:Gianluigi Buffon
{{Short description|Italian footballer (born 1978)}}
{{Other people|Buffon}}
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{{Very long|date=February 2024|words=16,000}}
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{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gianluigi Buffon
{{nobold|OMRI}} {{nobold|CMS}}
| image = Gianluigi Buffon (31784615942) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Buffon with Juventus in 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|1|28|df=y}}
| birth_place = Carrara, Italy
| position = Goalkeeper
| currentclub = Italy (team coordinator)
| youthyears1 = 1991–1995
| youthclubs1 = Parma
| years1 = 1995–2001
| clubs1 = Parma
| caps1 = 168
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2001–2018
| clubs2 = Juventus
| caps2 = 509
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2018–2019
| clubs3 = Paris Saint-Germain
| caps3 = 17
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2019–2021
| clubs4 = Juventus
| caps4 = 17
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2021–2023
| clubs5 = Parma
| caps5 = 43
| goals5 = 0
| totalcaps = 754
| totalgoals = 0
| nationalyears1 = 1993–1994
| nationalteam1 = Italy U16
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1995
| nationalteam2 = Italy U17
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 1994–1995
| nationalteam3 = Italy U18
| nationalcaps3 = 3
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 1995–1997
| nationalteam4 = Italy U21
| nationalcaps4 = 11
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 1997
| nationalteam5 = Italy U23
| nationalcaps5 = 4
| nationalgoals5 = 0
| nationalyears6 = 1997–2018
| nationalteam6 = Italy
| nationalcaps6 = 176
| nationalgoals6 = 0
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ITA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA World Cup}}
{{Medal|W|2006}}
{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Championship}}
{{Medal|RU|2012}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Medal|3rd|2013}}
{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Under-21 Championship}}
{{Medal|W|1996}}
}}
Gianluigi Buffon ({{IPA|it|dʒanluˈiːdʒi bufˈfɔːn}}; born 28 January 1978) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he is one of the few recorded players to have made over 1,100 professional career appearances and holds the record for the most appearances in Serie A.
Buffon made his Serie A debut at Parma in 1995, helping Parma to win the Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana in 1999. After joining Juventus in 2001, for the world record fee for a goalkeeper of €52.9 million at the time, Buffon won Serie A titles in both of his first two seasons at the club. In his first spell at Juventus spanning 17 years, he won a record nine Serie A titles,{{refn|name="revoked"|group="nb"}} four Coppa Italias, and five Supercoppa Italianas. He was the first goalkeeper to win the Serie A Footballer of the Year award, and was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year a record twelve times. After reaching the 2015 and 2017 UEFA Champions League finals, Buffon was named to the Champions League Squad of the Season on both occasions, and won the inaugural The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award in the latter year. Buffon signed with French club Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 40 in 2018, where he was used in a rotational role with Alphonse Areola; he won the Trophée des Champions and Ligue 1 title in his only season with the team, before returning to Juventus the following year. During the 2019–20 season, Buffon served primarily as a back-up to Wojciech Szczęsny, but still managed to break Paolo Maldini's record of 647 appearances in Serie A, as he won a record tenth top flight title with the club. The following season he continued to serve as a back-up, but started in the Coppa Italia, winning his record sixth title. In June 2021, Buffon returned to his boyhood club Parma, who had been relegated to Serie B for that season, before announcing his retirement from football in 2023 at the age of 45.
With 176 international caps, Buffon is the most capped goalkeeper of all time, the most capped player in the history of the Italy national team, and the fourth-most capped European international player ever. Buffon also holds the record for most appearances for Italy as captain after he inherited the armband in 2010. Buffon was called up for a record of five FIFA World Cup tournaments (in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014) after making his debut in 1997; he was an unused substitute in the 1998 edition. He was the starting goalkeeper of the squad that won the 2006 tournament, being awarded the Golden Glove as the competition's best goalkeeper. He also represented Italy at four European Championships, at the 1996 Olympics, and at two FIFA Confederations Cups, winning a bronze medal in the 2013 edition of the tournament. Following his performances during the 2006 World Cup, where he kept a record five clean sheets, Buffon won the Yashin Award and was elected to the Team of the Tournament, an honour he also received from UEFA after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2008 and the final of the 2012 European Championship. Buffon retired from international football in 2017, after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup; although he reversed this decision to play in the team's friendlies the following year, he officially confirmed his international retirement in May 2018.
Buffon was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. He is the only goalkeeper to win the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award, which he achieved after reaching the 2003 Champions League final; he also won UEFA's award for best goalkeeper that year, and was additionally voted into the UEFA Team of the Year on five occasions. Buffon was the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2006, and was elected part of the FIFPro World11 three times. He was the first ever goalkeeper to win the Golden Foot Award, and was also named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper a record five times, alongside Iker Casillas and Manuel Neuer. He would go on to be named the best goalkeeper of the 21st century, of the past 25 years and of the decade by the same organisation.
Early life
Buffon was born in Carrara, Tuscany. His father was of Friulian origin, from Latisana.{{Cite web|url=https://udine.diariodelweb.it/udine/articolo/?nid=20170613_423199|title=Gianluigi Buffon cittadino onorario di Latisana|first=Redazione|last=Udine|date=13 June 2017|website=Diario di Udine|access-date=12 April 2021|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412175256/https://udine.diariodelweb.it/udine/articolo/?nid=20170613_423199|url-status=live}} He was born into a sporting family: his mother Maria Stella Masocco was a three time Italian champion in shot put and discus throw,{{cite book|last=Schianchi|first=Andrea|url=|title=Il calcio di Buffon ai raggi X|pages=13, 22|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|year=2011}} his uncle Dante Masocco was a basketball player who played in the Serie A1, his father Adriano also practiced shot put, and his elder sisters Guendalina and {{ill|Veronica Buffon|it}} were professional volleyball players. He is also the second cousin twice removed of football goalkeeper Lorenzo Buffon.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Altro_Calcio/12-07-2009/ci-ritorni-mente-50744748891.shtml|title=Ci ritorni in mente... Lorenzo Buffon|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=12 July 2009|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019085102/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Altro_Calcio/12-07-2009/ci-ritorni-mente-50744748891.shtml|url-status=live}}
In June 2017, he received honorary citizenship from the city of Latisana.{{cite web|title=Gianluigi Buffon: "Io un campione? È nel dna dei friulani"|last=Mauro|first=Paola|work=Messaggero Veneto |date=13 June 2017|url=https://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/sport/2017/06/13/news/campione-e-il-nostro-dna-1.15483794|publisher=Messaggero Veneto|access-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210412170826/https://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/sport/2017/06/13/news/campione-e-il-nostro-dna-1.15483794|archive-date=12 April 2021|url-status=live}}
Club career
= Parma =
== 1991–1994: Youth career and early professional career ==
{{Quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote="I've never seen a debut like his for the personality and quality he showed."
|source =—Former goalkeeper and manager Dino Zoff on Buffon's debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/why-superman-buffon-stayed-juventus-500-games|title=Why Superman Buffon stayed at Juventus for 500 games|publisher=FourFourTwo|author=Greg Lea|date=29 October 2014|access-date=13 July 2016|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821203514/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/why-superman-buffon-stayed-juventus-500-games|url-status=live}}}}
Buffon played youth football as a midfielder with La Spezia–based amaetuer club U.S.D. Canaletto Sepor, before returning to Carrara to play for Perticata, then Bonascola. Despite offers from Bologna and Milan,{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2390065/parma-legend-gianluigi-buffon-prepares-to-return-with-juventus|title=Parma legend Buffon prepares to return with juventus|publisher=ESPN FC|author=James Horncastle|date=9 April 2015|access-date=21 September 2015|archive-date=11 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211165626/http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2390065/parma-legend-gianluigi-buffon-prepares-to-return-with-juventus|url-status=live}}{{refn|name="MilanOffer"|Buffon's offer from the Milan youth team was later retracted as he had flat feet.{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.it/archivio/2018/01/10/news/salvate_il_soldato_gigi_a_solo_18_giornate_dal_record-10665341/ |title=Salvate il soldato Gigi, a solo 18 giornate dal record |work=HuffPost Italia |language=it |date=10 January 2018 |access-date=15 May 2024 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515162843/https://www.huffingtonpost.it/archivio/2018/01/10/news/salvate_il_soldato_gigi_a_solo_18_giornate_dal_record-10665341/ |url-status=live }}|group="nb"}} Buffon began his career with the Parma youth system in 1991, as the team's coach was struck by his physical qualities.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=686603.html|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 June 2013|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203173928/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=686603.html|url-status=dead}}At the youth academy, he played in several out-field positions, especially as a midfielder, before switching to goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=http://temi.repubblica.it/altoadige-europei2008/2008/05/23/gianluigi-buffon/?printpage=undefined|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=23 May 2008|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125225/http://temi.repubblica.it/altoadige-europei2008/2008/05/23/gianluigi-buffon/?printpage=undefined|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d80bc332fa2-4b6ca7348b59-1000--gianluigi-buffon-destiny-made-me-become-a-goalkeeper/|title=Gianluigi Buffon: 'Destiny made me become a goalkeeper'|publisher=UEFA|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=19 November 2015|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203053650/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2305548.html|url-status=live}} His idol Thomas N'Kono inspired this change of position due to his goalkeeping for Cameroon at the 1990 World Cup; when both of the Parma youth team's keepers suddenly suffered injuries, Buffon was called upon due to his interest, height and physical attributes.{{cite web|url=http://www.asdperticata.it/i_campioni.html|title=Asd Perticata Calcio: I Campioni – Gianluigi Buffon|language=it|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616190317/http://www.asdperticata.it/i_campioni.html|archive-date=16 June 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/12/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-cameroon-argentina|title=World Cup: 25 stunning moments ... No1: Cameroon stun Argentina in 1990|work=The Guardian|author=Simon Burnton|date=12 February 2014|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707035954/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/12/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-cameroon-argentina|url-status=live}} He quickly adapted to this role, and within two weeks he had been promoted to first keeper of the Parma youth team.
After a call-up to train with the first team during the summer of 1994, Buffon was promoted to the senior squad in 1995, and at the age of {{age in years and days|1978|1|28|1995|11|19}}, made his Serie A debut for Parma under Nevio Scala on 19 November 1995. Buffon made seven more first team appearances that season and one appearance in the Coppa Italia, making his debut in the competition. At Parma, he trained under goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi.{{cite web|url=http://www.gianluigibuffon.it/official/pagina/Eng/biography.html|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Bio|website=gianluigibuffon.it|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=16 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516084226/http://www.gianluigibuffon.it/official/pagina/Eng/biography.html|url-status=live}}
== 1996–2001: Making the starting eleven, early success and recognition ==
In the 1996–97 Serie A season, Buffon was named as the starting goalkeeper for Parma. He conceded 17 goals in 27 appearances, and his performances gained attention in Italy. Parma were eliminated in the first round of the UEFA Cup, where Buffon made his European debut in a 2–0 defeat to Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães on 24 September 1996. In the 1997–98 season, Parma finished in fifth place in Serie A and reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Buffon debuted in the UEFA Champions League that season.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0239-0e96d63e7b1d-b64dcd41b63b-1000--buffon-a-un-passo-dalle-100-in-champions-con-la-juve/|title=Buffon a un passo dalle 100 in Champions con la Juve|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=2 May 2017|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707065607/https://it.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2463348.html|url-status=live}} Buffon acquired his nickname "Superman" during the season when he stopped a penalty by Inter striker Ronaldo. He celebrated the save by revealing a Superman T-shirt underneath his jersey; the nickname was also a reference to Buffon's athleticism, agility and aerial ability.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2009/10/04-41555/Buffon%3A+%C2%ABSuperman%3F+E%27+nato+cos%C3%AC...%C2%BB|title=Buffon: "Superman? E' nato così..."|publisher=Tuttosport.com|language=it|date=4 October 2009|access-date=27 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073024/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2009/10/04-41555/Buffon%3A+%C2%ABSuperman%3F+E%27+nato+cos%C3%AC...%C2%BB|archive-date=4 March 2016}}
In his fourth season with the club, Buffon won his first European trophy, the UEFA Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/31588196|title=Parma's uncertain future: Former Uefa Cup winners rack up debts|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Jonathan Jurejko|date=23 February 2015|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131192455/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/31588196|url-status=live}} He also won the Coppa Italia with Parma that season.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199905/05/37309ff7041bb/|title=Parma, regina d'Italia|publisher=RaiSport.RAI.it|language=it|date=5 May 1999|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707040340/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199905/05/37309ff7041bb/|archive-date=7 July 2018|url-status=dead}} Buffon's performances that season earned him his first Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year Award and the Bravo Award. He placed fifth in the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper rankings,{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy99.html|title=IFFHS Goalkeeper of the year 1999|website=RSSSF|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=28 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928074325/https://rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy99.html|url-status=live}} and received his first Ballon d'Or nomination.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy99.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1999|access-date=5 August 2014|url-status=live|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314042310/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/europa-poy99.html|archive-date=14 March 2013}} In the following season, he won his first Supercoppa Italiana title against Serie A champions Milan,{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199908/21/37bf145b02352/|title=Supercoppa al Parma|publisher=RaiSport.RAI.it|language=it|date=21 August 1999|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322004445/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199908/21/37bf145b02352/|archive-date=22 March 2016|url-status=dead}} and Parma finished fourth in Serie A once again, tied with Inter for the final remaining Champions League spot. Parma lost 3–1 to Inter in the European playoff match.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200005/23/392ad14d06645/|title=Baggio porta l'Inter tra i Campioni|publisher=RaiSport.RAI.it|language=it|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201024554/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200005/23/392ad14d06645/|archive-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead}} Buffon helped lead Parma to another Coppa Italia final in the 2000–01 season, but were defeated by Fiorentina.{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/ritorno/viola/viola.html|title=Coppa alla Fiorentina col pareggio più bello|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=13 June 2001|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729232317/http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/ritorno/viola/viola.html|url-status=live}} Parma also finished the season in fourth place for the third consecutive year, which allowed them to go through to the Champions League play-off round. Buffon was voted Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the second time in his career, and also placed third in the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy01.html|title=IFFHS goalkeeper of the year 2001|website=RSSSF|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007143226/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy01.html|url-status=live}}
= Juventus =
== 2001–2004: Initial dominance ==
On 3 July 2001, Buffon was sold to Juventus for a world-record goalkeeper's transfer fee of 100 billion lire.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/1422132.stm |title=Juve land £23m Buffon |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=4 July 2001 |access-date=6 April 2010 |archive-date=18 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618022728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/1422132.stm |url-status=live }}Parma A.C. S.p.A. bilancio (financial report and accounts) on 30 June 2002 (in Italian), PDF purchased in Italian CCIAA{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/wps/wcm/connect/7665be8a-c95d-406e-91db-4de08d142c0c/28_ott_2002_eng_.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=7665be8a-c95d-406e-91db-4de08d142c0c |title=Reports and Financial Statements at 30 June 2002 |publisher=Juventus FC |location=Turin|date=28 October 2002 |access-date=3 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607132859/http://www.juventus.com/wps/wcm/connect/7665be8a-c95d-406e-91db-4de08d142c0c/28_ott_2002_eng_.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=7665be8a-c95d-406e-91db-4de08d142c0c |archive-date=7 June 2015}} This transfer fee made Buffon Juventus' most expensive purchase ever; the record broken in 2016 by the acquisition of Gonzalo Higuaín.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2004/k/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/buffon/buffon/buffon.html|title=Buffon e le parate da tre punti quando il fuoriclasse è tra i pali|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030074705/http://www.repubblica.it/2004/k/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/buffon/buffon/buffon.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://asia.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2015-2016/gonzalo-higuain-s-78m-juventus-move-its-place-in-history-and-what-it-means-for-football_sto5699162/story.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730174220/http://asia.eurosport.com/football/serie-a/2015-2016/gonzalo-higuain-s-78m-juventus-move-its-place-in-history-and-what-it-means-for-football_sto5699162/story.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 July 2016|title=Gonzalo Higuain's £75m Juventus move – its place in history and what it means for football|publisher=eurosport.com|date=26 July 2016|access-date=26 July 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/higuain-joins-juventus-.php|title=Higuain joins Juventus|publisher=juventus.com|date=26 July 2016|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=26 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726183217/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/higuain-joins-juventus-.php|url-status=live}} He was given the number 1 shirt as the starting goalkeeper, replacing Edwin van der Sar.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/105163/day-juventus-sign-buffon|title=On This Day: Juventus sign Buffon|publisher=Football Italia|date=3 July 2017|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033743/https://www.football-italia.net/105163/day-juventus-sign-buffon|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/01/newsstory.sport6|title=Fulham capture Van der Sar in surprise £7m move from Juventus|work=The Guardian|author1=David Plummer|author2=Daniel Taylor|date=1 August 2001|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131042853/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/01/newsstory.sport6|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/26/sport.comment1|title=Juve look sharper for Zidane's exit|work=The Guardian|author1=Simon Evans|date=26 August 2001|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-date=30 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130125208/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/26/sport.comment1|url-status=live}} Although negotiations were ongoing with Barcelona, he chose Juventus because his father convinced him he would be likely to achieve his ambition of winning the Scudetto.{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/buffon-scudetti/buffon-scudetti.html|title=Buffon non-dimentica 'Mi mancano due scudetti'|language=it|newspaper=La Repubblica|date=27 February 2009|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=20 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520221536/http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/buffon-scudetti/buffon-scudetti.html|url-status=live}}
In his first season with Juventus, Buffon appeared in 45 official matches, helping his team to the Serie A title. Juventus was the team with the least goals conceded, with 22 goals in 34 Serie A matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=2065717/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606235939/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=2065717/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2013|title=Buffon: A big save is as important as a goal|publisher=FIFA.com|date=6 May 2013|access-date=5 May 2014}} Juventus also finished as runners-up in the Coppa Italia to Parma; Buffon only made one appearance in the competition. Buffon was awarded his third Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year Award was nominated for the UEFA Team of the Year, losing to Rüştü Reçber.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=21307/profile/index.html|title=Gianluigi Buffon, Uefa.com Profile|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 September 2014|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009101036/https://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=21307/profile/index.html|url-status=dead}}
At the beginning of the 2002–03 season, Juventus won the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana against Parma.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/le+dieci+volte+della+juventus+in+supercoppa+italiana|title=Tutte le volte della Signora in Supercoppa italiana|publisher=juventus.com|language=it|date=20 December 2014|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221000647/http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/le+dieci+volte+della+juventus+in+supercoppa+italiana|url-status=live |last1=f. c. |first1=Juventus }} Buffon had a dominant year, totalling 47 appearances in all competitions, of which 32 were in Serie A. He helped Juventus to the UEFA Champions League final, but lost in a penalty shoot-out to Milan. Buffon drew praise for making a reaction save from a close-range header by Filippo Inzaghi in the final during regulation time,{{cite web|url=http://archivio.panorama.it/archivio/Milan-campione-La-Juve-s-inchina-ai-rigori|title=Milan campione. La Juve s'inchina ai rigori|website=panorama.it|publisher=Panorama|language=it|author=Matteo Durante|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504054715/http://archivio.panorama.it/archivio/Milan-campione-La-Juve-s-inchina-ai-rigori|archive-date=4 May 2016|url-status=dead}} which he later described as the most difficult save of his career in his 2008 autobiography.{{cite news |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/08_novembre_14/buffon_corriere_18d055dc-b249-11dd-a015-00144f02aabc.shtml |title=Gigi Buffon, "Numero 1" al Corriere |work=Il Corriere della Sera |language=it |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929053137/https://www.corriere.it/sport/08_novembre_14/buffon_corriere_18d055dc-b249-11dd-a015-00144f02aabc.shtml |url-status=live }} Juventus obtained their second consecutive Serie A, finishing with the least goals conceded with only 23 goals in 32 appearances. He also became the only goalkeeper ever to win the now defunct UEFA Most Valuable Player or UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award. He won the UEFA Best Goalkeeper award, and was elected to the UEFA Team of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/news/newsid=1639472.html|title=UEFA Club Football Awards|website=uefa.org|date=May 2011|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226160744/http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/news/newsid=1639472.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1585089.html|title=UEFA Team of the Year 2003|website=UEFA|date=10 January 2012|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515033205/https://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1585089.html|url-status=dead}} and named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05e91a55685fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a50f|title=IFFHS Goalkeeper of the Year 2003|publisher=IFFHS|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021205127/https://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05e91a55685fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a50f|url-status=live}} Buffon was also nominated for the 2003 Ballon d'Or that season, finishing in ninth place.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy03.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 2003|work=RSSSF|last=Pierrend|first=José|date=26 March 2005|access-date=16 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301031050/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/europa-poy03.html|archive-date=1 March 2015}}
In the 2003–04 season, Juventus were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Champions League and finished the Serie A season in third place, and also reached the Coppa Italia final. Buffon made his 100th appearance for Juventus that season on 30 September 2003 in a 2–1 away win over Olympiacos.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/27-10-2014/buffon-juventus-record-500-partite-venezia-2001-90869764750.shtml|title=Buffon si tuffa nel mito: 500 partite a difesa della Juventus|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=27 October 2014|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023121258/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/27-10-2014/buffon-juventus-record-500-partite-venezia-2001-90869764750.shtml|url-status=live}} He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004. He was again elected as the Goalkeeper for the UEFA Team of the Year and as the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy.html|title=IFFHS' World's Best Goalkeeper of the Year 2007|access-date=19 August 2012|url-status=live|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218111013/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy.html|archive-date=18 December 2015}} Buffon received his first FIFA World Player of the Year nomination in 2004, finishing in 21st place.
