Gianluigi Buffon

• Full name: Gianluigi Buffon
• Date of birth: 28 January 1978
• Place of birth: Carrara, Tuscany, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)

Club career (highlights)

• Parma (1995–2001) — Broke into the first team as a teenager, won the Coppa Italia (1998–99), UEFA Cup (1998–99) and Supercoppa Italiana (1999).
• Juventus (2001–2018, 2019–2021) — Long-serving club legend, multiple Serie A titles (including titles won after Juventus’ return to Serie A following the 2006 relegation), Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana victories. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) (2018–2019) — Short spell in Ligue 1.
• Return to Parma (2021–2023) — Finished his professional club career back at the club where he started.

International career (Italy)

• Italy national team (1997–2018) — Italy’s record appearance holder for many years (over 170 caps). Captain for several years.
• Major honors: FIFA World Cup winner 2006 (Italy). Key performer throughout the tournament and in the final stages, widely praised for leadership and shot-stopping.
• Tournaments: Participated in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups across a career spanning two decades.

Awards and recognition

• Multiple Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
• Named in FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year selections during his peak years.
• Often listed among the greatest and most influential goalkeepers of all time for longevity, consistency, leadership and reflexes.

Playing style

• Exceptional shot-stopping, positioning and reflexes.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills on the pitch; served as captain for club and country.
• Renowned for penalty-saving ability and composure in big matches.

Legacy

• Buffon is celebrated as one of Italy’s and world football’s premier goalkeepers, noted for a career spanning more than two decades at the highest level, significant trophy haul, and role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.