During the 2025 Ballon d`Or ceremony, AC Milan legend Ruud Gullit surprised Italy`s national team captain Gianluigi Donnarumma with a warm greeting in Milanese dialect as the goalkeeper arrived to collect the Men`s Yashin Trophy.
Donnarumma, who currently plays for Manchester City, was presented with the award for best goalkeeper of the year by a trio consisting of Gianluigi Buffon, Mary Earps, and Gullit. As Donnarumma approached, Gullit affectionately addressed him with “Ciao bel fioeu,” meaning “Hello beautiful boy” in the local Milan dialect.
Gullit and Donnarumma`s AC Milan Connections
Ruud Gullit`s illustrious career at AC Milan spanned from 1987 to 1994. During his time with the Italian giants, he secured numerous accolades, including three Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies. The Dutch international found the net 56 times in his 171 appearances for the club.
Donnarumma, on the other hand, is a product of AC Milan`s youth academy. The Italian shot-stopper featured in 251 matches for the Rossoneri before making a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. This past summer, he completed a permanent move to Manchester City.
In addition to winning the Yashin Trophy, Donnarumma also placed ninth in the overall 2025 Ballon d`Or rankings, further cementing his status as one of the world`s premier goalkeepers.