Manchester City’s latest signing, Gianluigi Donnarumma, has finally secured a shirt number he was previously banned from wearing at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The Italian shot-stopper achieved his long-time dream of donning his favourite jersey after completing a sensational move from Ligue 1 champions PSG to the Premier League giants.
The transfer, which was confirmed on deadline day, followed extensive discussions between both clubs. According to sources, City’s ability to finalize the deal hinged on Ederson Moraes’ departure.
The Brazilian goalkeeper sealed a move to Fenerbahçe at the last minute, creating room for Donnarumma’s arrival.
Within hours, City unveiled the Italian as their new goalkeeper, granting him the opportunity to wear his preferred shirt number.
Donnarumma’s Shirt Number Marks His Birth Year
Donnarumma will proudly wear the No. 99 shirt for Manchester City – a number with deep personal meaning. It represents the year of his birth, 1999, and has been his trademark since his breakthrough days at AC Milan.
During his time in Italy, the No. 99 became synonymous with his rapid rise to becoming one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers. Fans grew accustomed to seeing the number on his back, symbolizing his journey from a talented teenager to a world-class shot-stopper.
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However, when Donnarumma joined PSG in 2021, Ligue 1 rules prohibited players from wearing numbers higher than 30. The French top division mandates that squad numbers remain between 1 and 30, with 1, 16, and 30 reserved exclusively for goalkeepers.
A section of the LFP regulations states: “The numbers 1, 16 and 30 are exclusively and necessarily reserved for goalkeepers. Ultimately, the number 40 can be assigned. All teams must have a jersey with number 33 that is not assigned to a player and reserved for breaking replacements. A directory is established early in the season and available to referees and delegates by the LFP.”
This left Donnarumma unable to wear his iconic number in France, forcing him to take an alternative shirt during his spell in Paris.
Now, at Manchester City, that restriction no longer applies, and the club wasted no time handing him the number he holds dear.
A Fresh Start in the Premier League
The No. 99 shirt not only represents Donnarumma’s past but also marks a new chapter in his career.
With Ederson moving on, the Italian is expected to become a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s plans as City aim to maintain their domestic dominance and chase further European glory.
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Manchester City supporters have already expressed excitement about the signing, believing the 25-year-old brings world-class reflexes, commanding presence, and years of experience despite his young age.
Donnarumma himself is said to be delighted at the chance to compete in England’s top flight while wearing the number that has defined his career.
