Gianluigi Buffon retires from football at age 45, takes technical director role with national team

Posted : 02 August 2023

The legendary Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, who was closely associated with Juventus and often considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport, has decided to bring an end to his illustrious career.

With his characteristic modesty, Buffon announced his retirement from football on Wednesday. The 45-year-old goalkeeper, who last played for Parma and previously for Juventus and PSG, is expected to take up a role as technical director of the national team, working alongside coach Roberto Mancini.

Despite having a contract with Parma for another season until June 2024, Buffon chose to hang up his gloves. He also turned down an attractive offer from the Saudi league. Reports in Italy suggest that Buffon may be appointed to the national team as a replacement for Gianluca Vialli, who served as technical director until December 2022 but had to resign due to illness, unfortunately passing away last January.

Buffon holds the all-time record for appearances for the Italian national team, with 176 caps. He made his debut in October 1997 during the 1998 FIFA World Cup play-offs at the young age of 19.

Regarded by many as the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Buffon was a key figure in five World Cups and won the tournament in 2006, playing a crucial role in the penalty shootout victory against France. He conceded only two goals in that World Cup and was instrumental in Italy's success. In 2006, he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or and finished as the runner-up behind his teammate Fabio Cannavaro. At Euro 2012, he reached the final with Italy, but they were defeated by Spain. Buffon retired from international duty in 2017 after a remarkable 20-year career.

Buffon made his debut for Parma at the tender age of 17 in 1995, and four years later, he won the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia with the team. He became the most expensive goalkeeper in history in 2001 when Juventus acquired him for €52 million.

Throughout his 19 seasons at Juventus, he became one of the club's biggest icons, securing ten league titles and five Coppa Italia titles. He remained loyal to Juventus even during their relegation to the second division in 2006 due to the Calciopoli scandal. Buffon also reached three UEFA Champions League finals with Juve, although he unfortunately experienced defeat in all of them.

Leonardo Bonucci, who played alongside Buffon for both the Italian national team and Juventus for many years, penned a heartfelt message for his former teammate: "You were special and will always be. There aren't enough words to describe who you are and how much you've taught me. Thank you."

Gianluigi Buffon retires from football at age 45, takes technical director role with national team

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