Italian soccer's legendary goalkeeper to call it quits at 45

After a remarkable 28-year career, Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement from Parma and the beautiful game. In the past, the 45-year-old said he plans to stay playing until the 2026 World Cup. Also, Buffon added that he aims to finish out his contract with Parma. That deal expires in June 2024. However, the experienced goalie […]

Milan (AFP) – Former Italy star Andrea Pirlo on Thursday defended Gianluigi Buffon for his Champions League outburst as he named the veteran goalkeeper among his lineup for his testimonial on May 21. "If I'd been on the pitch, it would have burned to go out like that," said Pirlo, "when you play a game […]

Turin (Italy) (AFP) – Gianluigi Buffon raged late into the night after a wild match in Madrid as the Juventus legend was sent off in what was probably the final Champions League match of an extraordinary career. The veteran goalkeeper's frustration spilled over at the Santiago Bernabeu after Juventus beat Real Madrid 3-1 on the […]

Madrid (Spain) (AFP) – Gianluigi Buffon's Champions League career looks likely to end in a red mist of rage after Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty on Wednesday rescued Real Madrid from a pulsating Juventus comeback.  Buffon's anger earned him a red card from English referee Michael Oliver, moments before Ronaldo slammed a 97th-minute penalty into the […]

Madrid (Spain) (AFP) – Gianluigi Buffon told English referee Michael Oliver he "has no heart" and should have been watching Juventus' Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in the stands "with his wife and a Sprite".  Oliver awarded Real a penalty in the 93rd minute at the Santiago Bernabeu, after Juve defender Mehdi Benatia brought […]

Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Veteran Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid will have "special" personal significance as he approaches the end of his storied career. A world champion with Italy in 2006 and eight-time Serie A winner with Juventus, Buffon finished on the losing side in his two previous […]

Rome (AFP) – Goalkeeping icons Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon will renew a rivalry going back almost two decades when Porto host Juventus in Wednesday's Champions League last 16. Age is just another number for Spaniard Casillas, 35, and 39-year-old Italian nemesis Buffon.  Between them they have 334 caps, 275 Champions League matches, 12 league […]

Turin (Italy) (AFP) – Captain Gianluigi Buffon hailed a "fundamental" win for Juventus after Gonzalo Higuain's first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Roma and sent the champions seven points clear at the top on Saturday. "It's a fundamental win for us because the championship still has a long way to go," Juventus goalkeeper Buffon […]

Milan (AFP) – Gianluigi Buffon earned a European record-equalling 167th cap as Italy played out a goalless friendly draw with their Euro 2016 quarter-final tormentors Germany in Milan on Tuesday. The 38-year-old Buffon, who made his Italy debut in 1997, is now level with retired Spain legend and fellow goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Although Buffon is […]

Milan (AFP) – Juventus goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon could become a future coach of Italy after revealing he would be tempted by a national team coaching role once he retires. At 38 years old, 2006 World Cup winner is still going strong for both club and country at the tail end of what has been […]

Bordeaux (AFP) – Tears rolled down the cheeks of Gianluigi Buffon but the legendary Italy 'keeper said there were "no regrets" despite the Azzurri missing a golden chance to beat Germany to a Euro 2016 semi-final spot. "The tears are for my disappointment. It was a magical experience that revived something in all of us […]