Foot Africa
·15 September 2025
Controversial Statement: "El Hadary is Better than Donnarumma"

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Yahoo sportsFoot Africa
·15 September 2025
Egyptian legend jokingly says El-Hadary was better despite Donnarumma’s stunning City debut
Controversial Statement: El Hadary is Better than Donnarumma?
In lighthearted yet controversial remark, Mohamed Aboutrika claimed that Egyptian goalkeeping icon Essam El Hadary's better than Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The comment came after the Italian star impressed in his Man City debut on Sunday.
The 25 year old goalkeeper delivered flawless first outing for City keeping clean sheet in 3 - 0 victory over Man United.
Donnarumma denied 2 clear chance earning widespread praise from fans & analysts alike.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Aboutrika was asked whether El Hadary was better than Donnarumma. With smile, he replied:
"Yes, El Hadary's better! In El Hadary’s era, if player managed to score against him in training, we used to call him star" He added jokingly.
While Aboutrika’s comparison was clearly humorous, the careers of the two goalkeepers differ greatly.
El Hadary never played for European giant but he cemented his legacy by winning three straight Africa cup of Nations titles with Egypt (2006, 2008, 2010).
Donnarumma, meanwhile has represented Milan, Paris Saint Germain and now City and lifted Euro 2020 with Italy.