Manchester City deny Gianluigi Donnarumma shirt number claims with official announcement | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma will not be wearing the No.99 shirt for Manchester City when he takes to the field later this month, the club have clarified.

The Italian international’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window, with fans eager to see how Pep Guardiola integrates the towering goalkeeper into his system.

Early reports claimed that Donnarumma had chosen to continue a tradition of wearing the No.99 shirt – a number he previously adopted at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain – sparking excitement among supporters.

However, Manchester City’s clarification marks an important correction, reminding fans that shirt number announcements come only through official channels, whilst ensuring continuity with squad planning as the club carefully manages both commercial and sporting implications of such details.

Squad numbers also often carry historical weight and fan connection, particularly at a club with a modern legacy like Manchester City’s. The debate around Donnarumma’s number is also part of a wider anticipation about how his arrival will reshape the goalkeeping hierarchy.

With Ederson having joined Fenerbahce for a fee in the region of €14 million this summer, Stefan Ortega considering his options with the Turkish market still open, and James Trafford holding the No.1 role at present, the Italian’s selection has practical significance.

However, despite widespread reports indicating that the Italy international had selected the No.99 shirt at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City have since clarified that not to be the case.

Following confirmation on the club’s official website, Gianluigi Donnarumma has selected the No.25 shirt for his new club, succeeding Manuel Akanji in the jersey after the Switzerland international joined Inter on a season-long loan with option to buy.

Among the previous holders of the No.25 shirt for Manchester City include the likes of the club’s former first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart, as well as ex-club captain and star midfielder Fernandinho, plus Emmanuel Adebayor.

Looking ahead, Donnarumma’s choice of No.25 could be interpreted as a nod to some of City’s most influential figures of the past decade. Joe Hart’s time in the shirt represents a golden era under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, while Fernandinho remains a club legend for his leadership and midfield dominance.

Such associations may help fans quickly embrace the Italian as he embarks on his Premier League journey. Speculation will continue to follow Donnarumma’s every move at City, particularly given the uncertainty around who will take on the number one position.

The symbolism of 25 could still mark the start of a new era for City’s goalkeeping department. With the season about to intensify, attention will now shift from his shirt number to his performances on the pitch, as the Italian seeks to establish himself as a commanding presence.