== 2004–2006: Calciopoli and relegation ==
In August 2005, Buffon collided with Milan midfielder Kaká during the annual preseason Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi match, suffering a dislocated shoulder that required surgery.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/Primo_Piano/2005/08_Agosto/16/buffon.shtml|title=Juve, Buffon fuori almeno due mesi|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=16 August 2005|access-date=18 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527221420/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/Primo_Piano/2005/08_Agosto/16/buffon.shtml|archive-date=27 May 2013}} He returned to the Juventus starting line-up in November, but another injury sidelined him again.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2010/06/22/news/benaugurante_portiere_milan-5061020/|title=Portiere portafortuna Vorrei imitare Abbiati|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=22 June 2010|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213002306/https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2010/06/22/news/benaugurante_portiere_milan-5061020/|url-status=live}} He returned to the starting line-up in January 2006, helping Juventus win their second consecutive Scudetto.{{cite web|url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2008/11/15/la_scheda_di_gianluigi_buffon.html|title=Buffon, semplicemente il migliore|trans-title=Buffon, simply the best|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=15 November 2008|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030111545/http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2008/11/15/la_scheda_di_gianluigi_buffon.html|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=dead}} Juventus were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Buffon was named IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper for the third time and placed second in the 2006 Ballon d'Or (the first goalkeeper to do so since Dino Zoff in 1973). He placed eighth in the FIFA World Player of the Year Award behind Fabio Cannavaro and elected as the starting goalkeeper for the 2006 FIFPro XI and the UEFA Team of the Year, following his fifth consecutive nomination.{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2006|title=2006 FIFPro XI|publisher=FIFPro.org|access-date=18 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809052656/http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2006|archive-date=9 August 2012}}
On 12 May 2006, several players, including Buffon, were accused of participating in illegal betting on Serie A matches. While admitting that he placed bets on sporting matches (until regulations went into effect in late 2005, banning players from doing so), he denied placing wagers on Italian football matches.{{cite web|title=Scommesse, Buffon si difende|trans-title=Betting, Buffon defends himself|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/dirette/sezioni/calcio/scandalocalcio/calciosabato/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=13 May 2006|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=16 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416034009/http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/dirette/sezioni/calcio/scandalocalcio/calciosabato/|url-status=live}} In the 2006 World Cup he was Italy's starting goalkeeper and helped the country win their fourth title. Buffon was cleared of all charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on 27 June 2007. After the Calciopoli scandal, in which Juventus were relegated to Serie B,{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272166,00.html |title=Liverpool set for raid on Juve |publisher=The Sunday Times |first=Jonathan |last=Northcroft |location=London |date=16 July 2006 |access-date=16 July 2006 |archive-date=4 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304194751/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272166,00.html |url-status=live }} Buffon elected to remain with Juventus.
== 2006–2011: Serie B champions, Serie A return and injuries ==
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Buffon is one of the greatest and best goalkeepers in football history. When Juventus were in Serie B, he showed himself to be faithful to the team, it was a great gesture."
|source =—Former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-champions-buffon-idUKBRE9380JU20130409|title="Buffon goes from OAP to VIP in Bayern's esteem" |publisher=Reuters|date=9 April 2013|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820201014/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-champions-buffon-idUKBRE9380JU20130409|url-status=live}}}}
During the 2006–07 Serie B season, Buffon made 37 appearances. After Juventus won the Serie B title, earning promotion to Serie A for the 2007–08 season, Buffon signed a contract extension with Juventus until 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_7057962,00.html|title=Buffon pledges future to Juve|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Simone|last=Bargellini|date=23 July 2011|access-date=12 September 2011|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090029/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_7057962,00.html|url-status=live}} In 2007, Buffon was also elected as the goalkeeper for the 2007 FIFPro XI for the second consecutive year,{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2007 |title=FIFPro XI 2007 |publisher=FIFPro.org |access-date=19 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511231732/http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2007 |archive-date=11 May 2013}} and the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper for a fourth time. In the 2007–08 season, Buffon helped Juventus to a third-place finish, and Champions League qualification. He produced 94 saves in 34 league appearances{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2007|title=Gianluigi Buffon, ESPN Profile, Bio and Career Stats – 2007–08|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028233319/http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2007|url-status=live}} and was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the seventh time in his career. During this season, Buffon began to suffer problems with his back, caused by a herniated disc, which kept him sidelined during the next few seasons. On 10 March 2008, Buffon renewed his contract until 2013.
File:Rimini-juve2.jpg against Rimini in 2006]]
In the 2008–09 season, Buffon was once again sidelined by several injuries.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/11/10/2207578/gianluigi-buffon-will-be-back-playing-for-juventus-in|title=Gianluigi Buffon Will Be Back Playing For Juventus in January – Agent|publisher=Goal.com|date=10 November 2010|access-date=12 September 2011|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224112030/http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/11/10/2207578/gianluigi-buffon-will-be-back-playing-for-juventus-in|url-status=live}} Buffon had recurring injuries during the 2009–10 season as well, and Juventus suffered a dip in form.{{cite web|url=http://www.sport.it/calcio/serie-a/il-ginocchio-di-buffon-va-ko/|title=Buffon k.o.|publisher=Sport.it|language=it|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022050405/http://www.sport.it/calcio/serie-a/il-ginocchio-di-buffon-va-ko/|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}} In 2010, Buffon was voted goalkeeper of the decade by IFFHS.{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05e91a55285fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb88602|title=IFFHS Goalkeeper of the decade (2000–2010)|publisher=IFFHS|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=12 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055551/http://iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05e91a55285fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb88602|url-status=live}} Buffon did not play for the first half of the 2010–11 season as he was recovering from surgery after an injury he endured to his sciatic nerve during the 2010 World Cup. Juventus were knocked out of the Europa League group stage, the Coppa Italia in the quarter-finals and finished the Serie A season in seventh place, failing to qualify for Europe,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/nov/04/juventus-internazionale-serie-a|title=Juventus lose at last – but how significant will this defeat prove?|work=The Guardian|author=Nicky Bandini|date=4 November 2012|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801015239/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/nov/04/juventus-internazionale-serie-a|url-status=live}} the first time since the 1990–91 season.
== 2011–2014: New era of dominance in Serie A ==
During the 2011–12 season under new manager and former club midfielder Antonio Conte,{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924796/antonio-conte-to-replace-lugi-del-neri-at-juventus?cc=5739|title=Conte replaces Del Neri at Juventus|work=ESPN Soccernet|date=31 May 2011|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707173605/http://www.espnfc.com/story/924796/former-captain-antonio-conte-replaces-lugi-del-neri-at-juventus|url-status=dead}} Juventus were once again a dominating force in Serie A. Buffon re-found his form, and made numerous notable saves throughout the season, including stopping a penalty kick from Francesco Totti, which enabled Juventus to capture a crucial draw against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/12/14/2802126/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-saving-francesco-tottis-penalty|title=Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon: Saving Francesco Totti's penalty against Roma was down to hard work in training|publisher=Goal.com|date=14 December 2011|access-date=17 January 2012|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020200538/https://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/12/14/2802126/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-saving-francesco-tottis-penalty|url-status=live}} Buffon kept his 15th clean sheet of the season in Juventus' victory over rivals Inter in the Derby d'Italia;{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1118772-juventus-vs-inter-milan-5-lessons-learned-from-derby-ditalia/page/2|title=Juventus vs. Inter Milan: 5 Lessons Learned from Derby D'Italia|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=25 March 2012|access-date=1 February 2013|archive-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527221143/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1118772-juventus-vs-inter-milan-5-lessons-learned-from-derby-ditalia/page/2|url-status=live}} after the match, he was described as "the best goalkeeper in Italy and probably the World". Juventus finished the season unbeaten, winning their first Scudetto since the Calciopoli scandal, and qualifying for the 2012–13 Champions League after a two-year absence. Buffon described it as the second highest point of his career, after the 2006 World Cup victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/juventus-2-0-internazionale-post-mortem/|title=Juventus 2–0 Inter – Post Mortem: Del Piero's Goal And Conte's Formation Bury The Nerazzurri|publisher=Thehardtackle.com|author=Chelston D'souza|date=26 March 2012|access-date=1 February 2013|archive-date=12 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512182047/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/juventus-2-0-internazionale-post-mortem/|url-status=live}}
Playing behind a strong three-man defensive line under Conte's newly established 3–5–2 formation, made up predominantly of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/18346/juve%E2%80%99s-ministers-defence|title=Juve's Ministers of Defence|publisher=Football Italia|date=2 May 2012|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414111857/https://www.football-italia.net/18346/juve%E2%80%99s-ministers-defence|url-status=live}} Buffon obtained a league record of 21 clean sheets in Serie A,{{cite web|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/awards-goal-keeper-neuer-stegen-hart-buffon-cech/|title=Best Goalkeepers in Europe|publisher=Thehardtackle.com|author=Amlan Chaudhury|date=21 May 2012|access-date=1 February 2013|archive-date=17 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317231100/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/awards-goal-keeper-neuer-stegen-hart-buffon-cech/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/verona-v-juventus-asamoah-wants-keep-pushing#:YN19Yl6emdDv5A|title=Verona v Juventus: Asamoah wants to keep pushing|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=6 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2016|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617173950/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/verona-v-juventus-asamoah-wants-keep-pushing#:YN19Yl6emdDv5A|url-status=live}} and only conceded a personal best of 16 goals from 35 appearances (an average of 0.46 goals per game), as Juventus finished the season with the least goals conceded in the league,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/jun/27/euro-2012-italy-experts-network|title=Euro 2012: Juventus renaissance transforms Cesare Prandelli's Italy|work=The Guardian|date=27 June 2012|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801020802/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/jun/27/euro-2012-italy-experts-network|url-status=live}} and the second-least in all of Europe, after Porto.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/slideshow/69/2|title=Goal.com 50|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=17 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817001737/http://www.goal.com/en-us/slideshow/69/2|url-status=live}} Buffon made 81 saves in Serie A that season{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2011|title=Gianluigi Buffon, ESPN Profile, Bio and Career Stats – 2011–12|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008031227/http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/seri/players.asp?player=2176|title=Gianluigi Buffon Statistics|publisher=NBC|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615170257/http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/seri/players.asp?player=2176|archive-date=15 June 2013|url-status=dead}} and his 82 percent save percentage was the highest of any goalkeeper playing in one of Europe's five major leagues.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2012/5/26/3015716/juventus-2011-12-season-in-review-the-goalkeepers|title=Juventus 2011–12 Season in Review: The Goalkeepers|date=26 May 2012|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630173734/http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2012/5/26/3015716/juventus-2011-12-season-in-review-the-goalkeepers|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/assbsgyoxkq9l1psq1imzg/Show/Player-Focus-Save-Success-Rate|title=Player Focus: Save Success Rate|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=25 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625104531/http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/assbsgyoxkq9l1psq1imzg/Show/Player-Focus-Save-Success-Rate|url-status=live}} Buffon was included in the 2011–12 Serie A Team of the Year for his performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/seriea/story/_/id/7928966/juventus-dominates-serie-first-team-james-horncastle|title=Serie A Team of the Season|publisher=ESPN FC|author=James Horncastle|date=14 May 2012|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519033818/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/seriea/story/_/id/7928966/juventus-dominates-serie-first-team-james-horncastle|url-status=live}} Juventus also made the Coppa Italia final that season,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/may/21/napoli-del-piero-coppa-italia-juventus|title=Napoli ruin Del Piero's final farewell with Coppa Italia win over Juventus|work=The Guardian|author=Nicky Bandini|date=21 May 2012|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707041133/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/may/21/napoli-del-piero-coppa-italia-juventus|url-status=live}} although Buffon did not play in this competition.
File:Juventus FC 2012-2013 players.jpg in 2013]]
On 11 August 2012, Buffon lifted his first trophy as the new Juventus captain, following Alessandro Del Piero's departure as Juventus defeated Napoli 4–2 in extra time in the 2012 Supercoppa Italiana.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/351707?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5739|title=Juventus 4–2 Napoli|date=14 August 2012|work=ESPN FC|access-date=23 August 2012|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008081329/http://www.espnfc.com/report/_/id/351707?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5739|url-status=dead}} Buffon suffered a minor injury and missed the first Serie A match of the 2012–13 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/08/25/3330847/team-news-buffon-out-of-serie-a-curtain-raiser-for-champions?source=breakingnews|title=Buffon out of Serie A curtain-raiser for champions Juventus|publisher=Goal.com|date=25 August 2012|access-date=26 August 2012|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213002315/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/08/25/3330847/team-news-buffon-out-of-serie-a-curtain-raiser-for-champions?source=breakingnews|url-status=live}} He returned to the starting line-up for the next match against Udinese in Udine on 2 September, wearing the captain's armband,{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/139/italy/2012/09/02/3348833/team-news-buffon-returns-to-action-for-juventus-clash-with|title=TEAM NEWS: Buffon returns to action for Juventus' clash with Udinese|publisher=Goal.com|date=2 September 2012|access-date=2 September 2012|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910041823/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/139/italy/2012/09/02/3348833/team-news-buffon-returns-to-action-for-juventus-clash-with|url-status=dead}} winning 4–1.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/udinese-1-4-juventus-giovinco-175100940--sow.html|title=Udinese 1–4 Juventus: Giovinco double helps sink 10-man hosts|publisher=Yahoo.com|access-date=2 September 2012|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023161413/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/udinese-1-4-juventus-giovinco-175100940--sow.html|url-status=dead}}
Buffon was nominated for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or and the 2012 UEFA Team of the Year following his performances throughout the calendar year.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/29oct2012_buffonpirlo|title=Ballon d'Or 2013: Nominees List|publisher=Juventus.com|date=29 October 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430113732/http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/29oct2012_buffonpirlo|archive-date=30 April 2015 |last1=f. c. |first1=Juventus }} He obtained his first Champions League clean sheet, against Nordsjælland, on 7 November, a match which Juve won 4–0 at Juventus Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/93626/juventus-vs-fc-nordsj%C3%A6lland/preview|title=Juventus vs FC Nordsjaelland|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=6 December 2012|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111090451/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/93626/juventus-vs-fc-nordsj%C3%A6lland/preview|url-status=live}} He also kept clean sheets as Juventus beat defending champions Chelsea 3–0 at home,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20308128|title=Juventus vs. Chelsea: 3–0|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2012|archive-date=5 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205092221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20308128|url-status=live}} and Shakhtar Donetsk 1–0 away from home, on Buffon's 100th club appearance in European competitions. Juventus topped their group undefeated, and advanced to the knockout stages for first time since 2008–09.{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2012-2013/shakhtar-donetsk-juventus-519060.html |title=Shaktar Donetsk vs Juventus: 0–1 |publisher=Eurosport |access-date=6 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208033549/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2012-2013/shakhtar-donetsk-juventus-519060.html |archive-date= 8 December 2012}}
Buffon kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 Coppa Italia win against Cagliari on 12 December, allowing Juventus to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/12-12-2012/juve-segno-12-giovinco-manda-quarti-913481669949.shtml|title=La Juve nel segno del 12 Giovinco la manda ai quarti|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Ivan Palumbo|date=12 December 2012|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707090943/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/12-12-2012/juve-segno-12-giovinco-manda-quarti-913481669949.shtml|url-status=live}} Buffon was voted second in the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award, behind Iker Casillas, and was named as goalkeeper of the century by the same organisation.{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05f68e05b85fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a212|title=IFFHS goalkeeper of the year 2012|publisher=IFFHS|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910131225/http://iffhs.de/?388d85ff8b00388f05f68e05b85fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a212|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?d85ff8b00388f05e91a01bccdc4205fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb883910|title=IFFHS Goalkeeper of the 21st Century (2000–2012)|publisher=IFFHS|access-date=6 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208195541/http://www.iffhs.de/?d85ff8b00388f05e91a01bccdc4205fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb883910|archive-date=8 February 2012}}
On 23 January 2013, Buffon signed a contract extension with Juventus, keeping him at the club until 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/agnelli+buffon%2C+un+uomo+leale|title=Agnelli: "Buffon, un uomo leale"|publisher=Juventus FC Official Website|language=it|date=23 January 2013|access-date=23 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626154252/http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/Agnelli+Buffon%2C+un+uomo+leale|archive-date=26 June 2015}} On 27 January 2013, Buffon was awarded the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year award for the eighth time in his career.{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/01/gran-gala-del-calcio-2012-winners/|title=Gran Gala del Calcio 2012|website=forzaitalianfootball.com|date=27 January 2013|access-date=28 January 2013|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162445/https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/01/gran-gala-del-calcio-2012-winners/|url-status=live}} Juventus retained their Serie A title that season, and finished the league with the least goals conceded, with just 19 goals. The league victory allowed Buffon to lift the Serie A trophy as captain for the first time. Juventus were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia to winners Lazio, and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to winners Bayern Munich.
