumma’s complete game, noting that his presence extends beyond mere shot-stopping:
“He helps with corners, long balls, throw-ins — you always feel safe knowing Gigio is there. It’s like, ‘Okay, Gigio’s got this.’ That’s huge for any team.”
From Milan’s teenage prodigy to Italy’s leader
To understand why Guardiola holds him in such high regard, one only needs to look back at Donnarumma’s remarkable journey.
In 2015, at just 16 years old, Donnarumma was handed his professional debut by AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, becoming one of the youngest starting goalkeepers in Serie A history.
From that very first moment under the bright lights of San Siro, the young keeper displayed reflexes, composure, and leadership far beyond his age. Within a year, he had secured the starting role not only at Milan but also with the Italy national team — a feat rarely achieved by someone so young.
His rise reached its defining moment at Euro 2020, where Donnarumma became Italy’s national hero. With two penalty saves in the final shootout against England, he led Italy to the European Championship title and was named Player of the Tournament — an accolade almost never given to a goalkeeper.
The calm of a goalkeeper born for the big stage
After leaving Milan in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain, Donnarumma faced the enormous pressure of adapting to a star-studded club with global scrutiny. At times, he endured criticism for mistakes in high-profile games — but through it all, he remained resilient.
Today, the same qualities that Guardiola praised — his maturity, mental strength, and composure — define him more than ever. Top coaches across Europe have acknowledged his evolution into a complete goalkeeper: one who commands his area, leads the defense, and initiates attacks with precision passing.
Donnarumma’s style fits the modern game perfectly. He isn’t just a shot-stopper; he’s also a playmaker from the back. Whether at PSG or for Italy, Gigio frequently starts attacking moves with pinpoint long passes or quick throws to spark counterattacks.
That level of confidence comes from nearly a decade at the elite level. While many of his peers are still fighting for regular minutes, Donnarumma has already amassed hundreds of top-flight appearances — including Champions League, Euro, and World Cup matches.
“Only 26 — but it feels like he’s played forever”
It’s hard to believe that Donnarumma is still only 26. Since his debut, he has already appeared in over 400 professional games and earned more than 60 caps for Italy — numbers typically reached by goalkeepers in their 30s.
That’s why Pep Guardiola’s remark resonates so deeply: “It feels like he’s been playing for a century.”
At an age when most players are still learning, Donnarumma has already entered his prime years with the poise of a veteran. He’s no longer the teenage prodigy who amazed Serie A fans — he’s now the emotional and tactical leader of every backline he stands behind.
Guardiola, a master of tactical detail, understands better than most how valuable such a presence can be: a goalkeeper who exudes calm, commands respect, and reassures the entire defense with just one glance.
And Donnarumma, with his iron mentality and signature Italian coolness, embodies exactly that.
A long road still ahead
Despite already achieving so much, Donnarumma’s story is far from over. At 26, he could easily have another decade at the top ahead of him. With his 6’5″ (1.96m) frame, lightning-fast reflexes, and relentless work ethic, the Italian goalkeeper has every chance to join the pantheon of legends like Buffon, Casillas, and Neuer.
Guardiola’s trustful words — “We always believe in Gigio; it’s like, ‘He’s there, he’ll get the ball.’” — reflect what many in world football feel about Donnarumma: that he’s a constant, steady force in an ever-changing game.
As the sport evolves with new tactics, technologies, and stars, Gianluigi Donnarumma remains a timeless reminder of what true goalkeeping excellence looks like — a player who began as a prodigy and has grown into a pillar of European football.
And perhaps Guardiola is right: it really does feel like Donnarumma has been playing for a century — and yet, his best years may still be ahead.