Gianluigi Buffon hangs his gloves announces retirement

• Legendary goalkeeper has announced his retirement from professional football 
• Buffon played 1,151 senior matches throughout his 28-season career
• The former Parma, Juventus and PSG goalkeeper has retired at the age of 45

Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 45, concluding an illustrious career spanning an impressive 28 seasons. Buffon took to social media to bid farewell, expressing gratitude to his fans and teammates for their support throughout his journey.

Buffon’s remarkable journey began in 1995 when he made his professional debut for Parma, showcasing his talents by keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against AC Milan. During his six seasons at Parma, he secured three trophies, establishing himself as a rising star in the football world. In 2001, Buffon made a high-profile move to Juventus, where he became a club legend. Over his first spell in Turin, he notched an incredible 656 appearances and clinched 19 trophies. Notably, he remained loyal to Juventus during the Calciopoli scandal and their season in Serie B.

In 2018, Buffon embarked on a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain, adding another two trophies to his collection, before returning to Juventus for an additional two years, during which he claimed three more major honours. In 2021, Buffon made an emotional return to his first club, Parma, where he played two final seasons at the Stadio Ennio Tardini before deciding to hang up his gloves at the beginning of August.

READ; Gianluigi Buffon at 45: His early life, career and net worth

A defining moment in Buffon’s illustrious career came in 2006 when he played a pivotal role in Italy’s World Cup victory. His exceptional performance during the tournament earned him a second-place finish in the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, narrowly missing out on the top spot to his teammate Fabio Cannavaro. With 176 appearances for the Italian national team, Buffon holds the record for the most-capped player in the country’s history.

Gianluigi Buffon won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with his national team, Italy. The legendary goalkeeper has announced retirement from professional football at the age of 45. | PHOTO: FIFA |

In total, Buffon participated in an impressive 1,151 senior matches, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. In recognition of his extraordinary career, Buffon secured the 37th position in 90min’s top 50 footballers of all time list, making him the highest-ranked goalkeeper in history.

As Gianluigi Buffon goes into his retirement, football fans and players alike will undoubtedly remember him as one of the greatest goalkeepers to have ever graced the game. His contributions to his clubs and his country, coupled with his exceptional skill and sportsmanship, have solidified his status as a true football legend. While Buffon’s playing days may be over, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of goalkeepers and football enthusiasts worldwide.