On 18 August 2013, Juventus began the 2013–14 season by defending their Supercoppa Italiana title, at the Stadio Olimpico. Juventus defeated Lazio 4–0, with Buffon keeping a clean sheet in the competition for the first time; Buffon was praised for making several saves.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1526935/juventus-boss-antonio-conte-lauds-side-super-cup-win?cc=5901|title=Juventus 'continue to write history'|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=19 August 2013|archive-date=20 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820130331/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1526935/juventus-boss-antonio-conte-lauds-side-super-cup-win?cc=5901|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/111121/juventus-vs-lazio/play-by-play|title=Juventus vs. Lazio: 4–0|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=29 August 2013|archive-date=23 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823224803/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/111121/juventus-vs-lazio/lineup-stats|url-status=live}} On 24 November, Buffon made his 500th appearance in Serie A, keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 away win against Livorno.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12961/9041635/|title=Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon pleased with result|work=Sky Sports|access-date=10 December 2013|archive-date=11 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211220712/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12961/9041635/|url-status=live}} On 6 December, Buffon recorded his seventh consecutive clean sheet, and his ninth of the season; as a result, he bettered his previous personal record of 568 minutes without conceding a goal in Serie A, going 640 minutes without being beaten in the league.{{cite web|url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/07/record-breaking-buffon/|title=Buffon Extends Unbeatable Spell|date=7 December 2013|access-date=10 December 2013|archive-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214065503/http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/07/record-breaking-buffon/|url-status=dead}} Buffon was finally beaten by Maximiliano Moralez in a 4–1 win over Atalanta, after going 745 minutes without conceding a goal in Serie A, and equalling Luca Marchegiani's sixth-best unbeaten streak in Serie A history.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/43132/buffon-sixth-all-time-list|title=Buffon sixth in all-time list|publisher=Football Italia|access-date=23 December 2013|archive-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209212159/http://www.football-italia.net/43132/buffon-sixth-all-time-list|url-status=live}} Buffon was nominated for the 2013 FIFPro XI and the 2013 Ballon d'Or for his performances throughout the calendar year.{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/shortlist|title=Shortlist FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013|publisher=FIFPro|access-date=10 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227022705/http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/shortlist|archive-date=27 December 2013|url-status=dead}}
In 2013, Buffon was once again named the second best goalkeeper in the world by IFFHS, behind Manuel Neuer.{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2013/|title=The IFFHS world's best goalkeeper 2013 is Manuel Neuer|publisher=IFFHS|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=12 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912175112/http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2013/|url-status=dead}} His performances earned him the Juventus player of the month award for December 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2013/buffon-receives-december-s-player-of-the-month-award.php|title=Buffon receives December's player of the month award|publisher=Juventus.com|date=22 January 2014|access-date=11 December 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222100651/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2013/buffon-receives-december-s-player-of-the-month-award.php|url-status=live}} On 16 March 2014, Buffon saved the 20th penalty of his career in a 1–0 away win over Genoa, equalling Dino Zoff's 476 appearances for Juventus as the club's fifth all-time appearance holder.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/16-03-2014/genoa-juventus-0-1-gol-pirlo-buffon-para-rigore-calaio-80249341929.shtml|title=Genoa-Juventus 0–1. Gol di Pirlo. Buffon para un rigore a Calaiò|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=16 March 2014|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420081256/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/16-03-2014/genoa-juventus-0-1-gol-pirlo-buffon-para-rigore-calaio-80249341929.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/genoa-juventus-diretta-928333|title=Genoa-Juve 0–1: Buffon e Pirlo decisivi|date=16 March 2014|publisher=Calciomercato.com|language=it|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420110852/https://www.calciomercato.com/news/genoa-juventus-diretta-928333|url-status=live}} Buffon lifted the Serie A title for the third consecutive year, captaining the team to their 30th league title.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/juventus/story/1809653/juventus-captain-gianluigi-buffon-celebrates-landmark-title|title=Buffon celebrates landmark Juve title|publisher=ESPN FC|date=4 May 2014|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008033100/http://www.espnfc.us/juventus/story/1809653/juventus-captain-gianluigi-buffon-celebrates-landmark-title|url-status=live}}
During the 2013–14 season, Juventus managed an Italian-record of 102 points, including a Serie A record of 33 victories; Juventus finished with the least goals conceded in the league, yet again. Buffon managed 89 saves and 18 clean sheets in 33 appearances during the Serie A season, and conceded 19 goals.{{cite web|url=http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/seri/players.asp?player=2176|title=#1 Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519111858/http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/seri/players.asp?player=2176|archive-date=19 May 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2013|title=Gianluigi Buffon, ESPN Profile, Bio and Career Stats – 2013–14|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-date=4 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604174922/http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2013|url-status=live}} Juventus were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, although they later managed to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, losing to Benfica. Buffon was chosen as part of the 2013–14 Europa League Team of the Season for his performances throughout the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025a-0ea7abd1d6b9-adf4c48562bd-1000--la-squadra-della-stagione-di-uefa-europa-league/|title=La squadra della stagione di UEFA Europa League|date=30 May 2014|trans-title=UEFA Europa League Team of the Season|publisher=UEFA|language=it|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713100425/http://it.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2112386.html|url-status=live}} On 1 July 2014, Buffon signed a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2014/2014/07/01-367448/Calciomercato+Juve,+accordo+con+Buffon%3A+rinnova+fino+al+2017!|title=Calciomercato Juve, accordo con Buffon: rinnova fino al 2017!|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=1 July 2014|access-date=13 July 2014|archive-date=7 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807222149/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2014/2014/07/01-367448/Calciomercato+Juve,+accordo+con+Buffon%3A+rinnova+fino+al+2017!|url-status=dead}}
== 2014–15: Second Champions League final and first Coppa Italia with Juventus ==
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=Right|quote="He is a benchmark for me, and for every keeper of my generation. When I started playing, I had a dream – I dreamed of becoming like him, and every time I play against him it's a real pleasure."|source=—former captain and goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and Spain Iker Casillas on Buffon and his 500th appearance with Juventus.}}
In the summer of 2014, manager Antonio Conte left Juventus to take charge of the Italy national team, with former Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri called in as his replacement. On 29 October, Buffon made his 500th appearance for Juventus in a 1–0 away loss to Genoa.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29826012|title=Genoa 1–0 Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon loses 500th league game|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924213529/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29826012|url-status=live}} On 24 November, Buffon was nominated for the 2014 FIFPro World XI for a record tenth time. He is currently the only goalkeeper to have been nominated for the award every year since its inception in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2014/m=11/news=five-goalkeepers-shortlisted-for-fifa-fifpro-world-xi-2014-2478424.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124203540/http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2014/m=11/news=five-goalkeepers-shortlisted-for-fifa-fifpro-world-xi-2014-2478424.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 November 2014|title=Five goalkeepers shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014|publisher=FIFA|date=25 November 2014|access-date=25 November 2014}} The same week, Buffon was also nominated for the UEFA Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/25-11-2014/uefa-4-italiani-lizza-il-dream-team-2014-tre-juventini-ex-benatia-10049580280.shtml|title=Dream Team Uefa: 4 "italiani" nell'elenco dei 40 migliori|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=25 November 2014|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-date=28 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128045206/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/25-11-2014/uefa-4-italiani-lizza-il-dream-team-2014-tre-juventini-ex-benatia-10049580280.shtml|url-status=live}} On 15 December, Buffon was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the ninth time in his career, and was elected to the 2014 Serie A Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/60087/buffon-goalkeeper-year|title=Buffon Goalkeeper of the Year|publisher=Football Italia|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127033602/https://www.football-italia.net/60087/buffon-goalkeeper-year|url-status=live}} On 22 December, Juventus were defeated by Napoli in the 2014 Supercoppa Italiana 8–7 on penalties, following a 2–2 draw after extra time. Although Buffon made several saves during the match, and managed to stop three penalties in the shoot-out, he was unable to prevent his team from losing the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/22-12-2014/supercoppa-juventus-napoli-7-8-lacrime-bianconeri-rigori-tevez-higuain-errore-padoin-100297041225.shtml|title=Supercoppa al Napoli, Juventus battuta 8–7 ai rigori|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=22 December 2014|access-date=22 December 2014|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204151703/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/22-12-2014/supercoppa-juventus-napoli-7-8-lacrime-bianconeri-rigori-tevez-higuain-errore-padoin-100297041225.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/serie-napoli-claim-italian-super-cup-penalties-juventus-202212391--sow.html|title=Serie A – Napoli claim Italian Super Cup on penalties despite Gianluigi Buffon brilliance|work=Yahoo Eurosport UK |publisher=Eurosport|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224042224/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/serie-napoli-claim-italian-super-cup-penalties-juventus-202212391--sow.html|url-status=live}} Buffon placed fourth in the 2014 IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award, behind Manuel Neuer, Thibaut Courtois and Keylor Navas; this was the 15th consecutive year in which he had been named as one of the world's top five goalkeepers.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4035673.html|title=Italy's Buffon named Cup's top goalkeeper|newspaper=Chron |date=10 July 2006|access-date=19 October 2018|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141735/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4035673.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2015/1/8/7514771/iffhs-names-manuel-neuer-the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-in-2014|title=IFFHS Names Manuel Neuer the World's Best Goalkeeper in 2014|date=8 January 2015|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209151143/https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2015/1/8/7514771/iffhs-names-manuel-neuer-the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-in-2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Italy-s-Buffon-named-Cup-s-top-goalkeeper-1565021.php|title=Italy's Buffon named Cup's top goalkeeper|newspaper=Chron |date=10 July 2006|access-date=19 October 2018|archive-date=28 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228035146/https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Italy-s-Buffon-named-Cup-s-top-goalkeeper-1565021.php|url-status=live}}
File:Juventus vs Malmoe, 2014, Gianluigi Buffon - CROP (2).jpg
On 15 February 2015, Buffon surpassed Gaetano Scirea as the Juventus player with the second most minutes played in Serie A, behind only Giampiero Boniperti.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportcafe24.com/171541/prima-pagina/gigi-buffon-record-minuti-presenze-juventus.html|title=GiGigantesco: Buffon da record, superato Scirea|trans-title=Gigantic Gigi: Record beater Buffon, Scirea surpassed|website=sportcafe24.com|language=it|author=Antonio Fioretto|date=19 February 2015|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022210204/http://www.sportcafe24.com/171541/prima-pagina/gigi-buffon-record-minuti-presenze-juventus.html|url-status=live}} On 2 March 2015, Buffon equalled Scirea as the Juventus player with the third most appearances in Serie A, behind only Boniperti and Del Piero.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31684998|title=Roma-Juventus (1–1)|website=bbc.com|publisher=BBC|author=Luke Reddy|date=2 March 2015|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303184132/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31684998|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/62727/serie-week-23-did-you-know|title=Serie A Week 23: Did You Know?|website=football-italia.net|publisher=Football Italia|author=Susy Campanale|date=16 February 2015|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074814/http://www.football-italia.net/62727/serie-week-23-did-you-know|url-status=live}} He later surpassed Scirea on 14 March, making his 378th Serie A appearance with Juventus in a 1–0 away win over Palermo.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/match/403572/palermo-juventus/report|title=Palermo 0–1 Juventus|website=espnfc.com|publisher=ESPN FC|date=14 March 2015|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315044217/http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/match/403572/palermo-juventus/report|url-status=live}} After keeping a clean sheet in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Monaco on 22 April, Buffon overtook Dida as the goalkeeper with the fourth-highest number of clean sheets in Champions League history, with 36.{{cite web|url=https://it.sports.yahoo.com/blog/top-flop/buffon-e-gli-altri-6-portieri-meno-battuti-della-champions-league-101528087.html|title=Buffon e gli altri 6 portieri meno battuti della Champions League|publisher=Yahoo|language=it|author1=Andrea Tabacco|date=15 April 2015|access-date=15 September 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222082058/https://it.sports.yahoo.com/blog/top-flop/buffon-e-gli-altri-6-portieri-meno-battuti-della-champions-league-101528087.html|url-status=live}} On 26 April, Buffon made his 528th appearance for Juventus in all competitions, equalling Giuseppe Furino as the player with third-most appearances for the club; he overtook Furino on 29 April.{{cite web|url=http://www.lapresse.it/sport/calcio-serie-a/juventus-furino-raggiunto-da-buffon-a-quota-528-gigi-e-eterno-spero-superera-zoff-1.694193|title=Juventus, Furino raggiunto da Buffon a quota 528: Gigi è eterno, spero supererà Zoff|trans-title=Juventus, Furino equalled by Buffon with 528 appearances: Gigi is eternal, I hope he overtakes Zoff|website=lapresse.it|language=it|date=27 April 2015|access-date=29 April 2015|archive-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504193807/http://www.lapresse.it/sport/calcio-serie-a/juventus-furino-raggiunto-da-buffon-a-quota-528-gigi-e-eterno-spero-superera-zoff-1.694193|url-status=dead}} On 2 May, Buffon kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 away win over Sampdoria, as Juventus won their fourth consecutive Serie A title.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32553204|title=Sampdoria-Juventus (0–1)|publisher=BBC|date=2 May 2015|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114015259/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32553204|url-status=live}} On 13 May, Buffon produced a man of the match performance as Juventus drew 1–1 with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, only being beaten by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty; the result allowed Buffon to progress to his second career Champions League final with Juventus, 12 years after his last appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0221-0e90b42c4d27-040295451f90-1000--morata-takes-juve-through-at-madrid-s-expense/|title=Morata takes Juve through at Madrid's expense|publisher=UEFA|access-date=14 May 2015|date=13 May 2015|archive-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106194158/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000551/match=2014430/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}} On 20 May, he won his first Coppa Italia title with Juventus, despite not featuring throughout the tournament that season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/20-05-2015/juve-infinita-vince-10-coppa-italia-matri-piega-lazio-supplementari-110907305821.shtml|title=Juve infinita, vince la 10ª Coppa Italia: Matri piega la Lazio ai supplementari|trans-title=An infinite Juve wins its 10th Coppa Italia: Matri sinks Lazio in extra-time|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Jacopo Gerna|date=20 May 2015|access-date=21 May 2015|archive-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728175548/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/20-05-2015/juve-infinita-vince-10-coppa-italia-matri-piega-lazio-supplementari-110907305821.shtml|url-status=live}} On 23 May, in his 900th career appearance,{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/altre-notizie/buffon-raggiunge-le-900-presenze-in-carriera-237476|title=Buffon raggiunge le 900 presenze in carriera!|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=it|date=23 May 2015|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413165457/https://www.tuttojuve.com/altre-notizie/buffon-raggiunge-le-900-presenze-in-carriera-237476|url-status=live}} Buffon saved a Lorenzo Insigne penalty in a 3–1 home win over Napoli in Serie A.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/23/juventus-napoli-serie-a-match-report|title=Napoli's Miguel Britos sent off for head-butting in defeat by Juventus|publisher=theguardian.com|date=23 May 2015|access-date=6 March 2019|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173845/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/23/juventus-napoli-serie-a-match-report|url-status=live}}
Buffon captained Juventus in the 2015 Champions League final as the club were defeated 3–1 by Barcelona at Berlin's Olympiastadion.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0cd2c6a4864d-8c8d00efd1bd-1000--barcelona-see-off-juventus-to-claim-fifth-title/|title=Barcelona see off Juventus to claim fifth title|work=UEFA|date=6 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608200023/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season%3D2015/matches/round%3D2000552/match%3D2015227/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=8 June 2015}} Buffon made the most saves throughout the tournament (39),{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/statistics/index.html|title=Statistics|publisher=UEFA|access-date=10 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811020702/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/statistics/index.html|archive-date=11 August 2015}} and kept the most clean sheets (6), along with Danijel Subašić, Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11946/9874163/the-201415-champions-league-finalists-stats-and-facts|title=Champions League final: All the best stats and facts|publisher=Sky Sports|date=5 June 2015|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610191554/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11946/9874163/the-201415-champions-league-finalists-stats-and-facts|url-status=live}} He was named to the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season for his performances throughout the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d802a501f23-68765bf409b3-1000--uefa-champions-league-squad-of-the-season/|title=UEFA Champions League squad of the season|work=UEFA |date=9 June 2015|access-date=9 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611133541/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid%3D2255077.html#uefa+champions+league+squad+season|archive-date=11 June 2015}}
On 15 July 2015, Buffon was named to the ten-man shortlist for the 2015 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0ce4d6d66094-df56f3537ff5-1000--best-player-in-europe-award-shortlist-announced/|title=Best Player in Europe Award shortlist announced|publisher=UEFA|date=15 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131023030/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2265440.html|url-status=live}} His save on Dani Alves in the Champions League final was also nominated for the UEFA Save of the Season Award, finishing on a tied third-place in the voting.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/save-of-the-season/result/index.html|title=Ter Stegen, sublime against Bayern|publisher=UEFA.com|access-date=17 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828022128/http://www.uefa.com/save-of-the-season/result/index.html|archive-date=28 August 2016}}
== 2015–16: Fifth consecutive ''Scudetto'' and record Serie A unbeaten streak ==
