TalkSport reports that a ‘little-known’ Premier League rule prevented Gigio Donnarumma from taking the No. 99, the same one he had at Milan, at Manchester City.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
As Football Italia exclusively reported on deadline day, Manchester City paid €27m to secure the services of the Italy captain, while Donnarumma will earn €15m in the first year of his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Donnarumma has picked No. 25 at Manchester City, but, as reported by TalkSport, his first option was the No.99, the same he had at Milan.
Reggio Nello Emilia, Italy – June 9: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy During the Fifa 2026 Qualifier Bethaeen Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Tricolor City on June 09, 2025 in Reggio in Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
TalkSport reports that the Premier League has established more restrictive rules to push players to pick more conventional numbers.
Why Donnarumma could not wear No. 99 at Man City
Gianluigi Donnarumma during a press conference at Coverciano on June 6, 2025 (Football Italia).
Although players can still pick numbers from 1 to 99, the Premier League is eager to prevent players from selecting high numbers to stick to the footballing tradition.
Furthermore, lower numbers are easier to be recognised by fans, officials and commentators, but the commercial side of things also has an impact, given that the use of more traditional numbers helps with marketing and sales of English clubs.
Contract details and Shirt Number Considerations: A Glance at Donnarumma’s Move
To further illustrate the nuances of Donnarumma’s transfer to Manchester City and the Premier League’s number regulations, let’s delve into a comparative table. This table succinctly highlights key details of the transfer that illuminate the context surrounding the goalkeeper’s potential shirt number options.
| Feature | Details | Impact on Number Choice |
| ————————– | ——————————————————————————– | ——————————————————————— |
| Transfer Fee | €27 million | Represents a significant financial investment in the player. |
| Annual Salary (Year 1) | €15 million | A high salary could influence the player’s “brand” perception. |
| Desired Number | No. 99 (same as at Milan) | Player preference, symbolic of past success. |
| Premier League Rule | Restrictions on high squad numbers to promote tradition and commercial appeal. | prevented Donnarumma from taking No. 99; alternative number chosen. |
| Assigned Number | 25 | Donnarumma’s final selection for the campaign. |
This table clarifies the financial commitments associated with securing Donnarumma and the implications of Premier League regulations on squad number selection. The limitations imposed aimed to maintain the conventional aesthetics of football numbers. Donnarumma’s case provides a compelling case study on how rules affect player expression and branding.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about donnarumma’s Shirt Number and the Premier League
To address common questions and provide clarity on this topic, here’s a detailed FAQ section:
Q: Why couldn’t donnarumma wear number 99 at manchester City?
A: The Premier League has established rules that encourage players to choose more conventional squad numbers. This initiative aims to uphold footballing traditions and assist in sales and marketing, rather than just restricting players. This action has been implemented to encourage adoption of lower numbers.
Q: What implications does this rule of squad number have?
A: The Premier League’s desire to limit the adoption of high shirt numbers aligns with the objective to enhance the league’s overall brand and ease of identification,for fans,officials,and the sake of marketing and sales.
Q: What number did donnarumma ultimately choose?
A: Donnarumma has since picked number 25 for manchester City for the season.
Q: Can players still select any number between 1 and 99?
A: Yes, the rules allow the usage of numbers between 1 to 99, but ther are factors at play that might influence specific choices.
Q: What role do commercial aspects play in shirt number selection?
A: Premier League clubs frequently enough use traditional squad numbers for merchandising and branding purposes, which is one of the significant factors that are at play in this situation. Using well known numbers enhances visibility, increases sales, and helps create brand appeal.
