Football Legend Gianluigi Buffon Set to Retire at 45
Gianluigi Buffon, one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, is reportedly set to retire from professional football at the age of 45. Buffon has had an illustrious career, representing clubs such as Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Parma, and the Italian national team.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Buffon will terminate his contract a year early in the coming days before officially announcing his retirement. After retiring, Buffon is expected to assume the role of Head of Delegation with the Italian national team, a position previously held by Gianluca Vialli, who passed away in January.
Buffon’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable 28-year playing career. Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous accolades and records, solidifying his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
Buffon began his professional career with Parma in 1995, where he quickly established himself as a talented and reliable goalkeeper. His performances caught the attention of top clubs, leading to his move to Juventus in 2001. At Juventus, Buffon enjoyed immense success, winning multiple Serie A titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final on several occasions.
One of the highlights of Buffon’s career came in 2006 when he played a crucial role in Italy’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament earned him widespread praise and further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
After spending 17 seasons with Juventus, Buffon made a surprising move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2018. Despite his age, he continued to display remarkable skill and agility, proving that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Buffon’s retirement will undoubtedly leave a void in the world of football. His commanding presence, exceptional shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities have made him an icon of the game. Many young goalkeepers have looked up to Buffon as a role model and source of inspiration.