Donnarumma on Italy Bonus Claims: "I Never Asked for a Single Euro!"
Rumors circulated in the days leading up to and following Italy's World Cup 2026 playoff final loss to Bosnia, suggesting that Italian national team players had inquired about a financial bonus of approximately 300,000 euros. This sum was reportedly intended to be distributed among the 28 summoned players if they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
These rumors indicated that players sought information regarding this bonus, in line with the customary practice of federations or clubs awarding financial incentives for significant sporting achievements. The speculation sparked widespread public indignation and debate, especially as Italy was enduring a difficult period, having missed two consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Days later, Gianluigi Donnarumma, captain of the Italian national team and Manchester City goalkeeper, spoke in an interview with Sky Sports, expressing his position with deep emotion. He stated, “The comments hurt me a lot. As captain, I never asked the national team for a single euro. What the federation does, in all competitions, is offer a gift to players who qualify for a tournament, that’s all.”
He added, “None of us asked for anything. Our gift would have been going to the World Cup; no one asked for any prize; it was just a gift the national team gives if we qualify or win some titles.”
Donnarumma, a former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain player, also addressed the disappointment of missing the upcoming World Cup. He said, “They were very difficult and exhausting days, as they were for all Italians. We all wanted to go to the World Cup; unfortunately, we didn't succeed, and we have to accept it and move forward.”
He concluded, “It hurts a lot, really, a lot. In the first few days, it was hard for me to comprehend, but the truth is we have to start over. We have four years until the next World Cup, and before that, there are important competitions like the European Championship and the Nations League. Before the World Cup, we will focus on these major tournaments. It’s natural to feel some responsibility for everything happening now; we have to move forward. Italy will return strong and great.”