On 8 August, Buffon kept a clean sheet as Juventus defeated Lazio 2–0 in the 2015 Supercoppa Italiana to win the title for a record seventh time. This was also Buffon's record sixth title, and his fifth with Juventus.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2015/08/08/news/supercoppa_lazio_juventus-120631891/|title=Juventus-Lazio 2–0, Mandzukic e Dybala decidono la Supercoppa|trans-title=Juventus-Lazio 2–0, Mandzukic and Dybala decide the Supercup|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=8 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908220827/https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2015/08/08/news/supercoppa_lazio_juventus-120631891/|url-status=live}} On 12 August, it was announced that he placed fourth in the 2015 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0d043e7400b8-d991a511644a-1000--best-player-in-europe-messi-ronaldo-or-suarez/|title=Best Player in Europe: Messi, Ronaldo or Suárez|publisher=UEFA|date=12 August 2015|access-date=12 August 2015|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131231710/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2270699.html|url-status=live}} Buffon was named the first Juventus Player of the Month of the 2015–16 season for September by fans after a series of consistent performances.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2015/buffon--mvp-of-the-month--september.php|title=Buffon takes first 2015/16 MVP of the Month|publisher=Juventus.com|date=2 October 2015|access-date=11 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208121647/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2015/buffon--mvp-of-the-month--september.php|url-status=live}} On 21 October 2015, Buffon overtook Alessandro Del Piero's record for most minutes played with Juventus in the 73rd minute of Juventus' 0–0 home draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, in the Champions League group stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/21/juventus-borussia-monchengladbach-champions-league-match-report|title=Borussia Mönchengladbach hold Juventus in tale of Buffon and Sommer|work=The Guardian|date=22 October 2015|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027005432/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/21/juventus-borussia-monchengladbach-champions-league-match-report|url-status=live}} In the return group fixture against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 3 November, he made his 100th Champions League appearance, which ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.it/news/357495/juventus-milan-buffon-vs-donnarumma-547-presenze-e-2-anni-di-differenza.html|title=Juventus, Buffon: dal Milan al... Milan! Vent'anni e 551 partite dopo|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=it|author1=Jonathan Terreni|date=19 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120173546/http://www.calciomercato.it/news/357495/juventus-milan-buffon-vs-donnarumma-547-presenze-e-2-anni-di-differenza.html|url-status=live}} On 21 November, he made his 552nd appearance for Juventus in a 1–0 home win over Milan, equalling Scirea as the club's second-highest appearance holder in all competitions, behind only Alessandro Del Piero.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/76127/serie-week-13-did-you-know|title=Serie A Week 13: Did You Know?|publisher=Football Italia|date=22 November 2015|access-date=23 November 2015|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301114045/https://www.football-italia.net/76127/serie-week-13-did-you-know|url-status=live}} The following week, Buffon was nominated for the 2015 UEFA Team of the Year,{{cite web|url=http://gazzettaworld.gazzetta.it/news/serie-a/juventus/six-nominees-team-of-year/|title=Six Juventus stars nominated for UEFA Team of the Year|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|author1=Paul Sumeet|date=24 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127062038/http://gazzettaworld.gazzetta.it/news/serie-a/juventus/six-nominees-team-of-year/|archive-date=27 November 2015|url-status=dead}} also making his 100th appearance for Juventus in European Club Competitions in a 1–0 home win over Manchester City on 25 November.{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2015/11/26/sport/calcio/qui-juve/buffon-dopo-barcellona-e-bayern-c-la-juve-o1GoZNPe30URCeEk4yJB7O/pagina.html|title=Buffon: "Dopo Barcellona e Bayern, c'è la Juve"|trans-title=Buffon: "After Barcelona and Bayern, there is Juve"|publisher=La Stampa|language=it|author1=Gianluca Oddenino|date=26 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707091306/http://www.lastampa.it/2015/11/26/sport/calcio/qui-juve/buffon-dopo-barcellona-e-bayern-c-la-juve-o1GoZNPe30URCeEk4yJB7O/pagina.html|url-status=live}} The following day, Buffon was included in the player shortlist for the 2015 FIFPro World XI,{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/final-55-nominees-for-world-xi-2015|title=Final 55 nominees for World XI 2015|work=FIFPro World Players' Union |publisher=FIFPro|date=26 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=29 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129005736/http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/final-55-nominees-for-world-xi-2015|url-status=live |last1=Orsatti |first1=Andrew }} despite having previously been omitted from the list of candidates for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/73774/ballon-dor-buffon-left-out|title=Ballon D'Or, Buffon left out|publisher=Football Italia|date=2 October 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=5 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205113223/http://www.football-italia.net/73774/ballon-dor-buffon-left-out|url-status=live}} On 4 December 2015, Buffon made his 400th Serie A appearance with Juventus in a 2–0 away win over Lazio.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2015/buffon---we-re-not-done-yet--.php|title=Buffon: "We're not done yet"|publisher=Juventus.com|date=4 December 2015|access-date=5 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141443/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2015/buffon---we-re-not-done-yet--.php|url-status=live}} For his performances throughout the previous season, Buffon was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the tenth time in his career on 14 December, and subsequently to the 2015 Serie A Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/14-12-2015/juventus-buffon-elogia-donnarumma-ha-doti-gia-grande-1301295361892.shtml|title=Oscar del Calcio, dominio Juve. Buffon: "Donnarumma ha doti da grande"|trans-title=Serie A Oscars, Juve dominate. Buffon: "Donnarumma has the characteristics to be great"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=14 December 2015|access-date=14 December 2015|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512023757/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/14-12-2015/juventus-buffon-elogia-donnarumma-ha-doti-gia-grande-1301295361892.shtml|url-status=live}} Later that month, he was named one of the three finalists for the Globe Soccer Player of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/77241/buffon-messi-cr7-best-player|title=Buffon, Messi, CR7 for 'Best Player'|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 December 2015|access-date=18 December 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222154028/http://www.football-italia.net/77241/buffon-messi-cr7-best-player|url-status=live}} On 6 January 2016, he placed second in the 2015 IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award, once again behind Manuel Neuer.{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2015/|title=THE WORLD'S BEST GOALKEEPER 2015|publisher=IFFHS.de|date=6 January 2016|access-date=13 January 2016|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108214340/http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2015/|url-status=dead}}
On 6 March 2016, in a league match against Atalanta, Buffon extended his unbeaten record by keeping another clean sheet in a 2–0 away win, also equalling Dino Zoff's and Sebastiano Rossi's league record of nine consecutive clean sheets in Serie A. His unbeaten streak of 836 minutes without conceding a goal was the third best unbeaten streak in Serie A history, behind only Zoff and Rossi, and was also the longest period a goalkeeper has gone without conceding a goal since three points for a win were introduced in Serie A during the 1994–95 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/80888/buffon-eyes-serie-record|title=Buffon eyes Serie A record|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 March 2016|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418074838/https://www.football-italia.net/80888/buffon-eyes-serie-record|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/atalanta-0-juventus-2-barzagli-and-lemina-restore-champions-advantage-serie-summit#:W8gyWX1oR97gfA|title=Atalanta 0 Juventus 2: Barzagli and Lemina restore champions' advantage at Serie A summit|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=6 March 2016|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301114049/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/atalanta-0-juventus-2-barzagli-and-lemina-restore-champions-advantage-serie-summit#:W8gyWX1oR97gfA|url-status=live}} He overtook Zoff in a 1–0 home victory over Sassuolo on 11 March, achieving a league record 10 consecutive clean sheets, and extended his unbeaten streak to 926 minutes without conceding a goal, only three minutes behind the all-time record holder, Rossi;{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/81148/buffon-eyes-all-time-record|title=Buffon eyes all-time record|publisher=Football Italia|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2016|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206223232/https://www.football-italia.net/81148/buffon-eyes-all-time-record|url-status=live}} the last time he had conceded a goal was when he was beaten by Antonio Cassano, in the 64th minute of a 2–1 away win over Sampdoria, on 10 January 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d80e94e26ae-76d59f54d6ad-1000--zoff-v-buffon-who-is-italy-s-all-time-no1/|title=Zoff v Buffon: who is Italy's all-time No1?|publisher=UEFA|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=12 March 2016|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722210636/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d80e94e26ae-76d59f54d6ad-1000--zoff-v-buffon-who-is-italy-s-all-time-no1/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/20-03-2016/juve-buffon-record-imbattibilita-seba-rossi-battuto-1401090187494.shtml|title=Juve, Buffon: nuovo record di imbattibilità a 973 minuti! Seba Rossi battuto|trans-title=Juve, Buffon: new unbeaten record of 973 minutes! Seba Rossi beaten|publisher=La Gazzetta dello sport|language=it|date=20 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325194543/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/20-03-2016/juve-buffon-record-imbattibilita-seba-rossi-battuto-1401090187494.shtml|url-status=live}} Buffon surpassed Rossi's record of 929 minutes by 45 minutes in a 4–1 away win over inter-city rivals Torino on 20 March, also surpassing Gianpiero Combi's Italian league record unbeaten streak of 934 minutes in the process;{{#tag:ref|Gianpiero Combi's Italian league record unbeaten streak was set during the 1925–26 Prima Divisione season, prior to the establishment of the Serie A in the 1929–30 season.{{cite web|url=http://torino.repubblica.it/cronaca/2014/12/20/news/20_dicembre_1902_nasce_combi_il_nonno_di_zoff_e_buffon-103364637/|title=20 dicembre 1902: nasce Combi, il "nonno" di Zoff e Buffon|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=20 December 2014|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205175807/https://torino.repubblica.it/cronaca/2014/12/20/news/20_dicembre_1902_nasce_combi_il_nonno_di_zoff_e_buffon-103364637/|url-status=live}}From the third match (Juventus 6–0 Milan on 25 October 1925) to thirteenth match (Parma 0–3 Juventus on 28 February 1926) of the 1925–26 FIGC Football Championship according to {{in lang|it}} [http://www.juworld.net/partite-della-juventus.asp?Pagina=14&c=Campionato%20a%20gironi All Juventus FC matches: Italian Federal Championship (pages 14 and 15)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204822/http://www.juworld.net/partite-della-juventus.asp?Pagina=14&c=Campionato%20a%20gironi |date=2 July 2018 }} – www.juworld.net.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/20/torino-juventus-serie-a-match-report-gianluigi-buffon-record|title=Gianluigi Buffon sets goalkeeping record as Juventus sweep aside Torino|work=The Guardian|date=20 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321161426/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/20/torino-juventus-serie-a-match-report-gianluigi-buffon-record|url-status=live}}|name="combi-record"|group="nb"}} he set the new all-time record at 974 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal. Andrea Belotti finally ended his goalless streak by beating him from the penalty spot in the 48th minute of the same match.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/81599/buffon-sets-new-serie-record|title=Buffon sets new Serie A record|publisher=Football Italia|date=20 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=1 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401190935/http://www.football-italia.net/81599/buffon-sets-new-serie-record|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016/03/20/news/torino-juventus_1-4_riscatto_bianconero_nel_derby_e_buffon_da_record-135927983/|title=Torino-Juventus 1–4: riscatto bianconero nel derby e Buffon da record|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author=Federico Sala|date=20 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321162854/http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016/03/20/news/torino-juventus_1-4_riscatto_bianconero_nel_derby_e_buffon_da_record-135927983/|url-status=live}}
On 24 April, Buffon saved a late penalty from Nikola Kalinić to secure a 2–1 away victory over Fiorentina,{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juventus-frantic-finish-puts-them-12-ahead-of-napoli-buffon-is-a-388708|title=Juventus' frantic finish puts them 12 ahead of Napoli, Buffon is a monster|publisher=Calciomercato.com|author1=Edo Dalmonte|date=24 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205113101/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juventus-frantic-finish-puts-them-12-ahead-of-napoli-buffon-is-a-388708|url-status=live}} his 13th penalty save in Serie A;{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/83412/serie-week-35-did-you-know|title=Serie A Week 35: Did You Know?|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Susy Campanale|date=25 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=28 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428073650/http://www.football-italia.net/83412/serie-week-35-did-you-know|url-status=live}} following Napoli's defeat against Roma the following day, Juventus clinched their record fifth consecutive Serie A title with three games at hand.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11854/10258163/serie-a-juventus-win-serie-a-after-roma-beat-napoli-1-0|title=Serie A: Juventus win 32nd Scudetto after Roma beat Napoli|publisher=Sky Sports|date=25 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213022222/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11854/10258163/serie-a-juventus-win-serie-a-after-roma-beat-napoli-1-0|url-status=live}} In addition to his decisive saves and record breaking unbeaten streak,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/26/juventus-enjoy-improbable-march-to-success-and-lift-fifth-successive-serie-a-title|title=Juventus' relentless triumph suggests no end in sight to their dominance|work=The Guardian|author=Nicky Bandini|date=26 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131140723/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/26/juventus-enjoy-improbable-march-to-success-and-lift-fifth-successive-serie-a-title|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2016/04/25/news/festa_a_vinovo_scudetto-138442986/?refresh_ce|title=Juventus campione d'Italia: a Vinovo esplode la festa. Allegri: "Sono ancora più orgoglioso"|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Timothy Ormezzano|date=25 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204200213/https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2016/04/25/news/festa_a_vinovo_scudetto-138442986/?refresh_ce|url-status=live}} Buffon was praised for his leadership, and his role in motivating the team following their defeat against Sassuolo on 28 October 2015, as Juventus subsequently went on a 25-match unbeaten streak to come back from 12th place after ten matches to win the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juve-champions-the-hero-is-buffon-494534|title=Buffon has been Juventus' hero|publisher=Calciomercato.com|author1=Nicola Balice|date=25 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205100712/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juve-champions-the-hero-is-buffon-494534|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/83381/official-juventus-retain-scudetto|title=Official: Juventus retain Scudetto!|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427232914/http://www.football-italia.net/83381/official-juventus-retain-scudetto|url-status=live}} For his key performances in helping Juventus capture the league title, Buffon was named the Juventus Player of the Month for April 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/buffon-scoops-aprils-mvp-award-.php|title=Buffon scoops April's MVP award|publisher=Juventus.com|date=29 April 2016|access-date=29 April 2016|archive-date=2 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502125027/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/buffon-scoops-aprils-mvp-award-.php|url-status=live}} On 11 May, Buffon extended his contract until the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84172/official-buffon-barzagli-new-deals|title=Official: Buffon, Barzagli new deals|publisher=Football Italia|date=11 May 2016|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418074648/https://www.football-italia.net/84172/official-buffon-barzagli-new-deals|url-status=live}} Throughout the 2015–16 season, Buffon had managed to equal his personal best of 21 clean sheets in a single league season, and was voted Juventus' Player of the Season.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/buffon-voted-mvp-of-the-year-.php|title=Buffon voted MVP of the Year|publisher=Juventus.com|date=12 May 2016|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707041912/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/buffon-voted-mvp-of-the-year-.php|url-status=live}}
On 18 July, Buffon was included in the ten-man shortlist for the 2016 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0cda5b1d7da8-f47688fb27f5-1000--best-player-in-europe-award-shortlist-revealed/|title=Best Player in Europe Award shortlist revealed|publisher=UEFA|date=18 July 2016|access-date=18 July 2016|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609135603/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2388504.html#best+player+europe+award+shortlist+revealed|url-status=live}} in which he finished sixth.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d81c4319d8c-e7fc7c015003-1000--best-player-in-europe-bale-griezmann-or-ronaldo/|title=Best Player in Europe: Bale, Griezmann or Ronaldo|publisher=UEFA|date=5 August 2016|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-date=19 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919190319/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2394360.html|url-status=live}}
== 2016–17: Record sixth straight ''Scudetto'' and third Champions League Final ==
File:Gianluigi Buffon (31815848711).jpg]]
On 11 October 2016, Buffon became the first goalkeeper ever to win the Golden Foot Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/buffon-71506|title=Buffon wins the Golden Foot award, the fourth Italian to do so|publisher=CalcioMercato.com|author1=Steve Mitchell|date=11 October 2016|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707120635/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/buffon-71506|url-status=live}} Following his performances throughout the year, Buffon was included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2016 Ballon d'Or;{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/93375/buffon-ballon-dor-shortlist|title=Buffon on Ballon d'Or shortlist|publisher=Football Italia|date=24 October 2016|access-date=3 November 2016|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127015614/https://www.football-italia.net/93375/buffon-ballon-dor-shortlist|url-status=live}} he placed ninth alongside Pepe in the final ranking.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/95601/ronaldo-ballon-dor-buffon-ninth|title=Ronaldo Ballon d'Or, Buffon ninth|publisher=Football Italia|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213024138/https://www.football-italia.net/95601/ronaldo-ballon-dor-buffon-ninth|url-status=live}} In Juventus' fourth Champions League group match of the season on 2 November, a 1–1 home draw against Lyon, Buffon made his 100th Champions League appearance (excluding appearances in qualifying rounds), becoming the 29th player to reach this landmark.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37855045|title=Champions League: Buffon, Aubameyang, Ozil and Falcao light up matchday four|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2016|access-date=2 November 2016|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526134140/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37855045|url-status=live}} On 4 November, he was included in the 23-player shortlist for The 2016 Best FIFA Men's Player Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2016/m=11/news=keep-pending-who-will-be-the-best-fifa-men-s-player-2016-2847943.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104204815/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2016/m=11/news=keep-pending-who-will-be-the-best-fifa-men-s-player-2016-2847943.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2016|title=Who will be The Best FIFA Men's Player 2016?|publisher=FIFA.com|date=4 November 2016|access-date=4 November 2016}} On 6 November, Buffon earned his 600th Serie A appearance in a 2–1 away win against Chievo, the fourth player to reach this milestone.{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87936|title=Chievo vs Juventus|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 November 2016|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418092350/https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87936|url-status=live}} His performances saw him earn the Juventus Player of the Month Award for October 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/gianluigi-buffon-mvp-for-october-ea.php|title=Super Gigi, MVP for October!|publisher=Juventus.com|date=9 November 2016|access-date=10 November 2016|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111060930/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2016/gianluigi-buffon-mvp-for-october-ea.php|url-status=live}} On 21 November, Buffon was nominated for the UEFA Team of the Year for the ninth time his career, making him goalkeeper with the most nominations ever, alongside Iker Casillas.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023f-0e980300869a-1ac798e2bee2-1000--uefa-com-fans-team-of-the-year-by-numbers/|title=Team of the Year by numbers|publisher=UEFA|author1=Paul Saffer|date=21 November 2016|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123081235/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2422752.html|url-status=live}} On 1 December, Buffon was nominated for the 2016 FIFPro World XI, making him the only player, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, to have been included in the shortlist every year since its inception in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifpro.org/news/nine-new-faces-on-world-11-shortlist/en/|title=Nine new faces on World 11 shortlist|publisher=FIFPro|date=1 December 2016|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204612/https://www.fifpro.org/news/nine-new-faces-on-world-11-shortlist/en/|archive-date=17 August 2017|url-status=dead}} On 23 December, Buffon made his 600th competitive appearance for Juventus in the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana; following a 1–1 draw after extra time, Juventus lost 4–3 to Milan in a penalty shoot-out, although Buffon saved Gianluca Lapadula's initial spot kick.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/96111/buffon-has-supercoppa-regrets|title=Buffon has Supercoppa regrets|publisher=Football Italia|date=23 December 2016|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418082546/https://www.football-italia.net/96111/buffon-has-supercoppa-regrets|url-status=live}} Buffon capped off the year by placing second in the 2016 IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award, finishing behind Neuer once again.{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.de/worlds-best-goalkeeper-2016-manuel-neuer/|title=THE WORLD'S BEST GOALKEEPER 2016: Manuel Neuer|publisher=IFFHS|author1=Robert Ley|date=25 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226184948/http://iffhs.de/worlds-best-goalkeeper-2016-manuel-neuer/|url-status=dead}}
