Donyell Malen
ROM
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jan 19, 1999 (27)
Right
5'10"
150 lb
Two goal contributions in win
Malen scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and three chances created in Tuesday's 4-0 victory versus Slovan Bratislava.
Analysis: Malen recorded one goal, one assist, five shots (three on target) and three chances created across 59 minutes in Tuesday's 4-0 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava. He played a part in Roma's second goal when his curling effort was saved by Dominik Takac, allowing Nahuel Molina to convert the rebound, before delivering a precise pass for Niccolo Pisilli's 52nd minute strike. Malen then converted a penalty six minutes later to complete the scoring, bringing his Champions League tally to three goals in three appearances this season.
Clears suspension
Malen completed a one-game ban in Saturday's 2-0 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Malen got away with the standard punishment despite a straight red card and was adequately replaced by Santiago Castro in this one. He'll resume leading the line against Slovan Bratislava and Napoli. He has taken multiple shots in all eight appearances, totaling 30 (13 on target), scoring eight goals and adding one assist, 11 key passes and two crosses (zero accurate).
Scores brace
Malen (suspension) scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Real Madrid.
Analysis: Malen delivered a standout performance for Roma, scoring a brace on three shots on target against Real Madrid. He's been in excellent form to start the UCL campaign, posting two goals and an assist on eight shots (three on target) while creating three chances across two matches.
Suspended for one tilt
Malen has been handed a one-match disqualification in Serie A following his red card.
Analysis: Malen risked a multi-game sanction, but his foul wasn't found to be violent, and therefore he'll be unavailable only for the upcoming Genoa fixture and will return versus Napoli. He'll likely see full minutes in the next two UEFA Champions League contests since he'll get to rest over the weekend.
Sent off against Como
Malen (knee) recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created before being red-carded after 53 minutes in Sunday's 0-0 match versus Como.
Analysis: Malen was a constant threat but was held in check by Como defense reasonably well and got too aggressive while chasing a loose ball, committing a harsh foul that was deemed worthy of an expulsion. He could face a multi-game suspension if it's deemed violent conduct. He'll miss at least Saturday's home game versus Genoa, while he'll be available in the UEFA Champions League midweek. Santiago Castro will likely take his place.
Starts despite knee concern
Malen (knee) is in Roma's starting lineup for Sunday's Serie A clash against Como after recovering from the knee discomfort that had limited his training during the international break.
Analysis: Malen returns to the starting XI without missing any competitive action despite dealing with knee soreness during the break. The forward had already resumed full training and participated in a friendly against Sorianese, indicating that the issue was not serious. He has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing one assist while attempting 24 shots, including at least three in every match. His consistent attacking production makes him a key figure in Roma's frontline.
Available for Como clash
Malen (knee) participated fully in a joint practice and friendly with amateur side Sorianese, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Malen has been managed in training during the break because of a sore knee, but won't need to miss time. He has fired at least three shots in every fixture so far, totaling 24, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
Skips international duties
Malen withdrew from the Netherlands' call-up due to a minor knee problem, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Malen almost came out late in the Inter clash because he was laboring due to a contusion, but he stayed on the pitch after the opponents equalized. He shouldn't have trouble recovering during the break and should be available for October 10's game versus Como.
Scores again in Torino game
Malen scored one goal to go with four shots (two on target) and one chance created and drew one foul in Monday's 2-0 victory against Torino.
Analysis: Malen recorded his sixth Serie A goal of the season with a very determined finish, poking the ball across the line while lying on the ground after trying to loft it over the goalie. He led his team in shots as usual and has put up at least three in every game, amassing 21 (nine on target). This was also his fifth straight appearance with one chance created.
Assists versus Fenerbahce
Malen assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Fenerbahce.
Analysis: Malen assisted Bryan Cristante's goal in the 39th minute, opening the scoring in the team's first Champions League match of the season. Malen was a bit off from a finishing standpoint though as all four of his shots failed to find the target. Malen already has five goals through three Serie A matches, so he'll hope to bring that form into the Champions League as well.
Held in check by Atlanata
Malen registered three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created and drew one foul in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Malen looked human after scoring five goals in the first two rounds and didn't have any clear-cut chances in this one. He's also being managed after the World Cup, minutes-wise. He has tallied three or more shots, amassing 13 (five on target), and exactly one chance created in all three fixtures thus far.
Wreaks havoc again versus Lecce
Malen scored two goals to go with five shots (three on target) and one chance created in Monday's 4-0 win over Lecce.
Analysis: Malen hit the net twice early, taking advantage of a miscue to slot it home from an advantageous position and then dinking it over the goalie on a square ball from the left flank. He could have arguably had a bigger day despite the brace, as he scuffed a pair of easy finishes. He's up to five goals and has added five shots (three on target) and one key pass in each of the first two games.
