Reason behind Gianluigi Donnarumma's unusual shirt number revealed after Man City switch
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Credit: Imago
Ciaran Morrison
Tue 2 September 2025 11:58, UK
Manchester City’s new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has opted for an unusual squad number on his move to the Etihad.
Donnarumma finalised a move to Man City on deadline day from French champions PSG, with Ederson joining Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Man City have already signed James Trafford from Burnley this summer, with the 22-year-old starting each of the opening three Premier League fixtures.
Credit: Imago
With Trafford taking the number one jersey, Donnarumma has chosen the 99 shirt to wear at the club.
As per BBC Sport [2 September], the number 99 represents the year the Italian was born, and he had previously worn the number when he started his career at AC Milan.
Donnarumma had worn the number 1 at PSG, and does so for the Italian national team.
Despite a costly error against Spurs, Trafford impressed at Brighton with a series of fine saves, and the goalkeeper is known for his ability to play out from the back.
Man City arguably have the strongest trio of goalkeepers in the Premier League, though the way they lost their lead at Brighton signals work is still needed at the back.