On 5 January 2017, Buffon was named to the 2016 UEFA Team of the Year, becoming the oldest player ever to be named to the UEFA Team of the Year; this was also the fourth time he had been voted to the UEFA Team of the Year. On 9 January, it was announced Buffon had placed eighth in The 2016 Best FIFA Men's Player Award.{{cite web|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/Document/the-best/General/02/86/27/26/TheBest_RankingPressList2016_Neutral.pdf|title=FIFA Football Awards 2016 – Voting Results – The Best FIFA Men's Player 2016|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=13 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215065138/http://resources.fifa.com/mm/Document/the-best/General/02/86/27/26/TheBest_RankingPressList2016_Neutral.pdf|archive-date=15 February 2017}} On 30 January, Buffon was voted Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the 11th time, and named to the 2016 Serie A Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/juve/2017/01/30-20835879/juventus_buffon_inter_la_pi_in_forma_match_non_decisivo/|title=Juventus, Buffon: "Inter la più in forma, match non decisivo" Juventus, Buffon: "Inter la più in forma, match non decisivo"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=30 January 2017|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118115323/https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/juve/2017/01/30-20835879/juventus_buffon_inter_la_pi_in_forma_match_non_decisivo|url-status=live}} On 17 February, Buffon made his 443rd Serie A appearance for Juventus in a 4–1 home win over Palermo, equalling Giampiero Boniperti as the club's all-time second highest appearance holder in the competition, behind only Del Piero.{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/dybala-at-the-double.php|title=Dybala at the double!|publisher=Juventus FC|date=17 February 2017|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218123800/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/dybala-at-the-double.php|url-status=live}} On 22 February, he made his 100th Champions League appearance for Juventus in the first leg of the club's round of 16 tie against Porto, keeping a clean sheet in the 2–0 away win.{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2017/02/20/sport/calcio/qui-juve/buffon-fa-in-champions-con-la-juve-e-ritrova-lamico-casillas-E2CwAZo8EHRGAYZc889jGI/pagina.html|title=Buffon fa 100 in Champions con la Juve e ritrova l'amico Casillas|publisher=La Stampa|language=it|author1=Gianluca Oddenino|date=20 February 2017|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707090807/http://www.lastampa.it/2017/02/20/sport/calcio/qui-juve/buffon-fa-in-champions-con-la-juve-e-ritrova-lamico-casillas-E2CwAZo8EHRGAYZc889jGI/pagina.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39043655|title=FC Porto 0–2 Juventus|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Luke Reddy|date=22 February 2017|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=22 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222063424/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39043655|url-status=live}} On 5 March, Buffon drew level with Totti as the joint third-highest appearance holder in Serie A after making his 612th appearance in the competition in a 1–1 away draw against Udinese.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/99274/buffon-totti-level-appearances|title=Buffon & Totti level on appearances|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 March 2017|access-date=6 March 2017|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210032812/https://www.football-italia.net/99274/buffon-totti-level-appearances|url-status=live}} On 19 March, Buffon surpassed Boniperti as the all-time minute holder for a Juventus player in Serie A in the 66th minute of a 1–0 away win over Sampdoria.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/news/after-39681-serie-a-minutes-buffon-smashes-yet-another-juventus-record|title=After 39,681 Serie A minutes, Buffon smashes yet another Juventus record|publisher=fourfourtwo.com|date=19 March 2017|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320232247/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/news/after-39681-serie-a-minutes-buffon-smashes-yet-another-juventus-record|url-status=live}} On 2 April, he equalled Javier Zanetti as the joint-second highest appearance holder of all time in Serie A, with his 615th Serie A appearance in a 1–1 away draw against Napoli.{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/storico-buffon-615-presenze-in-a-agganciato-zanetti-al-secondo-posto-all-time_sto6114795/story.shtml|title=Storico Buffon: 615 presenze in A, agganciato Zanetti al secondo posto all time|publisher=Eurosport|language=it|author1=Enrico Turcato|date=2 April 2017|access-date=2 April 2017}} On 3 May, Buffon made his 100th appearance for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League (excluding appearances in the qualifying rounds) in a 2–0 away win against Monaco, in the first leg of the semi-finals of the competition; Buffon became only the second Italian player after Paolo Maldini to make 100 Champions League appearances for a single club, and marked the occasion with a clean sheet, his 47th overall in the competition, making him the goalkeeper with the third-highest number of Champions League clean sheets, alongside Čech, and behind only Casillas (57) and Van der Sar (50). This was the first time Juventus had managed to keep six consecutive clean sheets in a single edition of the tournament, the joint third-best number of consecutive clean sheets in a single Champions League season.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/five-aside/77/post/3118666/gianluigi-buffon-still-juventus-rock-after-100-champions-league-games|title=Gianluigi Buffon still Juventus' rock after 100 Champions League games|publisher=ESPN FC|date=4 May 2017|access-date=4 May 2017|archive-date=7 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507030914/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/five-aside/77/post/3118666/gianluigi-buffon-still-juventus-rock-after-100-champions-league-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/gianluigi-buffon-retirement-juventus-champions-league-a7716871.html|title=I want people to be sad when I retire says Gianluigi Buffon after Juventus keep his Champions League dream alive|work=The Independent|author1=Ben Burrows|date=4 May 2017|access-date=4 May 2017|archive-date=13 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513120231/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/gianluigi-buffon-retirement-juventus-champions-league-a7716871.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/38395376|title=Monaco 0–2 Juventus|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 May 2017|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511130041/http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/38395376|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/champions-league/2016-2017/barcelona-v-juventus-preview-team-news-stats-quotes-odds-ahead-of-champions-league-tie_sto6134223/story.shtml|title=Juventus defensive masterclass dumps out Barcelona|publisher=Eurosport.com|date=19 April 2017|access-date=9 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0237-0e967aefdf4a-01f99014ca8f-1000--casillas-and-buffon-in-the-uefa-champions-league-did-you/|title=Casillas and Buffon in the UEFA Champions League: Did you know?|publisher=UEFA|date=14 March 2017|access-date=10 May 2017|archive-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710014218/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2435258.html|url-status=live}} On 9 May, Buffon made his 150th UEFA club appearance in a 2–1 home win over Monaco in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, to reach the final, making him the player with the ninth-most appearances in UEFA club matches, alongside Jamie Carragher. Kylian Mbappé's second-half goal ended Buffon's goalless streak, which saw him set a new personal best of 600 minutes without conceding a goal in the Champions League, and put him fifth on the all-time table, while Juventus' overall unbeaten run of 690 minutes was the second-longest in the history of the competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39862016|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Juventus goalkeeper says 'you have to believe in your dreams'|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 May 2017|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203182831/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39862016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0239-0e9c7d1e1dd4-20a5b049d260-1000--buffon-and-juventus-come-close-to-champions-league-records/|title=Buffon and Juventus fall short of Champions League records|publisher=UEFA|date=9 May 2017|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410160811/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2467748.html|url-status=live}}
On 17 May 2017, Juventus won their 12th Coppa Italia title in a 2–0 win over Lazio, becoming the first team to win three consecutive cups. Buffon did not feature, as his usual back-up Neto was the club's starting goalkeeper in the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.beinsports.com/au/football/news/juventus-wins-historic-third-straight-coppa-i/543055|title=JUVENTUS WINS HISTORIC THIRD STRAIGHT COPPA ITALIA|publisher=beinsports.com|date=17 May 2017|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822020818/http://www.beinsports.com/au/football/news/juventus-wins-historic-third-straight-coppa-i/543055|url-status=live}} Four days later on 21 May, following a 3–0 win over Crotone, Juventus secured their sixth consecutive Serie A title, establishing an all-time record of successive triumphs in the competition; with his eighth Serie A title, Buffon equalled Virginio Rosetta, Giovanni Ferrari, and Giuseppe Furino as the player with the most Italian league title victories.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/italian-serie-a/story/3130448/juventus-clinch-sixth-consecutive-serie-a-title-against-crotone|title=Juventus Clinch Sixth Consecutive Serie A Title Against Crotone|publisher=espnfc.us|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-date=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523142118/http://www.espnfc.us/italian-serie-a/story/3130448/juventus-clinch-sixth-consecutive-serie-a-title-against-crotone|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juventus-champions-of-italy-for-the-sixth-time-in-a-row.php|title=Juventus, Champions of Italy for the sixth time in a row|publisher=juventus.com|date=21 May 2017|access-date=3 June 2017|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417055335/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juventus-champions-of-italy-for-the-sixth-time-in-a-row.php|url-status=live}} On 3 June 2017, Juventus entered a second Champions League final in three years, and the third final for Buffon, but were defeated 4–1 by defending champions Real Madrid.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/03/juventus-real-madrid-champions-league-final-match-report |title=Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo see off Juventus to win Champions League |work=The Guardian |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=3 June 2017 |archive-date=3 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603205009/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/03/juventus-real-madrid-champions-league-final-match-report |url-status=live }} With his third Champions League final defeat, Buffon became the player with the most Champions League final appearances without a Champions League medal, alongside former Juventus teammates Paolo Montero and Alessio Tacchinardi.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0242-0e984f6a1600-75a3228a1f4b-1000--who-has-played-most-games-without-winning-the-champions-l/|title=Who has played most games without winning the Champions League?|publisher=UEFA|date=7 February 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114064529/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2529853.html|url-status=live}} He was named in the UEFA Champions League squad of the season for the second time, and the tournament's best goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d8217b17e39-8255d1a1708a-1000--buffon-ramos-modric-and-ronaldo-win-positional-awards/|title=Buffon, Ramos, Modrić and Ronaldo win positional awards|publisher=UEFA|date=24 August 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708140828/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2493352.html|url-status=live}}
== 2017–2018: Final season of first spell with Juventus and seventh consecutive ''Scudetto'' ==
On 12 June 2017, Buffon announced that the 2017–18 season would likely be his last with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-next-season-will-be-his-last-retires-a7786851.html|title=Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon admits that next season will be his last|work=The Independent|date=12 June 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165540/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-next-season-will-be-his-last-retires-a7786851.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/juventus/story/3142519/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-next-season-almost-certain-to-be-my-last|title=Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon: Next season almost certain to be my last|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Ben Gladwell|date=12 June 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820080054/http://www.espnfc.com/juventus/story/3142519/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-next-season-almost-certain-to-be-my-last|url-status=live}} Buffon won the Goalkeeper of the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League season award, and placed third for the 2017 UEFA Best Player of the Year Award, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/awards/previous-winners/newsid=2495000.html|title=Ronaldo named 2016/17 Men's Player of the Year|publisher=UEFA|date=24 August 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=26 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826081359/http://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/awards/previous-winners/newsid=2495000.html|url-status=dead}} On 19 August, Buffon made history by saving the first Serie A penalty awarded via VAR in a 3–0 home win over Cagliari in the club's opening league match of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/108435/history-made-juventus-cagliari|title=History made in Juventus-Cagliari|publisher=Football Italia|date=19 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822113512/http://www.football-italia.net/108435/history-made-juventus-cagliari|url-status=live}} On 23 October, Buffon won the inaugural 2017 Best FIFA Goalkeeper award, and was named to the FIFPro World XI for the third time in his career; he was also nominated for the 2017 Best FIFA Men's Player Award, finishing in fourth place in the voting.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-player/index.html|title=The Best FIFA Men's Player|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20171125170235/https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-player/index.html|archive-date=25 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/the-best/general/02/91/68/84/fullresults-tbffa_award_rankingpresslist2017_neutral.pdf|title=FIFA Football Awards 2017 – Voting Results FIFA MEN'S WORLD PLAYER 2017|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=25 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024095638/http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/the-best/general/02/91/68/84/fullresults-tbffa_award_rankingpresslist2017_neutral.pdf|archive-date=24 October 2017}} On 27 November, Buffon won the Serie A Footballer of the Year award, the first time a goalkeeper won the award, along with the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year award for the twelfth time, while being named to the Serie A Team of the Year for the fifth time in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/113463/buffon-named-best-player|title=Buffon named best player|publisher=Football Italia|date=27 November 2017|access-date=28 November 2017|archive-date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628170547/https://www.football-italia.net/113463/buffon-named-best-player|url-status=live}} On 3 December, he equalled Casillas by winning the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award for a record fifth time, and on 7 December, he placed fourth in the 2017 Ballon d'Or.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/113935/buffon-fourth-ballon-dor|title=Buffon fourth in Ballon d'Or|publisher=Football Italia|date=7 December 2017|access-date=7 December 2017|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026012136/https://www.football-italia.net/113935/buffon-fourth-ballon-dor|url-status=live}} Following Juventus' 1–0 away victory against fellow title contenders Napoli on 1 December,{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/buffon-delighted-with-clean-sheet-in-napoli-win.php|title=Buffon delighted with clean sheet in Napoli win|publisher=www.juventus.com|date=1 December 2017|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131203845/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/buffon-delighted-with-clean-sheet-in-napoli-win|url-status=live}} Buffon was ruled out of Juventus' final Champions League group match against Olympiacos four days later, after picking up a calf strain in the previous match, an injury which kept him sidelined for almost two months.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/juventus/story/3297860/gianluigi-buffon-doubt-for-juventus-decisive-champions-league-clash-with-olympiakos|title=Gianluigi Buffon doubt for Juventus' decisive UCL clash with Olympiakos|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Ben Gladwell|date=5 December 2017|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203204201/https://www.espn.com/soccer/juventus/story/3297860/gianluigi-buffon-doubt-for-juventus-decisive-champions-league-clash-with-olympiakos|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juve-buffon-will-stay-behind-maldini-for-the-record-of-presences-46174|title=Juve, Buffon will stay behind Maldini for the record of appearances unless...|publisher=www.calciomercato.com|author1=Marco Demicheli|date=5 January 2018|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116161149/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juve-buffon-will-stay-behind-maldini-for-the-record-of-presences-46174|url-status=live}}
On 11 January 2018, Buffon was named to the 2017 UEFA Team of the Year for the fifth time. Buffon returned to action on 30 January 2018, two days after his 40th birthday, keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty from Alejandro Gómez to secure a 1–0 away win over Atalanta in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals; this was his first Coppa Italia appearance in over five years, while his penalty save was the 30th of his career, excluding those made in shoot-outs, and his first ever in regulation time in the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/juventus/story/3365819/buffon-is-buffon-max-allegri-thrilled-with-goalkeepers-return|title='Buffon is Buffon': Max Allegri thrilled with goalkeeper's return|publisher=ESPN FC|date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131075214/http://www.espn.com/soccer/juventus/story/3365819/buffon-is-buffon-max-allegri-thrilled-with-goalkeepers-return|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3365820/gonzalo-higuain-and-gianluigi-buffons-heroics-lift-juve-past-atalanta|title=Gonzalo Higuain and Gianluigi Buffon's heroics lift Juve past Atalanta|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Mina Rzouki|date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131075221/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3365820/gonzalo-higuain-and-gianluigi-buffons-heroics-lift-juve-past-atalanta|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Coppa-Italia/Juventus/30-01-2018/juve-buffon-para-rigore-numero-31-2401279456246.shtml|title=Juve, Buffon para il rigore numero 30. Il primo quando aveva 18 anni|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Pierfrancesco Catucci|date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023457/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Coppa-Italia/Juventus/30-01-2018/juve-buffon-para-rigore-numero-31-2401279456246.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/116440/coppa-buffon-keeps-atalanta-quiet|title=Coppa: Buffon keeps Atalanta quiet|publisher=Football Italia|date=30 January 2018|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131201046/https://www.football-italia.net/116440/coppa-buffon-keeps-atalanta-quiet|url-status=live}} He made his 500th league appearance with Juventus — including both Serie A and Serie B matches — on 9 February, in a 2–0 away win over Fiorentina.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/buffon-makes-500th-juventus-league-appearance/m6jy2e1h011412yy7avzz7n0i|title=Buffon makes 500th Juventus league appearance|publisher=Goal.com|author1=Ryan Benson|date=9 February 2018|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302233143/https://www.goal.com/en/news/buffon-makes-500th-juventus-league-appearance/m6jy2e1h011412yy7avzz7n0i|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-a/2017-2018/l-ex-bernardeschi-e-higuain-la-juventus-vince-2-0-a-firenze_sto6598839/story.shtml|title=L'ex Bernardeschi e Higuain: la Juventus vince 2-0 a Firenze|publisher=Eurosport|language=it|author1=Enrico Turcato|date=9 February 2018|access-date=9 February 2018}} After Juventus lost 3–0 to Real Madrid at home in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on 3 April, Buffon helped Juventus keep a 3–0 away lead in the second leg on 11 April, until the 93rd minute when he was sent off for dissent after a confrontation with referee Michael Oliver who awarded an injury time penalty to Real Madrid; Wojciech Szczęsny was forced to be substituted in, with the resulting penalty kick converted by Cristiano Ronaldo for a final 4–3 aggregate loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/119791/cl-juve-heartbreak-bernabeu|title=CL: Juve heartbreak at the Bernabeu|publisher=Football Italia|date=11 April 2018|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126235653/https://www.football-italia.net/119791/cl-juve-heartbreak-bernabeu|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1525639-buffon-referee-has-a-trash-can-where-his-heart-should-be|title=Buffon: Referee 'has a trashcan in place of a heart'|publisher=thescore.com|date=11 April 2018|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422162315/https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1525639-buffon-referee-has-a-trash-can-where-his-heart-should-be|url-status=live}} On 9 May, Buffon kept a clean sheet, his 300th clean sheet with Juventus, and his 383rd at club level, in a 4–0 win over Milan in the 2018 Coppa Italia final; this was Juventus' fourth consecutive Coppa Italia title.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121138/coppa-force-four-juve-flatten-milan|title=Coppa: Force Four Juve flatten Milan|publisher=Football Italia|date=9 May 2018|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510115119/https://www.football-italia.net/121138/coppa-force-four-juve-flatten-milan|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121177/buffon-reaches-300-clean-sheets|title=Buffon reaches 300 clean sheets|publisher=Football Italia|date=10 May 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228104741/https://www.football-italia.net/121177/buffon-reaches-300-clean-sheets|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/05/17/futuro-gigi-buffon.html|title=Gigi Buffon: "Addio alla Juve e alla Nazionale". Ritiro o esperienza all'estero? Decide in 7 giorni|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518060034/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/05/17/futuro-gigi-buffon.html|url-status=live}} On 11 May, Buffon was charged by UEFA over post-match comments made about referee Oliver,[{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44086926|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Juventus keeper charged over Michael Oliver comments|date=11 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612054028/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44086926|url-status=live}} and on 5 June, received a three-match ban for UEFA competition matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44370953|title=Gianluigi Buffon banned for three matches over referee comments|publisher=bbc.com|date=5 June 2018|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123150036/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44370953|url-status=live}} On 13 May, Buffon won his record seventh straight Scudetto, following a 0–0 draw with Roma in Juventus' penultimate match of the season while an unused substitute;{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121329/juventus-seven|title=Juventus Seven-Up|publisher=Football Italia|date=13 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514065356/https://www.football-italia.net/121329/juventus-seven|url-status=live}} with this league victory, he became the first player ever to win nine Serie A titles.{{refn|name="revoked"|group="nb"}}{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/gigi-buffon-recordman|title=GIGI BUFFON, RECORDMAN|publisher=www.legaseriea.it|date=14 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411105948/https://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/gigi-buffon-recordman|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44150996|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Italy goalkeeper to play final game for Juventus|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518185147/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44150996|url-status=live}} On 17 May, with one league match remaining, Buffon announced in a press conference that he would leave Juventus at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121492/official-buffon-leave-juve|title=OFFICIAL: Buffon to leave Juve|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 May 2018|access-date=17 May 2018|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209064921/https://www.football-italia.net/121492/official-buffon-leave-juve|url-status=live}} On 19 May, after 17 seasons with the club, Buffon played his 656th and final match with Juventus, the last match of the season at home against Hellas Verona. He started in goal, and was later substituted in the 64th minute by debutant Carlo Pinsoglio as he received a standing ovation with the score 2–0 in favour of Juventus; the match later ended in a 2–1 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3502992/gianluigi-buffon-farewell-to-juventus-serie-a-legend-final-day-in-pictures|title=Gianluigi Buffon farewell to Juventus: Serie A legend's final day in pictures|work=espn.com|date=19 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054556/http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3502992/gianluigi-buffon-farewell-to-juventus-serie-a-legend-final-day-in-pictures|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-juv-hel/buffon-bids-tearful-farewell-to-juve-after-656-games-idUKKCN1IK0LU|title=Buffon bids tearful farewell to Juve after 656 games|publisher=Reuters|date=19 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520055111/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-juv-hel/buffon-bids-tearful-farewell-to-juve-after-656-games-idUKKCN1IK0LU|url-status=live}} On 30 June, the final day of his Juventus contract, Buffon bid the club farewell with a post on Twitter:
{{blockquote|"Seventeen years in black and white [officially] end today. Seventeen years of friends, team-mates, tears, victories, [defeats,] trophies, words, anger, disappointments, happiness and many, many emotions. I will never forget anything. I will always carry everything with me."|Buffon on his last official day of this spell as a Juventus player in 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/buffon-bids-final-farewell-juventus-contract-expires#JQ3wX90WfytEz2Ck.99|title=Buffon bids final farewell to Juventus as contract expires|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=30 June 2018|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707062358/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/buffon-bids-final-farewell-juventus-contract-expires#JQ3wX90WfytEz2Ck.99|url-status=live}}}}
= Paris Saint-Germain =
Image:Gianluigi Buffon (PSG).jpg in 2019]]
