Gianluigi Buffon is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers ever. Starting from a very young age, Buffon is one of the finest players ever produced in Italy. A mammoth figure between the posts, Buffon mostly had his way in goal and also in matters outside the pitch. He played for only 3 clubs throughout his whole career, out of which he predominantly spent his time in Turin.
It has been a long and successful road in club football for Gianluigi Buffon, popularly known as Gigi. In his long career, Buffon was at the helm for a lot of successful sides, even captaining clubs in his career. His career was also full of ups and downs, but he was a symbol of loyalty much like other Italian players like Del Piero and Francesco Totti.
Gianluigi Buffon announces retirement
Reputed Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Gianluigi has finally decided to hang his gloves to move on to life after soccer. The journalist posted a minute-long video capturing glimpses of Buffon’s career. The player has made some commendable saves and was one of the best shot-stoppers ever.
Official: Gigi Buffon retires ❤️🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/K1BdPGfJtZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2023
Throughout his career, Gigi Buffon has played with a host of talented youngsters and established players, who he advised and steered in their careers. Many fans were also emotional and praising the job Buffon has done in his career. Undoubtedly, Buffon retires as a legend of the game of soccer, not just Italy or the clubs he played for. Have a look at the reactions of certain fans:
🔒 thanks legend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q0rK2kMCZJ
— Billy Green (@BillyGrene) August 2, 2023
end of an era pic.twitter.com/5mEnL2LIxk
— Nelsson (@vikingnelsson) August 2, 2023
Career recap of legendary GK Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon was a sensation in the Italian soccer scene from the age of 13 years when he was just an academy prospect. The Italian made his debut at the ripe age of 17 years, in a goalless draw against AC Milan for his home club Parma. In 2001, Buffon transferred to Italian giants Juventus, replacing Edwin van der Sar.
He spent a total of 18 years as the club’s number 1 winning a total of 10 Serie A titles. He also suffered because of Juventus’s Calciopoli controversy, stripping him of two further Serie A titles. He was one of the very few players who stayed with Juventus after their relegation.
If calciopoli wouldn’t have happened… pic.twitter.com/8urpDWxTvz
— Nelsson (@vikingnelsson) August 2, 2023
Although he was one of the very best to never win the Champions League title, still he had a very successful career. He also moved to PSG as a rotational player after his stint at Juve, to add the elusive trophy to his list of accolades, but was not able to win it after losing the final to Bayern.
Internationally, however, Buffon was very successful with Italy and won the 2006 FIFA World Cup after beating Zidane’s France in the final. All in all, Gianluigi Buffon has had a notable career and will certainly be missed after his retirement.
Where would you rank Gigi Buffon in the all-time best goalkeepers list? Make sure to let us know in the comments section below.
