**Gianluigi Buffon: The Legendary Goalkeeper Who Defied Time**
**Let's Begin**
Gianluigi Buffon, frequently recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, has left an everlasting impression on the sport. With a career spanning over three decades, Buffon’s agility, leadership, and consistency have garnered him global adoration. From his early days at Parma to his iconic time at Juventus and brief periods at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a return to Parma, Buffon’s story is nothing short of miraculous.
This blog article analyzes Buffon’s remarkable career, the clubs he played for (including squad sizes), and his **five most famous moments** that sealed his legend.
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## **Buffon’s Career & Teams**
### **1. Parma (1995–2001)**
Buffon began his professional career at Parma, making his Serie A debut at age **17 years old**. His reflexes and calmness rapidly made him a standout. During his tenure at Parma, the squad included roughly **25–30 players**, including luminaries like Lilian Thuram and Faustino Asprilla.
### **2. Juventus (2001–2018, 2019–2021)** Buffon’s **€52 million move to Juventus in 2001** was a world-record sum for a goalkeeper. He became the backbone of Juventus, winning **10 Serie A titles** (albeit two were subsequently canceled owing to Calciopoli). Juventus’ team often comprised **25–30 players**, boasting talents like Alessandro Del Piero, Andrea Pirlo, and Paolo Dybala.
### **3. Paris Saint-Germain (2018–2019)**
In 2018, Buffon joined PSG, playing with **Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Marco Verratti**. PSG’s team comprised **around 30 players**, and Buffon added a **Ligue 1 title** to his collection.
### **4. Return to Parma (2021–2023)**
Buffon concluded his career where it began—Parma. Despite being in his **mid-40s**, he continued to compete at a high level till retiring in **August 2023**.
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## **5 Most Iconic Moments of Gianluigi Buffon’s Career**
### **1. 2006 World Cup Triumph - The Ultimate Glory** Buffon’s **greatest achievement** was lifting the **2006 FIFA World Cup** with Italy. He surrendered just **two goals in the whole tournament** (an own goal and a penalty). His **incredible save against Zinedine Zidane in the final** (a thunderous header headed for the top corner) was vital in Italy’s triumph. Buffon preserved **five clean sheets** and earned the **Golden Glove**, indicating he was the greatest in the world.
### **2. Record-Breaking Serie A Title Wins with Juventus** Buffon won **10 Serie A titles** with Juventus (albeit two were revoked due to Calciopoli). His **leadership and consistency** were vital in Juve’s supremacy. The **2011–12 undefeated season** (under Antonio Conte) was exceptional, with Buffon conceding just **20 goals in 38 matches**.
### **3. The Penalty Save Against Roma (2017)** In a **crucial Serie A match in 2017**, Buffon made a **stunning penalty save against Roma’s Diego Perotti** in the 85th minute, maintaining a **1-0 lead**. This save was essential in Juventus’ championship pursuit, demonstrating his **clutch heroics in high-pressure moments**.
### **4. UEFA Champions League Heroics vs. Real Madrid (2015 & 2017) **
Despite never won the Champions League, Buffon had **legendary performances** against Real Madrid:
- **2015 Semi-Final**: Made **incredible saves against Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale**, albeit Juve lost in the final.
- **2017 Final**: At **39 years old**, Buffon kept Juve in the game with **key stops**, but Real Madrid’s onslaught proved too powerful. His **emotional post-match interview** ("Football gives and takes") resonated with fans globally.
### **5. Breaking Paolo Maldini’s Serie A Appearance Record (2020)** In **December 2020**, Buffon broke Paolo Maldini’s record of **647 Serie A appearances**. Playing for Parma at **42 years old**, this milestone underlined his **longevity and dedication**.
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## **Conclusion: The Immortal Goalkeeper** Gianluigi Buffon’s career is a monument to **skill, resilience, and passion**. From World Cup success to Serie A supremacy, his legacy is unsurpassed. Even in retirement, Buffon remains a **symbol of excellence** for goalkeepers worldwide.
Would you want any extra details or a focus on a certain phase of his career? Let me know! 🧤⚽