Donnarumma vs. Sommer: The Goalkeeping Duel That Could Decide the Final
This year's final in Munich presents such an opportunity, pitting Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma against Inter Milan's Yann Sommer - a clash of titans between the posts.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Prodigy Seeking Redemption
At just 26, Gianluigi Donnarumma has already experienced the highs of international glory, being named Player of the Tournament during Italy's Euro 2020 triumph.
His journey with PSG has been marked by both scrutiny and redemption. Criticized for vulnerabilities under pressure and aerial challenges, he has silenced doubters with a series of commanding performances in the Champions League knockout stages. Notably, his heroics against Arsenal in the semi-finals were instrumental in PSG's progression to their second-ever final.
Donnarumma's season statistics underscore his impact: five clean sheets in the Champions League, a save percentage exceeding 70%, and only one goal conceded per game. His performances have not only been pivotal for PSG's European campaign but have also sparked conversations about a possible candidacy for the Ballon d'Or.
Yann Sommer: The Veteran Defying Expectations
On the opposite end, 36-year-old Yann Sommer brings a wealth of experience and composure to Inter Milan's goal. After a brief stint with Bayern Munich, where he stepped in during Manuel Neuer's injury absence, Sommer transitioned to Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. Acquired for a modest fee of €6.9 million, his signing was initially met with skepticism, with many questioning the decision to entrust the goalkeeping responsibilities to a player in the twilight of his career.
However, Sommer quickly dispelled any doubts, becoming an integral part of Simone Inzaghi's squad. His experience and composure provided a solid foundation for Inter's defense, contributing to their impressive run in both domestic and European competitions.
It was in the Champions League, however, where Sommer truly shone. Leading the tournament with seven clean sheets, he played a crucial role in Inter's journey to the final, with the semi-final clash against Barcelona being his defining moment. Over the two legs, Sommer made 14 saves, including a pivotal stop against Lamine Yamal in the dying moments of extra time, preserving Inter's lead and securing their place in the final.
Brilliance by the Numbers
If the Champions League final is going to come down to a goalkeeping masterclass, the numbers already make a compelling case for it.
Both Gianluigi Donnarumma and Yann Sommer have been among the most effective shot-stoppers in Europe this season - but they’ve done it in very different ways. Let’s take a closer look at how their 2024–25 campaigns stack up.
Champions League Metrics: A Statistical Showdown
Clean Sheets
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Sommer: 7 in 13 appearances (53.8%)
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Donnarumma: 5 in 14 appearances (35.7%)
Save Percentage
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Sommer: 82.3%
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Donnarumma: 72.5%
Goals Conceded per 90
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Sommer: 0.85
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Donnarumma: 1.00
Saves Made
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Sommer: 51
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Donnarumma: 37
Passing Accuracy
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Sommer: 83.47%
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Donnarumma: 81.72%
Clean Sheet Odds
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Sommer: +275
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Donnarumma: +175
Odds provided by the betting experts at BettingScanner.com
Sommer’s numbers, particularly his save percentage and clean sheet rate, suggest a keeper operating at peak efficiency - not just reactive, but anticipatory. He's seen fewer shots but made more saves, a sign of both excellent positioning and the ability to come up big when Inter needs him most.
Donnarumma, by contrast, has faced more high-danger moments. PSG’s high line and expansive style have exposed him to more one-on-ones and chaos in the box - and his performances in those moments, especially against Arsenal, have been decisive. The raw save count doesn’t fully capture the gravity of some of those stops.
Distribution and Build-Up Play
Both keepers are capable with the ball, but Sommer edges slightly ahead on the numbers. His passing accuracy is better, and he’s attempted more long passes with a higher success rate - a key aspect of Inter’s quick transition game.
Donnarumma’s distribution is less varied but more involved, often acting as a reset point in PSG’s possession-heavy style. In a team designed to build from the back, his ability to maintain tempo under pressure has quietly become one of his strengths.
The Verdict from the Stats Table
Statistically, Sommer has had the better campaign. He leads in every major goalkeeping metric and has been almost flawless during Inter’s run. But Donnarumma’s numbers, while not quite as sharp, tell the story of a keeper who’s been tested more - and passed those tests when it mattered most.
In short: Sommer’s been cleaner. Donnarumma’s been busier. Both have been brilliant.
One Moment to Make History
As the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final approaches this Saturday, the spotlight intensifies on Gianluigi Donnarumma and Yann Sommer, two goalkeepers whose performances could be pivotal in determining the match's outcome.
For Donnarumma, this final represents more than just a shot at club glory; it's an opportunity to solidify his status as one of the world's premier goalkeepers. Having already tasted international success with Italy at Euro 2020, a Champions League title would be a significant addition to his résumé, and a standout performance in Munich could be the defining moment of his club career.
On the other side, Sommer's experience and leadership have been instrumental in Inter Milan's journey to the final. At 36, this match could be the culmination of his illustrious career, offering a chance to cap it with Europe's most prestigious club trophy. His calm demeanor and crucial saves have been a cornerstone of Inter's defense, and his performance in the final could be the difference-maker.
As the final whistle approaches, the anticipation builds. Will Donnarumma's agility and reflexes thwart Inter's attacks, or will Sommer's composure and shot-stopping abilities deny PSG their first Champions League title? In a match where margins are razor-thin, a single save could etch a goalkeeper's name into footballing history.