Manchester City have denied Gianluigi Donnarumma something which has described as “special” to him since his teenage years. The team refused to hand him the No. 99 jersey he has worn during his career development.
The Italian shot-stopper completed a sensational move to the Premier League club on transfer deadline day, joining the Etihad as the long-term replacement for Ederson Moraes.
City executives labelled him the perfect signing to maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe, with Pep Guardiola said to have pushed for his arrival.
For Donnarumma, however, the excitement of his new challenge was met with slight disappointment. After his unveiling as a City player, reports suggested that he would receive the No. 99 shirt, a number that carries deep personal meaning.
The figure represents his year of birth, 1999, and became part of his identity during his early rise at AC Milan.
During his teenage years in Italy, the No. 99 shirt was more than just a number. It symbolised the breakthrough of a teenage prodigy who, at just 16, forced his way into the Milan first team.
The shirt quickly became synonymous with his rise to becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about goalkeepers.
Manchester City Refuse No. 99, Cite Premier League Rules
Despite the strong personal connection, Manchester City confirmed that Donnarumma would not be allowed to wear his preferred number. Instead, the 26-year-old will take the No. 25 jersey for this season.
According to reports from talkSPORT, City officials explained that Premier League regulations encourage clubs to allocate traditional squad numbers and avoid higher double digits that could cause confusion.
Although numbers between 1–99 are technically permitted, the league has historically discouraged unusual selections to maintain uniformity.
Furthermore, there were commercial considerations. Club executives reportedly believed the No. 99 shirt would not resonate as strongly with the Premier League fan base compared to more conventional numbers.
No. 25 Jersey Carries City History
While Donnarumma might feel disappointed, the No. 25 shirt does not come without its own significance in Manchester City’s history.
The number was recently vacated by Manuel Akanji, who departed on loan on deadline day, leaving it available for the Italian goalkeeper.
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More importantly, the No. 25 jersey was once worn by former City goalkeeper Joe Hart, a club legend who made over 300 appearances and played a key role in delivering the club’s first Premier League title in 2012.
Therefore, for some supporters, seeing Donnarumma in the same shirt number might evoke memories of a different era, when Hart was between the posts.
