Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon, born on 28 January 1978 and widely known as Gigi Buffon, boasts a remarkable football career as an Italian former professional goalkeeper. Renowned as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, he achieved an extraordinary milestone by making over 1,100 professional career appearances, a feat only accomplished by a select few players.


Buffon's journey commenced with his Serie A debut at Parma in 1995, where he played a pivotal role in securing victories in the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup, and Supercoppa Italiana in 1999. His career soared after joining Juventus in 2001 for a then-world record goalkeeper fee of €52.9 million.


Buffon clinched Serie A titles in his initial two seasons with Juventus, marking the onset of a remarkable 17-year tenure with the club. His Juventus legacy includes an unparalleled nine Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias, and five Supercoppa Italianas. Notably, Buffon became the first goalkeeper to claim the Serie A Footballer of the Year award and earned the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year accolade an impressive twelve times.


Beyond domestic success, Buffon left an indelible mark in European competitions. His appearances in the 2015 and 2017 UEFA Champions League finals earned him spots in the Champions League Squad of the Season, coupled with winning The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award in 2017. A brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 resulted in triumphs in the Trophée des Champions and Ligue 1.


Buffon's international career, spanning 176 caps, solidified his status as the most capped goalkeeper in history. A key figure for Italy, he captained the national team and participated in five FIFA World Cups and four European Championships. Buffon's pinnacle moment came in 2006, leading Italy to a World Cup victory and receiving the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper. His excellence extended to individual accolades, including the Yashin Award and multiple UEFA distinctions.


Despite retiring from international football in 2017, Buffon continued to make history at the club level. He returned to Parma in 2021 and eventually announced his retirement from football in 2023 at the age of 45. Pelé included Buffon in the prestigious FIFA 100 list, emphasizing his status among the world's greatest players. Buffon's legacy endures as a goalkeeper who broke barriers, earned countless awards, and etched his name in football history.


Although tempting offers from Bologna and Milan were on the table, Buffon embarked on his football journey within the Parma youth system in 1991, taking his first steps at the tender age of 13. Initially, he showcased his versatility in various outfield positions, notably as a midfielder, before an inspiring figure altered the course of his career. Witnessing Thomas N'Kono's stellar goalkeeping displays for Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup served as a catalyst for Buffon's shift to the goalkeeper role.


When both Parma youth team keepers faced unexpected injuries, Buffon, armed with his keen interest, stature, and physical attributes, stepped up. The transition proved seamless, and within a mere two weeks, Buffon ascended to the coveted position of the first-choice goalkeeper for the Parma youth team, guided by the mentorship of Ermes Fulgoni, the academy's esteemed goalkeeping coach.


Following an initial summons to train with the first team in the summer of 1994,[9] Buffon's elevation to the senior squad came to fruition in 1995. At a mere 17 years and 295 days, he made his Serie A debut under the guidance of Nevio Scala. The memorable occasion unfolded on November 19, 1995, with Buffon exhibiting his prowess by keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 home draw against the eventual Serie A champions, Milan. Throughout the match, Buffon made standout saves against Ballon d'Or winners Roberto Baggio and George Weah, along with Marco Simone, showcasing his innate talent.


Buffon's contributions extended to seven more first-team appearances that season, coupled with an appearance in the Coppa Italia, where Parma reached the second round before being eliminated. The team secured a commendable sixth place in Serie A, earning qualification for the UEFA Cup. At Parma, Buffon honed his skills under the tutelage of goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi, attributing much of his confidence, development, and success to this influential figure.


Entering the 1996–97 Serie A season, his second full campaign with Parma, Buffon emerged as the designated starting goalkeeper ahead of Luca Bucci and Alessandro Nista. The season concluded with Parma securing the runners-up position in Serie A, trailing behind Juventus but earning qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Buffon showcased his prowess by conceding only 17 goals in 27 appearances, drawing attention across Italy with his consistent and stellar performances. However, Parma faced early exits in the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup, with Buffon making his European debut in a 2–0 defeat to Vitória de Guimarães on September 24, 1996, at the age of 18 years and 240 days.


The subsequent 1997–98 season witnessed Parma finishing fifth in Serie A and reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. Buffon made his UEFA Champions League debut in a 3–1 victory over Widzew Łódź on August 13, 1997, and his group stage debut in a 2–0 win against Galatasaray on October 1, 1997, showcasing his talent at the age of 19 years and 246 days. Despite their early exit from the Champions League, Buffon earned the moniker "Superman" during the season for his remarkable penalty save against Inter striker Ronaldo. The iconic celebration involved revealing a Superman T-shirt worn underneath his jersey, symbolizing Buffon's athleticism, agility, and aerial prowess.


Buffon's fourth season with Parma proved historic as he secured his first European trophy, the UEFA Cup. He played a pivotal role in the final against Marseille, maintaining a clean sheet in Parma's triumphant 3–0 victory. Additionally, Buffon clinched the Coppa Italia as Parma prevailed over Fiorentina on away goals. Despite finishing fourth in Serie A, earning them a playoff spot in the UEFA Champions League, Parma was relegated to the UEFA Cup after a defeat to Rangers.


Buffon's outstanding performances during this season garnered him the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year Award, the Bravo Award for the best player under 23 in Europe, and a fifth-place ranking in the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper standings. Furthermore, he received his inaugural Ballon d'Or nomination, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

References

1.  "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players: Italy" (PDF). FIFA. 14 July 2014. p. 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 September 2019.
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3. ^ Udine, Redazione (13 June 2017). "Gianluigi Buffon cittadino onorario di Latisana". Diario di Udine. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
4. a b Mauro, Paola (13 June 2017). "Gianluigi Buffon: "Io un campione? È nel dna dei friulani"". Messaggero Veneto. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
5. a b c d Schianchi, Andrea (2011). Il calcio di Buffon ai raggi X. La Gazzetta dello Sport. pp. 13, 22.
6. ^ In other words, Lorenzo Buffon is a cousin of Gianluigi's grandfather.
7. a b "Ci ritorni in mente... Lorenzo Buffon". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). 12 July 2009. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
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9. a b c d e f James Horncastle (9 April 2015). "Parma legend Buffon prepares to return with juventus". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
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11. a b c d e f g h i "Gianluigi Buffon" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 23 May 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
12. ^ Paolo Menicucci (19 November 2015). "Gianluigi Buffon: 'Destiny made me become a goalkeeper'". UEFA.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
13. ^ "Asd Perticata Calcio: I Campioni – Gianluigi Buffon" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
14. a b Simon Burnton (12 February 2014). "World Cup: 25 stunning moments ... No1: Cameroon stun Argentina in 1990". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2016.