Gianluigi Buffon: A Legendary Goalkeeper

Early Life and Career

Gianluigi Buffon was born on January 28, 1978, in Carrara, Italy. He began playing football at a young age and joined the Parma youth team in 1991. He made his professional debut for Parma in 1995 and quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Juventus

In 2001, Buffon joined Juventus for a world-record fee of €52 million. He went on to win 10 Serie A titles, 5 Coppa Italia titles, and 2 UEFA Champions League titles with the club. He also won the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year award a record five times.

International Career

Buffon made his international debut for Italy in 1997 and went on to make a record 176 appearances for his country. He was the captain of the Italy team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He also played in the 2004 UEFA European Championship, the 2012 UEFA European Championship, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Retirement

Buffon retired from international football in 2018. He continued to play for Juventus until 2021, when he joined Parma. He retired from professional football at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Legacy

Buffon is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He is known for his athleticism, reflexes, and shot-stopping ability. He is also a vocal leader and has been praised for his dedication to the game.

Personal Life

Buffon is married to Ilaria D'Amico, a sports journalist. They have two sons, Louis Thomas and David Lee.
Awards and Honors

• FIFA World Cup: 2006
• UEFA European Championship: 2004
• UEFA Champions League: 2003, 2015
• UEFA Europa League: 1999
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1993
• UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2015
• Serie A: 10 (1999-2000, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17)
• Coppa Italia: 5 (1999-2000, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2014-15, 2015-16)
• Supercoppa Italiana: 6 (1999, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015)
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 5 (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2017)
• IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 6 (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2017)
• Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year: 14 (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016)
• European Golden Shoe: 2006
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
• ESM Team