Italian soccer sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma and his partner, Alessia Elefante, recently experienced a horrifying home invasion robbery that has left the world in shock. The couple’s residence in Paris, located in the eighth district, was targeted by audacious criminals who subjected them to a distressing ordeal. The attackers managed to flee with a substantial sum of money, totaling $500,000.
According to sources, the assailants broke into the couple’s flat in the city center and proceeded to tie them up. After enduring the traumatic situation, Donnarumma and Elefante managed to escape to a nearby hotel, where hotel staff promptly raised the alarm. The couple was subsequently taken to the hospital, with Donnarumma sustaining minor injuries while Elefante remained unharmed.
🚨 Gianluigi Donnarumma and his wife were the victims of a violent burglary, during which they were both tied up and stripped! 😩
The financial damages are estimated at €500,000.
“The victims, who were tied up, managed to take refuge in a hotel located not far from their home… pic.twitter.com/sIPLMzjgPr
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 21, 2023
French media reported that the Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the incident, charging the attackers with armed robbery in an organized gang and aggravated violence. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the robbers made off with valuable items, including jewelry, watches, and luxury leather goods, estimated to be worth around €500,000 ($556,332 approx.).
In a statement released by his agent, Gianluigi Donnarumma, aged 24, and his partner expressed their shock at the harrowing events but assured the public that they are coping as well as possible under the terrible circumstances. The couple is cooperating with the authorities in their investigation.
Gianluigi Donnarumma joins the list of victims
Donnarumma, 24, joined PSG in 2021 and later that year took home the Yashin Trophy as the best custodian in the world. In each of his two seasons at the club, he has captured the Ligue 1 championship.
At just 16 years old, he made his senior debut for AC Milan, where he went on to make 251 appearances. Additionally, Donnarumma has 54 caps for Italy.
Understand Gianluigi Donnarumma will travel to Japan with PSG tomorrow, as planned.
Donnarumma and his wife were the victims of a violent burglary, during which they were both tied up.
They managed to take refuge in a hotel located not far from their home around 3:20am. pic.twitter.com/IBwBo8tjUC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2023
It has happened before that many other PSG players were targets. Defender Marquinhos was the victim of a robbery in March 2021 while his father and two teenage daughters were at home. Authorities later sentenced the attackers to prison.
A number of PSG players, both past and present, have also had their homes burglarized, including Thiago Silva, Angel Di Maria, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Presnel Kimpembe, Mauro Icardi.
During a league match that year, winger Angel Di Maria is suddenly subbed off and led away by boss Mauricio Pochettino.
His wife and kids have been taken hostage in an armed robbery at his home.
Marquinhos’ parents are also targeted, but both families escape unharmed. pic.twitter.com/18Zvn6uC2L
— The Upshot (@UpshotTowers) April 14, 2023
The situation has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced security measures and protocols for public figures, especially those who attract attention due to their fame and wealth. Additionally, it underscores the importance of empathy and respect for the privacy and safety of individuals who contribute significantly to various fields.
As investigations into the robbery continue, authorities, sports organizations, and private entities must collaborate to develop comprehensive security frameworks that safeguard the well-being of public figures and their families.