On 6 July 2018, Buffon signed a one-year contract, with the option for a second year, with Paris Saint-Germain.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/124103/official-psg-sign-buffon|title=OFFICIAL: PSG sign Buffon|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 July 2018|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330125131/https://www.football-italia.net/124103/official-psg-sign-buffon|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44741632|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Paris St-Germain complete signing of Juventus legend|date=6 July 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205210015/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44741632|url-status=live}} He made his competitive debut for PSG on 4 August, keeping a clean sheet in a 4–0 win against Monaco in the 2018 Trophée des Champions. Buffon made his Ligue 1 debut on 12 August, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 home win over Caen.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/126100/buffon-wins-ligue-1-debut|title=Buffon wins Ligue 1 debut|publisher=Football Italia|date=12 August 2018|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201035057/https://www.football-italia.net/126100/buffon-wins-ligue-1-debut|url-status=live}} He was used in a rotational role with Alphonse Areola during the 2018–19 season by manager Thomas Tuchel.{{cite news|url=http://kwese.espn.com/football/paris-saint-germain/story/3609094/psg-to-start-alphonse-areola-over-gianluigi-buffon-in-next-two-games|title=PSG to start Alphonse Areola over Gianluigi Buffon in next two games|publisher=ESPN|last=Johnson|first=Jonathan|date=24 August 2018|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110163053/http://kwese.espn.com/football/paris-saint-germain/story/3609094/psg-to-start-alphonse-areola-over-gianluigi-buffon-in-next-two-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/buffon-plays-down-reports-of-juventus-return-65387 |title=Buffon plays down reports of Juventus return |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |date=26 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201035513/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/buffon-plays-down-reports-of-juventus-return-65387 |url-status=live }} After serving a three-match ban in UEFA club competitions, Buffon started for PSG in a 1–1 away draw against Napoli on 6 November, and was beaten by an Insigne penalty; at the age of 40 years and 282 days, he became the second-oldest player ever to make their Champions League debut for a club after Mark Schwarzer, who made his debut in the competition with Chelsea in a 1–0 home victory over Steaua București on 11 December 2013, aged 41 years and 65 days.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/buffon-behaves-when-faced-with-another-penalty/2018/11/07/8a1e5184-e28c-11e8-ba30-a7ded04d8fac_story.html?noredirect=on |title=Buffon behaves when faced with another penalty |newspaper=The Washington Post |author1=Andrew Dampf |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=7 November 2018 |archive-date=20 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230934/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/buffon-behaves-when-faced-with-another-penalty/2018/11/07/8a1e5184-e28c-11e8-ba30-a7ded04d8fac_story.html?noredirect=on |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/130372/buffon-suffered-silence |title=Buffon: Suffered in silence |publisher=Football Italia |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=7 November 2018 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201072504/https://www.football-italia.net/130372/buffon-suffered-silence |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/45682889 |title=Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 PSV Eindhoven |publisher=BBC Sport |author1=Emlyn Begley |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=7 November 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207170705/https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/45682889 |url-status=live }} On 18 December, following an injury to Areola, Buffon played the second half of an eventual 2–1 away win over Orléans in the round of 16 of the Coupe de la Ligue.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3732082/buffon-i-would-have-quit-without-paris-saint-germain-barcelona-or-real-madrid-call |title=Buffon: I would have quit without Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona or Real Madrid call |publisher=ESPN FC |author1=Jonathan Johnson |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=20 December 2018 |archive-date=23 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223220411/https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3732082/buffon-i-would-have-quit-without-paris-saint-germain-barcelona-or-real-madrid-call |url-status=live }} PSG were eliminated from the competition in the following round after a surprise 2–1 home defeat to Guingamp on 9 January 2019, during which Buffon remained on the bench.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ligue/ct-90mins-coupe-de-france-recap-monaco-reach-semis-after-marathon-shootout-20190109-story.html |title=Coupe de la Ligue Recap: Guingamp pull off upset win over PSG, Monaco reach semis |publisher=The Chicago Tribune |author1=Jed Court |date=9 January 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110051340/https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ligue/ct-90mins-coupe-de-france-recap-monaco-reach-semis-after-marathon-shootout-20190109-story.html |url-status=live }}
On 12 February, Buffon kept his 50th Champions League clean sheet in a 2–0 away win over Manchester United, becoming only the third goalkeeper to reach this milestone after Iker Casillas (57) and Edwin van der Sar (51). He also made his 121st Champions League appearance – excluding qualifying rounds – during the same match, which made him the player with the tenth-most appearances of all time in the competition.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/uefa-champions-league/champions-league-extra-time-manchester-uniteds-horror-night-as-gianluigi-buffon-enters-top-10/news-story/d36cbe06f14dc5f324ffb97e54caec54 |title=Champions League Extra Time: Manchester United's horror night as Gianluigi Buffon enters top 10 |work=Fox Sports |date=12 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619014027/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/uefa-champions-league/champions-league-extra-time-manchester-uniteds-horror-night-as-gianluigi-buffon-enters-top-10/news-story/d36cbe06f14dc5f324ffb97e54caec54 |url-status=live }} In the return leg in Paris on 6 March, Buffon came under criticism in the media for committing an error with the score tied 1–1, after he spilled Marcus Rashford's long-range shot, thus allowing Romelu Lukaku to score from the rebound and send United into the lead; following an injury-time goal from a penalty by Rashford, Manchester United completed a comeback to win the match 3–1, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals on away goals.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47461886 |title=Paris Saint Germain 1–3 Manchester United |publisher=BBC Sport |author1=Shamoon Hafez |date=6 March 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602211930/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47461886 |url-status=live }} PSG finished the season as Ligue 1 champions,{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juventus-celebrate-buffon-on-twitter-as-psg-secure-league-title-53616 |title=Juventus celebrate Buffon on Twitter as PSG secure league title |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |date=21 April 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201071716/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/juventus-celebrate-buffon-on-twitter-as-psg-secure-league-title-53616 |url-status=live }} which saw Buffon win his tenth league title of his career, the most of any Italian player.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.it/2019/04/22/buffon-record-messaggio-psg-chi-non-soffre-non-vince/ |title=Buffon, record e messaggio al PSG: "Chi non soffre non vince" |trans-title=Buffon, record and message to PSG: "Whoever doesn't suffer doesn't win" |work=Fox Sports |language=it |last=Cola |first=Simone |date=22 April 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101172337/https://www.foxsports.it/2019/04/22/buffon-record-messaggio-psg-chi-non-soffre-non-vince/ |url-status=live }} PSG later lost 6–5 on penalties to Rennes in the 2019 Coupe de France final, following a 2–2 draw after extra time, although Buffon did not appear during the final.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48071397 |title=Rennes 2–2 Paris Saint-Germain |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517162239/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48071397 |url-status=live }}
On 5 June, it was confirmed that he was leaving the club after one season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48534479 |title=Gianluigi Buffon to leave Paris St-Germain at end of month |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606201538/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48534479 |url-status=live }}
= Return to Juventus =
== 2019–2021: record-breaking appearances ==
File:Gianluigi Buffon - 2019.jpg
On 4 July 2019, after a season away from Juventus, Buffon signed a one-year contract with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2019/welcome-home-gigi.php|title=Welcome home, Gigi!|website=Juventus.com|date=4 July 2019|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129095737/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2019/welcome-home-gigi.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48873137|title=Gianluigi Buffon returns to Juventus after one season at Paris St-Germain|date=4 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524150950/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48873137|url-status=live}} Upon arrival, he was offered the number 1 shirt by Wojciech Szczęsny and the captaincy by Giorgio Chiellini, but he turned them down, saying "I didn't come back to take something from someone or take it back...I just want to do my bit for the team".{{cite web|publisher=Football Italia Staff|url=https://www.football-italia.net/140336/buffon-my-number-sarri-cr7|title=Buffon: My number, Sarri, CR7...|date=4 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927220241/https://www.football-italia.net/140336/buffon-my-number-sarri-cr7|url-status=live}} Instead, he chose to wear number 77; the same number he had worn during his final season at Parma, before joining Juventus in 2001. He made his first appearance since his return to the club on 21 September, in a 2–1 home win over Verona in Serie A; this was his 902nd career club appearance, which equalled Paolo Maldini's record as the Italian player with the most career club appearances.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142400 |title=Juventus 2 - 1 Verona |publisher=Football Italia |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127180015/https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142400 |url-status=live }} On 28 September, he overtook Maldini with his 903rd appearance in a 2–0 home win over SPAL in Serie A.{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/09/28/cristiano-ronaldo-goal-gianluigi-buffon-makes-history-for-juventus |title=Cristiano Ronaldo, Miralem Pjanic Score as Juventus beats SPAL |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=28 September 2019 |access-date=28 September 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928201702/https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/09/28/cristiano-ronaldo-goal-gianluigi-buffon-makes-history-for-juventus |url-status=live }}
On 30 October 2019, Buffon made his 513th league appearance for Juventus (including Serie B matches) in a 2–1 home win over Genoa in Serie A, equalling Del Piero as the player with the most league appearances for the club.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/juventus-2-1-genoa-ronaldo-221405011.html |title=Juventus 2-1 Genoa: Ronaldo penalty gives 10-man champions late winner |publisher=Yahoo.com |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801024419/https://sports.yahoo.com/juventus-2-1-genoa-ronaldo-221405011.html |url-status=dead }} On 11 December, he kept his 51st Champions League clean sheet (excluding those in the qualifying rounds) in a 2–0 away win over Bayer Leverkusen in Juventus' final group match of the campaign, equalling Van der Sar as the goalkeeper with the second-most clean sheets ever in the competition, behind only Iker Casillas.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/147548/buffon-i-must-accept-criticism |title=Buffon: 'I must accept criticism' |publisher=Football Italia |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201235801/https://www.football-italia.net/147548/buffon-i-must-accept-criticism |url-status=live }} On 15 December, he made his 700th Italian league appearance in a 3–1 home win over Udinese; during the same match, he also made his 478th Serie A appearance for Juventus, which saw him equal Del Piero as the player with the most appearances in the competition for the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50801911 |title=Juventus 3–1 Udinese |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 December 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202004943/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50801911 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.juvenews.eu/notizie-juve/buffon-478-presenze-in-bianconero-in-serie-a-agganciato-del-piero/ |title=Buffon, 478 presenze in bianconero in serie A: agganciato Del Piero |publisher=www.juvenews.eu |language=it |date=15 December 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801024310/https://www.juvenews.eu/notizie-juve/buffon-478-presenze-in-bianconero-in-serie-a-agganciato-del-piero/ |url-status=live }} On 18 December, in a 2–1 away win over Sampdoria, Buffon made his 479th Serie A appearance for Juventus, surpassing Del Piero's appearance record for the club in the Italian top flight, as well as making his 647th overall Serie A appearance, tying Maldini as the player with the most appearances in the competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/147825/buffon-matches-maldini-record|title=Buffon matches Maldini record|publisher=Football Italia|date=18 December 2019|access-date=18 December 2019|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206153556/https://www.football-italia.net/147825/buffon-matches-maldini-record|url-status=live}}
On 13 February 2020, Buffon made nine saves in a 1–1 away draw against Milan in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals.{{cite news |url=https://soccer.nbcsports.com/tag/gianluigi-buffon/ |title=Buffon hails Ronaldo, Zlatan, himself after nine-save show |work=NBC Sports |last=Mendola |first=Nicholas |date=13 February 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020232857/https://soccer.nbcsports.com/tag/gianluigi-buffon/ |url-status=live }} He started in the final against Napoli on 17 June, keeping a clean sheet and making a series of injury-time saves to keep the score tied at 0–0; however, Juventus suffered a 4–2 defeat in the resulting penalty shoot-out, with Buffon unable to save any spot kicks.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/154624/coppa-napoli-beat-juventus-penalties|title=Coppa: Napoli beat Juventus on penalties|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 June 2020|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617230723/https://www.football-italia.net/154624/coppa-napoli-beat-juventus-penalties|url-status=live}} On 29 June, Buffon signed a new contract with Juventus, extending until June 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/gigi-and-chiello-2021|title=GIGI AND CHIELLO, 2021!|publisher=Juventus|date=29 June 2020|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524145822/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/gigi-and-chiello-2021|url-status=live}} On 4 July, he made his 648th appearance in Serie A in a 4–1 home win over rivals Torino, overtaking Maldini as the most capped player of all time in the competition,{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en/serie-a/video/serie-a-live-juventus-4-1-torino-match-report/1496809 |title=Serie A Live - Juventus Vs Torino - Live Stream |publisher=beIN SPORTS |date=4 July 2020 |access-date=4 July 2020 |archive-date=6 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906084524/https://www.beinsports.com/en/serie-a/video/serie-a-live-juventus-4-1-torino-match-report/1496809 |url-status=live }} also becoming the most capped player in Europe's top five leagues with 665 appearances, including his 17 Ligue 1 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain during the 2018–19 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53291695 |title=Juventus 4-1 Torino: Cristiano Ronaldo scores first free-kick for Juve in win |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 July 2020 |access-date=4 July 2020 |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708211402/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53291695 |url-status=live }}
On 17 October, Buffon made his first appearance of the 2020–21 season, starting in a 1–1 away draw against Crotone.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/158617 |title=Crotone 1 - 1 Juventus |publisher=Football Italia |date=17 October 2020 |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125065838/https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/158617 |url-status=live }} On 8 December, Buffon kept a clean sheet by saving seven shots, all of them taken by Messi, in a 3–0 away win over Barcelona in Juventus' final Champions League group match of the campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/163208/buffon-makes-record-messi-saves|title=Buffon makes record Messi saves|publisher=Football Italia|date=8 December 2020|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201215020/https://www.football-italia.net/163208/buffon-makes-record-messi-saves|url-status=live}} Buffon became the first goalkeeper to ever record a Champions League clean sheet in four different decades.{{Cite web|title=Buffon 2° tra i più anziani di sempre in Champions: c'è un altro numero da record!|url=https://www.ilbianconero.com/a/buffon-2-tra-i-piu-anziani-di-sempre-in-champions-c-e-un-altro-n-93820|access-date=2020-12-10|website=il BiancoNero|date=12 October 2020|language=it|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201163743/https://www.ilbianconero.com/a/buffon-2-tra-i-piu-anziani-di-sempre-in-champions-c-e-un-altro-n-93820|url-status=live}} Messi's seven shots on target were also the most recorded without scoring in the Champions League since the 2002–03 edition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.squawka.com/en/gianluigi-buffon-monument-of-world-football-lionel-messi-juventus-barcelona/|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Lionel Messi left star-struck by Juventus' "monument of world football"|website=Squawka|date=9 December 2020|access-date=11 December 2020|archive-date=10 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210043407/https://www.squawka.com/en/gianluigi-buffon-monument-of-world-football-lionel-messi-juventus-barcelona/|url-status=live}} On 11 May 2021, Buffon announced that he would leave Juventus at the end of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2021/05/11/news/buffon_a_fine_stagione_lascio_la_juventus_-300466273/|title=Buffon lascia la Juventus: "E' finito un ciclo, tolgo il disturbo"|work=la Repubblica|language=it|date=11 May 2021|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519111358/https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2021/05/11/news/buffon_a_fine_stagione_lascio_la_juventus_-300466273/|url-status=live}} The following day, Buffon saved Domenico Berardi's penalty in a 3–1 away victory against Sassuolo, becoming the oldest Serie A goalkeeper to do so at the age of {{Age in years and days|1978|1|28|2021|5|11}}.{{Cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2021/05/13/sassuolo-juventus-buffon-rigore-parato|title=Eterno Buffon, il pararigori più anziano di sempre in Serie A|website=sport.sky.it|language=it|last=Sport|first=Sky|date=13 May 2021|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513135929/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2021/05/13/sassuolo-juventus-buffon-rigore-parato|url-status=live}} On 19 May, he started in Juventus's 2–1 victory over Atalanta in the 2021 Coppa Italia final, his final and 685th appearance for the club; after the match, he was given the honour of lifting the title, the sixth of his career, equalling Roberto Mancini as the player with the most title victories.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/170909/buffon-wins-coppa-chiesa-senior-and-junior |title=Buffon wins Coppa with Chiesa Senior and Junior |publisher=Football Italia |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520070527/https://www.football-italia.net/170909/buffon-wins-coppa-chiesa-senior-and-junior |url-status=live }}
= Return to Parma and retirement =
On 17 June 2021, after days of speculation following his departure from Juventus, newly relegated Parma announced the return of Buffon through a short video posted on the club's official Twitter account.{{cite web |url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-buffon-torna-a-parma-l-annuncio-dei-ducali-superman-returns-1548271 |publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb |language=Italian |access-date=17 June 2021 |date=17 June 2021 |title=Buffon torna a Parma. L'annuncio dei ducali: "Superman Returns" |archive-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628093635/https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-buffon-torna-a-parma-l-annuncio-dei-ducali-superman-returns-1548271 |url-status=live }} Upon winning the Coppa Italia in his last season at Juventus, many expected that it was going to be the end of his career. Instead, he announced that he was going to join his boyhood club; this marked 20 years since he left Parma for Juventus in 2001.{{Cite web |title=Gigi Buffon: Italian Goalkeeper Still Playing At Age 44 |url=https://historyofsoccer.info/gigi-buffon |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=History Of Soccer |date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927105218/https://historyofsoccer.info/gigi-buffon |url-status=live }} On 20 August 2021, Buffon made his first appearance, conceding a late equaliser in a 2–2 away draw against Frosinone.{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/serie-b-frosinone-2-2-parma-late-equaliser-ruins-debut-for-buffon/|title=Serie B Frosinone 2-2 Parma late equaliser ruins debut for Buffon|publisher=Football Italia|date=20 August 2021|access-date=28 August 2021|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828121357/https://football-italia.net/serie-b-frosinone-2-2-parma-late-equaliser-ruins-debut-for-buffon/|url-status=live}}
On 5 February 2022, following a 0–0 away draw against Benevento in Serie B, Buffon became the first goalkeeper ever in men's association football to keep 500 clean sheets (322 with Juventus, 92 with Parma, 9 with PSG and 77 with Italy).{{cite news |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/serie-a/2022/02/06/61ff976a268e3ee85d8b45a8.html |title=Buffon continues to make history: 500 clean sheets |work=MARCA |date=6 February 2022 |access-date=16 February 2022 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410204610/https://www.marca.com/en/football/serie-a/2022/02/06/61ff976a268e3ee85d8b45a8.html |url-status=live }} On 28 February, Parma announced Buffon's contract extension until 2024, which would have kept him playing until the age of 46.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Krause Announces Buffon's Contract Renewal: "He's One of the Top Three Italian Goalkeepers" |website=Parma Calcio 1913. |url=https://parmacalcio1913.com/2022/02/28/kyle-krause-announces-buffons-contract-renewal-hes-one-of-the-top-three-italian-goalkeepers/?lang=en |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |df=dmy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228134402/https://parmacalcio1913.com/2022/02/28/kyle-krause-announces-buffons-contract-renewal-hes-one-of-the-top-three-italian-goalkeepers/?lang=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Buffon non smette più, rinnovo col Parma: giocherà fino a 46 anni |url=https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/buffon-non-smette-piu-rinnovo-col-parma-giochera-fino-a-46-anni_46678431-202202k.shtml |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=Sportmediaset.it }}
On 2 August 2023, at the age of 45 and after a 28-year playing career, Buffon announced his retirement from professional football.{{cite news |title=Gianluigi Buffon: Italy legend retires aged 45 |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66378584 |date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803052948/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66378584 |url-status=live }}
International career
= Youth career, early call-ups and Euro 2000 qualification =
File:Cannavaro, Buffon, Italia-Paraguay 1998 (cropped).jpg
Buffon represented Italy at all youth levels, from the under-16 side to the under-23 side, as well as the Olympic side in 1996. With the under-16 side, he reached the final of the 1993 UEFA European Under-16 Championship, saving two penalties and even scoring one himself in the quarter-final shootout victory over Spain, and subsequently saving three penalties – but also missing one himself – in the semi-final shootout victory over Czechoslovakia.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/39289/thank-you-buffon|title=A thank you to Buffon|website=football-italia.net|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Giancarlo Rinaldi|date=9 September 2013|access-date=27 March 2015|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214203422/https://www.football-italia.net/39289/thank-you-buffon|url-status=live}} With the Italy under-17 side he took part at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Japan. In 1995, he reached the final of the UEFA European under-19 Championship with the Italian under-19 side. He was a member of Italy's 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning squad. Buffon was a member of the Italy squad that won the gold medal for football at the 1997 Mediterranean Games in Bari, on home soil. Buffon currently holds the record for the most clean sheets with the Italy national side.
