Roma’s early-season story has acquired a Dutch centre-forward at its centre. Donyell Malen has not merely supplied goals since arriving in the capital; he has settled into the city with the ease of a player who has quickly made it his own, while giving the Giallorossi a decisive presence in the final third.
Malen’s Roman beginning
- Malen embraced life in Rome soon after his move, exploring the historic centre, its food and culture, and making trips to Ostia when time allows.
- Although he keeps his home life private with his wife Delisha and their four children, the forward has shared glimpses of his new surroundings on social media and has built friendships in the city.
- When Roma confirmed his permanent signing, Malen marked the occasion in distinctly local fashion: he was pictured outside a Roman trattoria, coffee in hand, having travelled through the city in an Ape vehicle.
- His football has made the connection still stronger. He has been named EA Sports FC Player of the Month for August and September after scoring six times across Roma’s first five Serie A matches.
The award recognises an exceptional opening to the campaign. Malen responded to the announcement with a heart on social media, but his work on the pitch has offered the clearest response. His goals have given Roma a forward who can finish moves, stretch opponents and create danger from situations that initially appear routine.
A scorer setting the Serie A pace
Since joining Roma, Malen has scored 21 goals in 26 appearances. Across last season’s and this season’s Serie A campaigns combined, he has 20 goals from 23 league outings, a return no other player in the division has matched over that span.
His current league figures underline both the volume and the quality of the chances he finds:
| Metric | Malen’s figure | Serie A standing |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on target | 10 | 1st, ahead of Mastantuono, Soulé and Douvikas on 8 |
| Expected Goals | 4.61 | 2nd, behind Lautaro Martínez on 4.72 |
| Big chances converted | 5 | 1st |
| Successful dribbles | 10 | 4th, behind Kvernadze, Diao and Messias |
Those numbers describe more than a penalty-box finisher. Malen can run beyond the defensive line, receive to feet, combine with team-mates and carry the ball past an opponent. His acceleration after the first touch, willingness to press high and instinct around goal have made him difficult to define as only a traditional No. 9.
For Roma, that range has made the attacking line more threatening. Malen is able to occupy central areas, but he can also turn a loose ball or a simple transition into an immediate opening. The city has welcomed him beyond the stadium; on Sunday afternoons, his goals are giving that relationship a sharper meaning.
