Former Italy Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon Retires From Soccer At Age 45

PARMA, Italy – Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement on Wednesday, at the age of 45, following a career that includes a World Cup championship with Italy, a long list of titles with Juventus, and many years when he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in soccer.

Buffon had one season left on his contract with Parma in Serie B and thus exits the sport with the same team with which he began his professional career nearly three decades ago.

“That’s all for now, folks!” You gave everything to me. I gave you everything I had. “We did it together,” Buffon wrote with a video of his career highlights on Instagram.

Gianluigi’s career apex occurred during the 2006 World Cup when he allowed only two goals in seven matches as the Azzurri won. The opponents did not score either of the two goals during open play. One was an own goal by teammate Cristian Zaccardo during the final, and the other was a penalty kick by Zinedine Zidane.

“I experienced Gianluigi for 25 years, first with Juve and then with the national team — his greatness as a player and as a man,” former coach Marcello Lippi stated, adding that Buffon should work for the national team.

Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement on Wednesday at 45, following a career that includes a World Cup championship with Italy.

Buffon was the backbone of Juventus’ ten Serie A titles, and he stayed with the club even after the 2006 “Calciopoli” scandal, which saw the team demoted to Serie B. He helped the Bianconeri win the second division a year after winning the World Cup.

“A legend hangs up his gloves today,” Juventus wrote on Twitter. “Your saves, smiles, and character will be remembered forever.” Thank you, and congratulations on a fantastic career.”

Due to the “Calciopoli” match-fixing incident, Buffon and Juventus also lost two Serie A titles.

Buffon’s sole major title was the Champions League, which he lost three times with Juventus – against AC Milan in 2003, Barcelona in 2015, and Real Madrid in 2017.

Buffon departed Juventus in 2018 for Paris Saint-Germain, only to return a year later as a backup to Wojciech Szczesny. In 2021, he made a heartfelt comeback to Parma.

“Throughout his illustrious career, Gigi demonstrated an unrivalled ability, determination, and passion on and off the pitch,” Parma president Kyle Krause said. “Parma is and will always be your home.”

SOURCE – (AP)