Buffon was awarded his first cap for the senior Italy national team under Cesare Maldini on 29 October 1997, aged {{age in years and days|1978|1|28|1997|10|29}}, as an injury replacement for Gianluca Pagliuca during the first leg of the 1998 World Cup qualification play-off against Russia, in Moscow; with this cap, Buffon became the youngest goalkeeper to feature for Italy post-World War II.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1997/10/30/italia-un-passo-dai-mondiali.html|title=ITALIA A UN PASSO DAI MONDIALI|trans-title=Italy a Step Away from the World Cup|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Licia Granello|date=30 October 1997|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610223601/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1997/10/30/italia-un-passo-dai-mondiali.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1997/ottobre/31/esordienti_battuto_Maldini_piu_giovane_ga_0_9710312373.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=esordienti: ha battuto Maldini, il piu' giovane rimane Bergomi|trans-title=debutants: he beat Maldini, the youngest remains Bergomi|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=31 October 1997|access-date=12 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814120827/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1997/ottobre/31/esordienti_battuto_Maldini_piu_giovane_ga_0_9710312373.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|archive-date=14 August 2016}} This record was beaten by Gianluigi Donnarumma on 1 September 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/90817/donnarumma-indescribable|title=Donnarumma: 'Indescribable!'|publisher=Football Italia|date=1 September 2016|access-date=1 September 2016|archive-date=5 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905155417/http://www.football-italia.net/90817/donnarumma-indescribable|url-status=live}} Buffon came on in the 31st minute and made notable saves under snowy conditions in a 1–1 draw, including an important stop from a Dmitri Alenichev shot, only being beaten by a Fabio Cannavaro own goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0237-0e968b87a53f-091344f19394-1000--full-breakdown-of-gianluigi-buffon-s-1-000-games/|title=Full breakdown of Gianluigi Buffon's 1,000 games|publisher=UEFA|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=24 March 2017|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124155927/https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0237-0e968b87a53f-091344f19394-1000--full-breakdown-of-gianluigi-buffon-s-1-000-games/|url-status=live}} The result helped Italy to qualify for the upcoming World Cup 2–1 on aggregate.{{cite web|url=https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/8qpwkg/throwback-thursday-18-years-on-from-buffons-international-debut|title=Throwback Thursday: 18 Years on From Buffon's International Debut|publisher=Vice.com|author1=Jim Weeks|date=29 October 2015|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707040547/https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/8qpwkg/throwback-thursday-18-years-on-from-buffons-international-debut|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/nazionale/fotogallery/2017/10/17/playoff-mondiali-italia-precedente-russia-1997.html|title=Italia ai playoff Mondiali, l'unico precedente nel 1997 contro la Russia. Fu l'esordio di Buffon|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=17 October 2017|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707034451/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/nazionale/fotogallery/2017/10/17/playoff-mondiali-italia-precedente-russia-1997.html|url-status=live}} He was a member of the squad for the 1998 World Cup finals, initially as the third choice goalkeeper; after an injury to starting goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, Buffon was promoted to second-choice goalkeeper behind Pagliuca, with Francesco Toldo being called up as third-choice, but Buffon did not play a single game in the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/giugno/01/Sfortuna_mondiale_Peruzzi_resta_casa_co_0_98060111604.shtml|title=Sfortuna mondiale Peruzzi resta a casa|trans-title=World Cup misfortune Peruzzi stays at home|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=1 June 1998|access-date=4 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415225735/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/giugno/01/Sfortuna_mondiale_Peruzzi_resta_casa_co_0_98060111604.shtml|archive-date=15 April 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1998/06/01/peruzzi-addio-al-mondiale-giocatori-stanchi-un.html|title=Peruzzi, addio al mondiale Giocatori stanchi un brutto segnale|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Gianni Mura|date=1 June 1998|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214003203/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1998/06/01/peruzzi-addio-al-mondiale-giocatori-stanchi-un.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35785358|title=Gianluigi Buffon: The Juventus keeper still making history|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2016|access-date=14 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://m.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=5/news=25-days-to-go-2339923.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519150958/http://m.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=5/news=25-days-to-go-2339923.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 May 2014|title=2014 FIFA World Cup: 25 Days to Go|publisher=FIFA.com|date=19 May 2014|access-date=19 May 2014}} Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals on penalties to hosts and eventual 1998 World Cup champions France.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/eventi/francia98/incontri/ita_fra.htm|title=Italia-Francia, 1998 0–0 (3–4)|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|author=Dario Di Gennaro|date=3 July 1998|access-date=13 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616003113/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/eventi/francia98/incontri/ita_fra.htm|archive-date=16 June 2012|url-status=dead}}
Buffon became the first choice goalkeeper during the Euro 2000 qualifying campaign and was due to start in goal during the competition under manager and former Italy goalkeeping legend Dino Zoff, but he broke his hand while attempting to stop John Carew's goal in a 1–0 defeat against Norway in a friendly match days before the start of the tournament. His starting place was taken by backup goalkeeper Francesco Toldo.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/giugno/04/Italia_perde_altro_pezzo_Buffon_co_0_0006046299.shtml|title=L' Italia perde un altro pezzo: Buffon|trans-title=Italy loses another piece: Buffon|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Fabio Monti|author2=Giancarlo Padovan|date=4 June 2000|access-date=4 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208151036/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/giugno/04/Italia_perde_altro_pezzo_Buffon_co_0_0006046299.shtml|archive-date=8 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/776101.stm|title=Injured Buffon out of Euro 2000|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 June 2000|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415062542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/776101.stm|url-status=live}} Italy reached the final of the tournament, losing once again to France.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e7f6a44-ea138a740f34-1000--euro-2000-golden-trezeguet-la-francia-beffa-l-italia-in-f/|title=Gol d'oro per Trezeguet e la Francia|date=6 October 2003|trans-title=Golden goal for Trezeguet and France|publisher=UEFA|language=it|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327214031/https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e7f6a44-ea138a740f34-1000--euro-2000-golden-trezeguet-la-francia-beffa-l-italia-in-f/|url-status=live}}
= World Cup and European Championship debut =
Francesco Toldo's impressive performances at Euro 2000{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/812745.stm|title=Toldo makes his mark|work=BBC News|date=30 June 2000|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=28 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328160846/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/812745.stm|url-status=live}} meant that he retained his place in the first team for the beginning of Italy's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. In spite of heavy competition from Toldo,{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2002/ottobre/18/Zenga_Tacconi_quando_rivalita_era_ga_0_0210182815.shtml|title=Zenga e Tacconi: quando la rivalità era uno spettacolo|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Fabio Bianchi|date=18 October 2002|access-date=30 October 2017|archive-date=25 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325025657/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2002/ottobre/18/Zenga_Tacconi_quando_rivalita_era_ga_0_0210182815.shtml|url-status=live}} Buffon regained the starting goalkeeping spot for the fourth match of the qualification series, away to Romania, and was the starting goalkeeper for the remaining four matches under Giovanni Trapattoni{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/newsid_1924000/1924054.stm|title=Italy's number one priority|work=BBC News|date=12 April 2002|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412215020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/newsid_1924000/1924054.stm|url-status=live}} as Italy qualified with an unbeaten record.
Buffon played every minute of Italy's 2002 World Cup campaign, keeping a clean sheet in the opening match against Ecuador,{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/mondiali2002/itaecu/itaecu/itaecu.html|title=L'Italia parte bene Battuto l'Ecuador 2–0|trans-title=Italy starts well Ecuador defeated 2–0|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Massimo Vincenzi|date=3 June 2002|access-date=14 November 2015}} and saving a controversial penalty against co-hosts South Korea in the round of 16, which was not enough to stop the under-performing side from being eliminated by a golden goal in extra time.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/mondiali2002/coreita/coreita/coreita.html|title=Golden gol della Corea L'Italia torna a casa|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|last=Vincenzi|first=Massimo|access-date=11 February 2015}} He also featured in every match at Euro 2004, keeping a clean sheet in his nation's opening 0–0 draw against Denmark,{{cite web|url=http://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2004/matches/round=1581/match=1059168/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014075115/http://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2004/matches/round=1581/match=1059168/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2013|title=L'Italia non-graffia|website=UEFA|language=it|access-date=11 February 2015}} although Italy, despite not losing a match, once again underperformed, and were eliminated in the first round on direct encounters following a three-way, five-point tie with Sweden and Denmark.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787525.stm|title=Italy 2–1 Bulgaria|publisher=BBC|date=23 June 2004|access-date=14 December 2015}}
= 2006 World Cup champion =
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|quote="Gigi proved once again he's the best goalkeeper in the world."|source=—Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko on Buffon's performance following Italy's 3–0 victory over his side in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/03/worldcup2006.sport |title=Buffon the ultimate barrier screams Italian defiance |work=The Guardian |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=3 July 2006 |access-date=24 April 2020 }}}}
File:2006 FIFA World Cup - Italy - Buffon, Materazzi and Perrotta.jpg]]
Buffon was once again the first choice goalkeeper under his former Juventus coach and Trapattoni's replacement Marcello Lippi, as Italy finished first in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group.{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/02_mondiali_calcio_2006.html|title=2006 Italia – Capitolo II: La nuova Italia di Lippi|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102031950/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/02_mondiali_calcio_2006.html|url-status=dead}} Although his place in Italy's 2006 World Cup was initially in doubt, as he was being investigated for possible involvement in the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, he was later named by Lippi as Italy's starting goalkeeper for the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi.html|title=Lippi ha fiducia, nonostante tutto Convocato Buffon: "E' sereno"|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=15 May 2006|access-date=20 January 2017}}
During the 2006 World Cup finals, Buffon was in excellent form, setting a World Cup record by conceding just two goals in seven matches, and keeping five clean sheets. In addition, he posted a 453-minute scoreless streak, only 64 minutes short of compatriot Walter Zenga's all-time unbeaten record from the 1990 World Cup. The only goals he conceded were not in open play; an own goal by teammate Cristian Zaccardo after a free-kick against the United States in Italy's second match of the group stage,{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/06/speciale/altri/2006mondialipartite/italia-stati-uniti/italia-stati-uniti.html|title=Italia-Usa: la guerra che non si voleva Pari con 3 espulsi. Qualificazione rinviata|trans-title=Italy-USA: the war that was to be avoided A draw with 3 sending-offs. Qualification postponed|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=17 June 2006|access-date=4 May 2015}} and a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the final against France.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/worldcup2006/minbymin/0,,1788448,00.html|title=Italy 1 – 1 France (5–3 pens)|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 June 2014}} In the final, Buffon later made an important save in extra time on a header from eventual Golden Ball winner Zidane,{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio_Estero/Primo_Piano/20-11-2012/domenech-uscita-libro-materazzi-sogno-notte-913270370343.shtml|website=gazzetta.it|title=Domenech, in uscita il libro "Materazzi lo sogno la notte"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|last=Grandesso|first=Alessandro|date=20 November 2011|access-date=11 February 2015}} which Buffon later described as the most important save of his career.{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/big-interview-gianluigi-buffon-goalkeepers-are-perverse-youre-playing-a-game-where-everyone |title=The big interview: Gianluigi Buffon – "Goalkeepers are perverse – you're playing a game where everyone uses their feet, but you want to use your hands" |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=24 March 2017 |access-date=24 April 2020 }} The match ended 1–1 after extra time and was followed by a penalty shootout in which neither Buffon nor Fabien Barthez saved a spot kick. The lone miss was David Trezeguet's effort which hit the bottom of the crossbar and failed to cross the line, enabling Italy's Fabio Grosso to seal the victory for Italy.{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=191983&cc=5739&league=FIFA.WORLD|title=Italy 1–1 France: Italy triumph as Zizou explodes|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN FC|date=9 July 2006|access-date=15 June 2010|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023163425/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=191983&cc=5739&league=FIFA.WORLD|url-status=dead}} Buffon was named Man of the Match in Italy's 1–0 victory over Australia in the round of 16,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=97410200/match=97410053/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143259/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=97410200/match=97410053/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2015|title=Italy 1–0 Australia|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=3 July 2016}} and later also received the Yashin Award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament, producing 40 saves,{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon?season=2006|title=Gianluigi Buffon, ESPN Profile, Bio and Career Stats – 2006–07|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=27 June 2014}} and was elected to the Team of the Tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html |title=FIFA World Cup "Lev Yashin" Award |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |work=rssf.com |access-date=15 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112042845/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html |archive-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/france-italy-dominate-world-cup-all-star-squad-1.572395|title=France, Italy dominate World Cup all-star squad|publisher=CBC|date=7 July 2006|access-date=27 May 2015}} Buffon also finished second to compatriot Fabio Cannavaro in the 2006 Ballon d'Or and eighth in the FIFA World Player of the Year for his performances that season, and was named in the 2006 FIFPro World XI and the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year. In 2013, Nick Miller of ESPN FC named Buffon's save against Lukas Podolski in Italy's 2–0 victory against hosts Germany in the semi-finals as one of the greatest in World Cup history, placing it at number nine in his list of "World Cup's greatest ever saves".{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1845227/shilton-buffon-banks-vs-pele-among-world-cup-greatest-ever-saves |title=Shilton, Buffon, Banks vs. Pele among World Cup's greatest ever saves |publisher=ESPN FC |last=Miller |first=Nick |date=23 April 2018 |access-date=24 April 2020 }} In 2019, Diario AS placed the latter save at number eight in their collection of "The 10 greatest saves of all time".{{cite web |url=https://as.com/videos/2016/10/21/en/1477044857_740368.html |title=The 10 greatest saves of all time |publisher=AS.com |date=10 October 2019 |access-date=24 April 2020 }}
= Post-World Cup victory =
Buffon wore the captain's armband for Italy for the first time under manager Roberto Donadoni, in a 2–0 home win over Georgia in a Euro 2008 qualifier, due to the suspension of regular skipper Fabio Cannavaro.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bbd3d6957-0972dbfa26ef-1000--pirlo-e-grosso-tengono-in-corsa-l-italia/|title=Pirlo e Grosso tengono in corsa l'Italia|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=14 October 2007|access-date=20 November 2017}} He was later named Italy's second acting captain for Euro 2008 after incumbent Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament due to injury, and as Italy's replacement captain Alessandro Del Piero was frequently deployed as a substitute. He made his first appearance as Italy's captain in the nation's opening fixture of Euro 2008 on 9 June, a 3–0 defeat to the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bf228ae0c-4c0f0150ca38-1000--euro-2008-l-italia-parte-male-l-olanda-cala-il-tris/|title=L'Italia parte male, l'Olanda cala il tris|trans-title=Italy start badly, Holland score three|publisher=UEFA|language=it|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=10 June 2008|access-date=4 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttonazionali.com/news/capitani-azzurri-gianluigi-buffon-2008-oggi-2214|title=Capitani Azzurri: Gianluigi Buffon (2008 – Oggi)|publisher=TuttoNazionali.com|language=it|author1=Micaela Del Monte|date=29 March 2012|access-date=23 July 2016}}{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7432512.stm | title = Cannavaro vows to stay with squad | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date =3 April 2010 | date = 3 June 2008}} In the second game of the group stage against Romania on 13 June, he saved an 81st-minute penalty from Adrian Mutu to keep Italy's hopes alive following their opening defeat, as the match ended 1–1.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7c03e21fb1-55240386f13c-1000--euro-2008-buffon-tiene-in-vita-l-italia-contro-la-romania/|title=Buffon tiene in vita l'Italia|trans-title=Buffon keeps Italy alive|website=UEFA|language=it|author=Michael Harrold|date=14 June 2008|access-date=11 February 2015}} Buffon kept a clean sheet against France in the final group game, and garnered praise in the media for a notable save against Karim Benzema, as Italy won 2–0 to advance to the quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7c03fe60f3-9e5c72d8039d-1000--euro-2008-l-italia-batte-la-francia-e-vola-ai-quarti/|title=L'Italia si sveglia e vola ai quarti|trans-title=Italy wake up and fly on to the quarter-finals|publisher=UEFA|language=it|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=17 June 2008|access-date=4 May 2015}} Italy were eliminated nine days later, when a 0–0 draw after extra time led to a 4–2 penalty shootout loss to eventual champions Spain; Buffon saved one penalty in the shootout{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|title=Spain 0 – 0 Italy|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN FC|date=22 June 2008|access-date=15 June 2010|archive-date=28 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628205252/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|url-status=dead}} and was elected to the Team of the Tournament for his performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7bf2cd6faf-9ac9cf681760-1000--spain-dominate-team-of-the-tournament/|title=Spain dominate Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|date=1 July 2008|access-date=27 May 2015}}
Upon Marcello Lippi's return, Buffon was confirmed as the starting goalkeeper. He played all three group matches during Italy's disappointing 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign in South Africa, in which they finished third in their group in a three-way, three-point tie.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/confederationscup/southafrica2009/results/match=66205/summary.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329153655/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/confederationscup/southafrica2009/results/match=66205/summary.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2013|title=Irresistible Brazil eliminate Italy|publisher=FIFA|date=21 June 2009|access-date=4 May 2015}} He earned his 100th cap on 14 November 2009 in a friendly match against the Netherlands. He was a key player in Italy's World Cup qualifying campaign as they finished top of their group, undefeated.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/6607319/Gianluigi-Buffon-Italy-star-player-at-World-Cup-2010.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/6607319/Gianluigi-Buffon-Italy-star-player-at-World-Cup-2010.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Italy star player at World Cup 2010|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 November 2009|access-date=26 August 2012}}{{cbignore}}
