Gullitt greets Donnarumma in Milanese dialect during Ballon d’Or ceremony

Milan legend Ruud Gullit greeted Gianluigi Donnarumma with a Milanese expression as the Italy captain arrived to receive the 2025 Men’s Yashin Trophy on Monday.

Italy captain Donnarumma received the 2025 Men’s Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the year on Monday during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

What Gullit told Donnarumma during Ballon d’Or ceremony

Donnarumma received the award from Gigi Buffon, Mary Earps and Gullit, a former Milan star, who greeted the Manchester City star in Milanese.

“Ciao bel fioeu,” Gullit told the Italian goalkeeper, which means ‘Hello beautiful boy.’

Gullit and Donnarumma’s Milan careers

Gullit played for Milan from 1987 to 1994, winning, among other trophies, three Serie A titles and the Champions League twice.

The former Netherlands international scored 56 goals in 171 matches with the Serie A giants.

Donnarumma is a product of the Milan academy. The Italy international played 251 matches with the Rossoneri before joining PSG on a free transfer in 2021. The ex-Milan star completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City earlier this summer.

Donnarumma also ranked 9th at the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

“Ciao bel fioeu”.

Ruud #Gullit, olandese saluta così Gianluigi #Donnarumma.
In milanese.

Milano rimane nell’anima
Il #Milan pure
Bravo Gigio
🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/fvhnfFKxBQ

— Milan memories (@MemoriesMilan) September 22, 2025