Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has suggested that Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could be a surprise contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or if he delivers an outstanding performance in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Speaking on 'The Rest is Football' podcast alongside former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, Lineker highlighted Donnarumma's impressive displays throughout PSG's Champions League campaign this season.

"What a number of performances we've seen from Donnarumma in the Champions League," Lineker said. "If Donnarumma has another amazing game in the final and is maybe the key figure, is it possible that we get a goalkeeper as the winner of the Ballon d'Or?"

Richards responded positively to the suggestion, saying: "That is not a bad shout."

However, Lineker quickly backtracked on his own suggestion in a lighthearted manner. "I think it's a terrible shout," he joked. "I don't like goalkeepers, they always get in the way of the goalscorers."

The conversation highlights the rarity of goalkeepers winning football's most prestigious individual award. In the history of the Ballon d'Or, only one goalkeeper has ever claimed the prize – the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin in 1963.

PSG will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night, where Donnarumma will have the opportunity to strengthen his case for consideration should he deliver a match-winning performance.

The Italian shot-stopper has been instrumental in PSG's journey to the final, with several standout performances that have caught the attention of football pundits and fans alike.

The Ballon d'Or 2025 race is already generating significant discussion, with several players from across Europe and Africa being mentioned as potential candidates for the prestigious award.