Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, a football icon revered for his extraordinary career with both club and country, has announced his retirement from the game.
The 45-year-old football legend, who achieved remarkable milestones during his illustrious 28-year journey, bid farewell to the game that brought him fame and glory.
Buffon’s illustrious career saw him win the 2006 FIFA World Cup with the Italian national team and collect ten Serie A titles while playing for Juventus. He also claimed the Ligue 1 title during his tenure with Paris Saint-Germain. With an astonishing 176 appearances for Italy, Buffon holds the record as the most capped goalkeeper in football history.
In a touching statement, Buffon thanked his supporters, saying, “This is all people! You gave me everything, I gave you everything, we did it together.” He left behind an unparalleled legacy and will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
Buffon’s career came full circle when he concluded where it all began – at Parma, the club where he started in their youth system in 1991 as a 13-year-old. He joined Juventus in 2001 and has spent most of his career with the Turin-based club, apart from a brief spell with PSG during the 2018–2019 season. Buffon then returned to Juventus and made an emotional return to Parma in June 2021.
Throughout his career, Buffon’s extraordinary skill and unwavering dedication earned him immense respect from fellow players. Kylian Mbappe, who shared the field with Buffon during his time at PSG, paid tribute to the legendary goalkeeper, calling him “a man of gold” and expressing gratitude for his invaluable advice.
Standing at an impressive height of 1.92 metres, Buffon made an impressive record 657 appearances in Serie A, earning the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award in 2003. His contribution to Italian football was recognized when he was named Serie A’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Repeatedly.
Buffon retired from international football in 2018 after Italy failed to qualify for that year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. Nevertheless, his influence on the Italian national team and the game as a whole is indelible.
Football fans and fellow players alike expressed their admiration and gratitude for Buffon’s extraordinary career. Serie A paid tribute to the football icon, calling him “unique” and “one of the most famous players in the world”.
Buffon’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the field. He left a lasting impact on the game, influencing generations of goalkeepers and footballers around the world. As he hangs up his gloves, the football community reflects on the indelible mark he will leave on the beautiful game.
