Dutch forward Donyell Malen has been on fire since joining Roma on loan in the winter transfer window, netting 14 goals in 18 appearances and drawing comparisons to legendary striker Ronaldo.
Malen left Aston Villa—where he spent just one season—to move to Serie A side Roma on loan in January, with a mandatory purchase option at the end of the season. The transfer has quickly proven a win-win for both parties. The 25-year-old’s prolific run of 14 goals in 18 games across all competitions is powering Roma’s push for a Champions League spot.
Sunday’s league match against Parma was a perfect example. Roma trailed 0-2 before completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback, with Malen converting a decisive penalty in the 90th minute. According to The Athletic, some fans knelt to greet him outside the Stadio Olimpico after the game, and social media exploded with comparisons to R9.
“It’s fantastic here. The club is amazing, and I can play my best football,” Malen told Sky Sports after the match. “That penalty was under huge pressure—it’s a season-defining goal. We had to take all three points. I train hard every day, and my teammates help me achieve these numbers.”
The contrast in efficiency is striking: 10 goals in 46 games for Villa compared to 14 in 18 for Roma. This run even surpasses his earlier promise at Arsenal’s academy, where he scored 27 goals in 67 youth appearances. After spells at PSV, Borussia Dortmund, and Villa, Roma appears to be the place that has finally unlocked the full potential of the former Arsenal youth star.