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Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian former professional football goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian former professional football goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. He spent most of his club career with Juventus and won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy. He later served as Parma’s goalkeeper again before retiring in 2023.

Early life and Parma

Buffon was born in Carrara in 1978 and began his professional career with Parma, making his Serie A debut in 1995. Sources note that he started at Parma before becoming a major figure in Italian football.

Juventus career

He joined Juventus in 2001 and spent the majority of his club career with the Turin side. Sources credit him with multiple league titles and describe him as one of the club’s defining players.

Italy national team

Buffon played for the Italian national team from 1997 to 2018 and was a key part of the squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He is identified in sources as Italy’s record men’s appearance holder.

Later career and retirement

After a spell with Paris Saint-Germain, Buffon returned to Juventus and later to Parma, where he ended his playing career. Sources state that he announced his retirement in 2023.

Key facts

  • Buffon made his Serie A debut with Parma in 1995.
  • He joined Juventus in 2001 and spent most of his club career there.
  • He was part of Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
  • He played for Italy from 1997 to 2018 and is described as the country’s most capped men’s player with 176 appearances.
  • He retired in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gianluigi Buffon?
He is an Italian former professional football goalkeeper known for his long career with Juventus and Italy.
What is Buffon best known for?
He is best known for winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy and for being considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
Which clubs did Buffon play for?
He played for Parma, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and later returned to Parma.
When did Buffon retire?
Sources say he retired from playing in 2023.
How many times did Buffon play for Italy?
Sources identify him as Italy’s most capped men’s player with 176 international appearances.

References

  1. Catalan Wikipedia — https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluigi_Buffon
    Supports: Birthplace, position, Italy career, 2006 World Cup, Juventus tenure
  2. Spanish Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluigi_Buffon
    Supports: Juventus years, Italy appearances, 2006 World Cup, retirement context
  3. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluigi_Buffon
    Supports: Record appearances, Juventus history, retirement in 2023
  4. Treccani — https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/gianluigi-buffon/
    Supports: Parma debut, Juventus honours, PSG, return to Parma, retirement
  5. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44150996
    Supports: Parma debut, Juventus transfer, national team retirement, final Juventus match