Luis Enrique Hails Donnarumma as Among World’s Best Ahead of Emotional Reunion

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has ignited anticipation for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash by declaring that Luis Enrique Donnarumma is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world. The Spanish tactician made the remark ahead of a highly anticipated reunion with his former goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now guards the net for Manchester City. The Italian international will face his old club at the Etihad Stadium in a match that promises both tactical intrigue and emotional significance.

Donnarumma spent four fruitful years at PSG between 2021 and 2025, during which he lifted four consecutive Ligue 1 titles—two of them under Enrique’s guidance—and the 2024-25 Champions League. His departure to Manchester City for a reported €27 million is widely viewed as a bargain for a player of his calibre. With his contract entering its final year and extension talks stalling, PSG opted to sell rather than risk losing him for free, subsequently bringing in Lucas Chevalier from Lille as his replacement.

Enrique, however, holds no resentment. In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, he was quick to praise his former charge. “We know him well and we know that it will be very difficult to score goals because he is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, without any doubt,” Enrique said. “I was lucky enough to know Gigio as a person and I’m very happy to see him again and give him a big hug. But, after the game.”

The reunion adds a compelling subplot to an already tantalising fixture. Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City has bolstered the English side’s defensive solidity, while PSG have struggled to find consistent form between the posts. Chevalier, signed as Donnarumma’s successor, has not featured since January, raising questions about PSG’s goalkeeping depth. Enrique’s men will need to be at their sharpest to beat a keeper he himself rates so highly.

Enrique’s admiration for Donnarumma is not mere lip service. During their time together in Paris, the Italian showcased why Luis Enrique Donnarumma is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, with a string of commanding performances in Ligue 1 and Europe. His shot-stopping, distribution, and presence in big matches were instrumental in PSG’s continental triumph. Now, as an opponent, he poses a formidable barrier to his former teammates.

The statistics underscore Enrique’s assessment. In his final season at PSG, Donnarumma kept 17 clean sheets in 35 league appearances and saved three penalties in the Champions League knockout stages. His save percentage of 78% was among the highest in Europe’s top five leagues. Such numbers explain why Manchester City moved swiftly to secure his signature, and why Enrique remains wary of facing him.

Enrique’s comments also reflect a deeper respect that transcends the tactical. “I was lucky enough to know Gigio as a person,” he added, hinting at a bond forged through shared triumphs and daily work at the training ground. That personal connection will be set aside for 90 minutes, but the warmth in Enrique’s words suggests a genuine affection for a player he continues to hold in the highest regard.

For Donnarumma, the match represents an opportunity to prove PSG wrong for letting him go. At 27, he is entering his prime, and a strong performance against his former club would further cement his reputation. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will rely on him to thwart PSG’s attacking talents, including the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola.

The Champions League league phase encounter carries significant weight for both sides. PSG are eager to assert their dominance after a mixed start, while City aim to maintain their perfect record. Enrique’s side will need to find a way past a goalkeeper he once called one of the best—a challenge that could define their European campaign.

As the football world turns its eyes to the Etihad, the narrative extends beyond tactics. It is a story of respect, reunion, and the enduring quality of a goalkeeper who has proven his worth on the grandest stages. Enrique’s words serve as a reminder that Luis Enrique Donnarumma is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, a fact that PSG may rue when they face him on Wednesday night.

In conclusion, Luis Enrique’s glowing tribute to Gianluigi Donnarumma sets the stage for an emotionally charged Champions League battle. While PSG have moved on with Lucas Chevalier, the presence of Donnarumma in the opposing goal is a stark reminder of what they let go. For Enrique, the match is both a professional test and a personal moment—one he hopes to navigate with a victory, but also with a warm embrace for a player he deeply respects. As the two sides prepare to lock horns, one thing is certain: Luis Enrique Donnarumma is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, and Wednesday’s encounter will only reinforce that truth.