Although he didn't have to work hard in the final against Inter, Gianluigi Donnarumma was a key figure in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory, becoming the first Italian goalkeeper to win the competition as a starter in 29 years: the last to do so was Angelo Peruzzi in 1996. However, Donnarumma's season did not start well: in November and December, coach Luis Enrique selected reserve goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in two consecutive games, including a crucial Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich. At that time, newspapers and analysts had perceived Enrique's decision as a potential indication of a hierarchy reversal. However, Donnarumma ultimately regained his starting position and was nearly invincible during the second phase of the Champions League, the knockout phase. He saved two penalties in the second leg of the round of 16 against Liverpool and was also one of the best on the pitch in the quarterfinals against Aston Villa and the semi-finals against Arsenal. Donnarumma made his professional debut at just 16 years old with AC Milan, who transferred him to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.