Completes hat-trick versus Fiorentina
Malen scored three goals to go with five shots (three on target) and one chance created in Monday's 4-0 win against Fiorentina.
Analysis: Malen was a man possessed in the opener and found the target thrice with tidy finishes from inside the box, outsmarting a defender with an incredible first touch on the first one and benefitting from a poor save on the second one. Instead, the third one was a simple tap-in. He also led his team in attempts. He picked up where he left off after scoring 14 goals in just 18 Serie A matches last season, adding two assists, 70 shots (31 on target) and eight chances created.
Creates three chances against Tunisia
Malen generated two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created and drew two fouls in Thursday's 3-1 victory over Tunisia.
Analysis: Malen paced his side in key passes alongside a pair of teammates and was more productive than in the previous game despite not looking totally at ease on the wing. He'll likely stay there, splitting duties with Crysencio Summerville, given Brian Brobbey's strong outings. He was active but a bit sloppy overall. He has uncorked at least one cross in three straight fixtures, totaling six (two accurate) and adding four shots (two on target) and four chances created, but he's still looking for his first goal contribution.
Quiet display in victory
Malen had two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory against Sweden.
Analysis: Malen had a difficult first half in Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, contributing two crosses (one accurate) and creating one chance across 45 minutes as the right winger in coach Ronald Koeman's front three, but he was unable to impose himself on the match and failed to register a shot before being replaced at halftime by Crysencio Summerville. The forward struggled to produce the decisive moments his position demands despite the Netherlands' dominance, and Summerville's immediate impact, assisting Cody Gakpo's fourth goal within minutes of coming on before scoring the fifth himself, will intensify the debate surrounding the starting role on the right wing heading into the knockout rounds.
Active outing up front
Malen registered two shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Japan.
Analysis: Malen was persistent and direct in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, registering two shots, both on target, and one cross across his 70 minutes as the center forward in coach Ronald Koeman's 4-3-3, with his best opportunity arriving in the third minute when he latched onto a pass and forced a strong save from the Japanese goalkeeper at his near post. The forward, who enjoyed a sensational finish to the season with Roma, has continued to struggle to replicate that level of form with the Netherlands and will need to raise his performances in the upcoming matches if he is to remain a key figure in Koeman's attacking setup.
Arrives in top form at World Cup
Malen arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of the Netherlands' most in-form attacking options, having earned his place in coach Ronald Koeman's squad with a stunning second half of the season that has put him firmly in contention for a starting role on the right wing.
Analysis: Malen joined Roma in the January transfer window and produced one of the most impressive half-season performances in Serie A, contributing 14 goals and two assists across 18 league appearances to finish as the second-highest scorer in the Italian top flight. The numbers are remarkable for a player who had only just arrived at a new club, and the confidence and sharpness he carries into the summer make him one of the most dangerous attacking options heading into the tournament. His direct running, clinical finishing and ability to create chances for himself in tight areas make him a genuine threat on the right flank. At international level, Malen represents one of the more exciting wildcards in manager Ronald Koeman's squad, with his blistering club form making it difficult to leave him out of the starting lineup despite the competition for wide positions. His ability to drift inside from the right flank and combine his finishing instinct with intelligent movement gives the Netherlands an unpredictable and dangerous option on that side of the attack. The Oranje will be among the favorites to go deep in a World Cup, and Malen's arrival in peak form at exactly the right moment makes him one of the more compelling attacking selections for the summer tournament.
Scores in finale
Malen scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 win versus Verona.
Analysis: Malen concluded a big second half of the season for Roma in style with a goal, which should give him and the club a boost going forward. The striker has signed a permanent deal after reportedly coming in on a loan, so he'll be a key piece of Roma's attack in Serie A and Champions League play next season.
Contained by Lazio defenders
Malen generated two shots (one on goal), nine touches and one tackle (zero won) in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Lazio.
Analysis: Malen had less volume than usual and was denied by the opposing goalie on his only clean effort. He pushed his streak of games with multiple shots to 17, with 13 goals and 67 total attempts (29 on target) during that stretch. He has hit the net three times, assisted twice and logged three chances created and two crosses in the last four rounds.
Scores brace in victory
Malen scored two goals to go with five shots (four on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 win over Parma.
Analysis: Malen gave the away side the lead through a right-footed finish in the 22nd minute before sealing the win from the penalty spot in stoppage time. He also missed a couple of chances to increase his count during yet another outstanding performance. Since arriving at Roma on loan from Aston Villa in January, the forward has exceeded every expectation, racking up 16 direct contributions in 18 appearances, and he's in superb form with six goals and two assists over the last five games.
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