In the 2010 World Cup, Buffon was replaced at half-time in Italy's 1–1 draw in their opening group stage match against Paraguay after he had a problem with his sciatic nerve. He did not play again in the tournament and was substituted by Federico Marchetti.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8740361.stm|title=World Cup 2010: Gianluigi Buffon's World Cup in doubt|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=15 June 2010|access-date=15 June 2010}} Reigning champions Italy disappointed and failed to win a match, finishing last in their group with just two points.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/24/italy-slovakia-world-cup-match-report|title=World Cup 2010: Italy exit as Slovakia turf out reigning champions|work=The Guardian|author=Paul Wilson|date=24 June 2010|access-date=28 June 2012|location=London}}
= Italy captain and Euro 2012 runner-up =
File:Gianluigi Buffon Euro 2012 final 02.jpg]]
After the international retirement of Fabio Cannavaro, Buffon became the new captain of the national team under new manager Cesare Prandelli. On 9 February 2011, after recovering from a back injury, Buffon played his first game as Italy's official captain in a 1–1 friendly draw against Germany in Dortmund.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/52973/germania-italia-1-1.shtml|title=Il gol di Rossi salva l'Italia: 1-1|publisher=www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it|language=it|date=10 February 2011|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=11 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211205334/http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/52973/germania-italia-1-1.shtml|url-status=dead}} On 6 September 2011, after a 1–0 Italy win over Slovenia, Buffon surpassed Dino Zoff and established the new record for most minutes without conceding a goal in European Championship qualifying matches, going 644 minutes without conceding a goal;{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/calcio/2011/09/07/visualizza_new.html_726941330.html|title=Buffon, felice per il record di imbattibilità|publisher=Ansa.it|language=it|date=7 September 2011|access-date=19 August 2013}} the win also allowed Italy to qualify for Euro 2012. On 11 October, prior to Italy's 3–0 win in a European qualifier against Northern Ireland, Buffon received a commemorative cap and medal from UEFA to mark his 100th international appearance. On 15 November 2011, in a friendly match against Uruguay, Buffon surpassed Zoff's number of caps for Italy (112), putting him behind only the retired former Italian captains Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini;{{cite web|url=http://www.iltempo.it/sport/2011/11/15/buffon-come-zoff-112-volte-in-azzurro-1.64349|title=Buffon come Zoff: 112 volte in azzurro|trans-title=Buffon reaches Zoff: 112 appearances in an "azzurri" shirt|publisher=Il Tempo|language=it|date=15 November 2011|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=5 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505054819/http://www.iltempo.it/sport/2011/11/15/buffon-come-zoff-112-volte-in-azzurro-1.64349|url-status=dead}} he overtook Zoff in Italy's next friendly match against the United States on 29 February 2012. He was subsequently selected as Italy's starting goalkeeper and captain for Euro 2012 after leading his national side to qualify for the tournament undefeated, only conceding two goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/it/204/32322/2012/05/News.shtml|title=Consegnata all'Uefa la lista dei 23 giocatori convocati per gli Europei|trans-title=23-player list for European Championships delivered to UEFA|publisher=FIGC|language=it|date=29 May 2012|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051951/http://www.figc.it/it/204/32322/2012/05/News.shtml|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}
At Euro 2012, Buffon captained Italy during the tournament. He kept a clean sheet against the Republic of Ireland in the third group stage match{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18181167|title=Italy 2–0 Rep of Ireland|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Mandeep Sanghera|date=18 June 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} and against England, saving a crucial penalty from Ashley Cole in the quarter-final shootout, in which he was elected man of the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18355305|title=England 0–0 Italy|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Phil McNulty|date=24 June 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} In the semi-final match against Germany, Buffon made several important saves, only being beaten by a penalty from Mesut Özil in the 92nd minute; Italy won the match 2–1 and advanced to the final against defending European and World champions Spain.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7e1aa1ca2b-de24f2c01e09-1000--balotelli-sends-italy-past-germany-to-euro-2012-final/|title=Balotelli sends Italy past Germany|publisher=UEFA|author1=Sam Adams|date=28 June 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} Italy were beaten 4–0 in the final as Spain claimed a record third consecutive major trophy, and their second consecutive European Championship title.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18355496|title=Spain 4–0 Italy|publisher=BBC Sport|author1=Phil McNulty|date=1 July 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} Buffon was once again elected to the Team of the Tournament for his performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7ed20b7bd1-cded9ff294f6-1000--ten-spain-players-in-team-of-the-tournament/|title=Ten Spain players in Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|date=2 July 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}}
= 2014 World Cup qualifying and 2013 Confederations Cup =
On 26 March 2013, in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Malta, Buffon earned his 126th cap for Italy, equalling Paolo Maldini's number of caps for the national team. In the same match, Buffon saved a penalty from Michael Mifsud, helping Italy to a 2–0 away win.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Nazionale/26-03-2013/italia-malta-prandelli-balotelli-92683089905.shtml|title=Malta-Italia: 0–2|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=26 March 2013|access-date=19 August 2013}}
Buffon was included in the Italian squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil and played in every match of the tournament as captain.{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/it/204/36469/2013/06/News.shtml|title=Inviata alla FIFA la lista per la Confederations Cup: c'è anche Barzagli|trans-title=Confederations Cup list submitted to FIFA: Barzagli is also included|publisher=FIGC|language=it|date=3 June 2013|access-date=4 May 2015}} Italy progressed to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time, where they faced Spain, a rematch of the Euro 2012 final. After a 0–0 draw, Italy lost 7–6 in the resulting penalty shootout; neither Buffon or Spanish counterpart Iker Casillas were able to stop a penalty in the shootout; the lone miss, by Leonardo Bonucci, was hit over bar.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=255207/match=300222468/summary.html |title=Spain edge dramatic shootout to reach Final |publisher=FIFA |date=27 June 2013 |access-date=4 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418233757/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round%3D255207/match%3D300222468/summary.html |archive-date=18 April 2015}} In the third-place match, Italy defeated Uruguay 3–2 in the penalty shootout after a 2–2 deadlock following extra time; Buffon saved three penalties from Diego Forlán, Juventus teammate Martín Cáceres and Walter Gargano.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=255209/match=300222463/summary.html |title=Buffon stars as Italy win shootout & bronze |publisher=FIFA.com |date=30 June 2013 |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709035458/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round%3D255209/match%3D300222463/summary.html |archive-date= 9 July 2014}}
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against the Czech Republic, at Juventus Stadium in Turin on 10 September 2013, Buffon equalled Cannavaro as the Italy national team record appearance holder, with 136 caps. Italy won the match 2–1, allowing them to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil top of their group, with two games at hand; this was the first time that the Italian squad had done so.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/39341/del-piero-marks-buffon-record|title=Del Piero marks Buffon record|date=10 September 2013 |publisher=Football Italia|access-date=10 September 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Nazionale/10-09-2013/italia-rep-ceca-2-1-gol-kozak-chiellini-balotelli-rigore-azzurri-qualificati-201136157738.shtml|title=Italia-Rep. Ceca 2–1: gol di Kozak, Chiellini e Balotelli su rigore. Azzurri qualificati|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=10 September 2013|access-date=10 September 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/10/gianluigi-buffon-depression-italy-record|title=Gianluigi Buffon: from depression to Italy's record books|work=The Guardian|author=Marcus Christenson|date=10 September 2013|access-date=10 September 2013}} On 11 October 2013, in a 2–2 World Cup qualifier draw against Denmark, Buffon surpassed Cannavaro, becoming the sole record appearance holder for Italy, with 137.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/92560/denmark-vs-italy/play-by-play|title=Denmark vs. Italy: 2–2|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=11 October 2013}} On 2 January 2014, Buffon was awarded the 2013 Pallone Azzurro award, which is given to the Italy national side's best player of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/it/204/38553/2014/01/News.shtml|title=I tifosi della Nazionale premiano Buffon con il 'Pallone Azzurro' 2013|trans-title=Italian National Team fans award Buffon with the 2013 "Pallone Azzurro"|publisher=FIGC|language=it|date=2 January 2014|access-date=5 January 2014}}
= 2014 World Cup =
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|quote="Buffon is the Maradona of goalkeepers."|source=—Italy teammates on Buffon.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/ultimora/sport/CALCIO-AZZURRI-VIVIANO-BUFFON-E-IL-MARADONA-DEI-PORTIERI/news-dettaglio/3850903|title=CALCIO, AZZURRI; VIVIANO: BUFFON E' IL MARADONA DEI PORTIERI|trans-title=Football, Azzurri; Viviano: Buffon is the Maradona of Goalkeepers|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=10 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2011/settembre/03/Abbiati_Solo_Barca_Real_meglio_co_9_110903113.shtml|title=Abbiati: "Solo Barça e Real meglio di noi Il mio futuro? Vorrei allenare i portieri"|trans-title=Abbiati: "Only Barca and Real better than us My future? I'd like to coach goalkeepers"|website=corriere.it|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|last=Colombo|first=Monica|date=3 September 2011|access-date=10 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sportevai.it/calciomercato/calciomercato-juventus-cannavaro-buffon-maradona-dei-portieri/|title=Calciomercato Juventus, Cannavaro: "Buffon è il Maradona dei portieri"|trans-title=Juventus transfer-market, Cannavaro: "Buffon is the Maradona of Goalkeepers"|website=sportevai.it|language=it|last=Grandi|first=Stefano|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210213004/http://www.sportevai.it/calciomercato/calciomercato-juventus-cannavaro-buffon-maradona-dei-portieri/|archive-date=10 February 2015|url-status=dead}}}}
On 12 May, Buffon was named in Italy's 31-man preliminary World Cup squad by Cesare Prandelli,{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1977708-italy-world-cup-roster-2014-full-30-man-squad-and-starting-11-projections|title=Italy World Cup Roster 2014: Full 30-Man Squad and Starting 11 Projections|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=19 May 2014}} and on 31 May, he was named the starting goalkeeper and captain in the final squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27402363|title=World Cup 2014: Italy omit Giuseppe Rossi from final squad|work=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2014|access-date=15 June 2014}} Italy were placed in Group D, in the so-called "group of death", with Costa Rica, England and Uruguay.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/englands-world-cup-rivals-italy-2899762|title=England's World Cup rivals Italy livid they are in Group of Death that also includes Uruguay|date=6 December 2013 |publisher=The Mirror|access-date=26 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/groups/group=255939/analysis.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413011907/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/groups/group=255939/analysis.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2014|title=Group D: Tough tests in group of champions|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=17 August 2014}} Buffon became the third player to be part of five World Cup squads, tying the records held by Mexican goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal and German footballer Lothar Matthäus.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/italys-buffon-ties-record-5th-world-cup-24076388|title=Italy's Buffon Ties Record at His 5th World Cup|work=ABC News|author=Dampf, Andrew|date=10 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014}} Due to an ankle injury suffered in training, Buffon was not selected to start in Italy's first match of the World Cup against England on 14 June 2014.{{cite web|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-buffon-doubtful-azzurri-054215653--sow.html|title=World Cup – Buffon out of England game, could miss tournament|work=Yahoo Eurosport UK |publisher=Eurosport|access-date=14 June 2014}}
In Italy's next group match, which ended in a 1–0 loss to Costa Rica, he captained his national side for the first time at a World Cup, the fourth World Cup in which he appeared.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/world-cup-2014/2014-fifa-world-cup-italy-costa-rica-balotelli-pirlo-buffon/|title=Costa Rica advances at World Cup; England out|publisher=www.sportsnet.ca|date=20 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014}} In Italy's final group game against Uruguay, Buffon saved shots from Luis Suárez and Nicolás Lodeiro, as Italy were reduced to ten men following Claudio Marchisio's controversial red card. Buffon was eventually beaten in the 81st minute by a Diego Godín header, moments after Luis Suárez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/305760/report|title=AdTech Ad World Cup: Luis Suarez mired in another biting controversy as Uruguay beat Italy|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=26 June 2014}} Buffon was voted man of the match for his performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186465/man-of-the-match.html#nosticky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611001455/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186465/man-of-the-match.html#nosticky|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2014|title=Italy vs. Uruguay: 0–1 – Man of the Match – Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=26 June 2014}} Italy finished in third place in their group, and were eliminated in the group stage for a second consecutive World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jun/25/zico-italy-andrea-pirlo-world-cup-2014|title=Zico: Italy pay price for over-reliance on Andrea Pirlo and must rebuild|work=The Guardian|date=25 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014}}
= Euro 2016 =
Buffon made his first appearance for Italy under new manager Antonio Conte on 9 September 2014, captaining his team in their opening European Championship qualifying match against Norway in Oslo. He kept a clean sheet as Italy won the match 2–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/trsport/tempo-reale/Gara.shtml?match_config=747474&comp=235&day=1&anno=112016|title=Norvegia-Italia (0–2)|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=9 September 2014|access-date=9 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/09-09-2014/euro-2016-qualificazioni-norvegia-italia-0-2-gol-zaza-bonucci-90400337147.shtml|title=Euro 2016, qualificazioni. Norvegia-Italia 0–2. Gol di Zaza e Bonucci|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=9 September 2014|access-date=9 September 2014}} On 12 June 2015, Buffon became the first player to appear in 50 UEFA competitive international matches in Italy's 1–1 away draw against Croatia in a European qualifying match. Buffon saved an early Mario Mandžukić penalty, but was taken off at half time due to injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0253-0d80004a775b-af699a7db526-1000--buffon-first-to-50-uefa-euro-appearances/|title=Buffon first to 50 UEFA EURO appearances|publisher=UEFA|date=12 June 2015|access-date=12 June 2015}} He made his 150th appearance for Italy on 6 September 2015, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 home win over Bulgaria, his 62nd clean sheet at the international level.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/72660/buffon-150-caps-and-clean-sheet|title=Buffon: '150 caps and a clean sheet'|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 September 2015|access-date=8 September 2015}}
After the Euro qualification, Buffon stated that Euro 2016 would be the final European Championship of his career,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d8162a66151-ee605a781345-1000--buffon-zen-and-the-art-of-footballing-longevity/|title=Buffon: Zen and the art of footballing longevity|publisher=UEFA|date=29 May 2016|access-date=1 June 2016}} but expressed his intentions to retire only after the 2018 World Cup, which would see him play up to the age of 40.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/78911/buffon-%E2%80%98retirement-2018%E2%80%99|title=Buffon: 'Retirement in 2018'|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 January 2016|access-date=25 January 2016}} On 31 May 2016, Buffon was named the captain of Conte's 23-man Italy squad for Euro 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/85206/official-italy-squad-euro-2016|title=OFFICIAL: Italy squad for Euro 2016|publisher=Football Italia|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}} In Italy's first game of the tournament on 13 June, Buffon kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Belgium.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2017953--belgium-vs-italy/|title=UEFA Euro 2016 – Belgium-Italy|publisher=UEFA|date=13 June 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} This was Buffon's 14th appearance at the European Championships, making him Italy's out-right most capped player of all time in the tournament, after overtaking Maldini, Del Piero and Cassano; with his fourth tournament appearance, he also equalled Del Piero for the most UEFA European Championships played in by an Italian player.{{cite web|url=http://www.datasport.it/calcio/euro-2016/euro-2016-belgio-italia-5-motivi-per-non-perdersela.htm|title=Euro 2016, Belgio-Italia: 5 motivi per non perdersela|publisher=Datasport.it|language=it|author1=Massimo Fiandrino|date=13 June 2016|access-date=14 June 2016}} He kept another clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Sweden in Italy's second group fixture on 17 June, which allowed his nation to top the group and advance to the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/jun/17/italy-v-sweden-euro-2016-live|title=Italy 1 – 0 Sweden|work=The Guardian|author1=Rob Smyth|date=17 June 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}} Due to fever, Buffon was rested in Italy's final group match.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/italy/story/2899531/gianluigi-buffon-set-to-be-among-italy-changes-vs-ireland-at-euro-2016|title=Gianluigi Buffon set to be among Italy changes vs. Ireland at Euro 2016|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Selene Scarsi|date=22 June 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/22/republic-of-ireland-vs-italy-euro-2016-live/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/22/republic-of-ireland-vs-italy-euro-2016-live/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0, Euro 2016: Late Robbie Brady goal sends delirious Irish into Round of 16|publisher=The Telegraph|author1=Luke Brown|date=22 June 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}}{{cbignore}} He returned to the starting line-up for Italy's round of 16 fixture against Spain on 27 June, making a crucial injury time save on Gerard Piqué to earn his third consecutive clean sheet of the tournament, as Italy avenged their Euro 2012 final defeat with a 2–0 victory over the defending champions.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/jun/27/italy-v-spain-euro-2016-live|title=Italy 2–0 Spain|work=The Guardian|author1=Rob Smyth|date=27 June 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}} After a 1–1 draw following extra time in Italy's quarter-final fixture against Germany on 2 July, Buffon saved one penalty in the resulting shootout, although the reigning World Cup champions would ultimately emerge victorious following a 6–5 shootout loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/jul/02/germany-italy-euro-2016-live|title=Germany 1–1 Italy|work=The Guardian|author1=Rob Smyth|date=2 July 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}} His one on one save to deny Mario Gómez in regulation time was later nominated for the UEFA Save of the Season Award,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/video/022f-0e677350f0e7-196c81189ac1-1000--neuer-buffon-lloris-what-was-your-save-of-the-season/|title=Neuer, Buffon, Lloris? What was your save of the season?|publisher=UEFA|date=25 July 2016|access-date=26 July 2016}} later coming in third.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/save-of-the-season/result/index.html|title=Király keeps De Bruyne at bay|publisher=UEFA|access-date=10 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828022128/http://www.uefa.com/save-of-the-season/result/index.html|archive-date=28 August 2016}}
= 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, retirement and brief return =
File:Gianluigi Buffon BGR-ITA 2012.jpg
On 6 October 2016, Buffon made his 164th appearance for Italy in a 1–1 draw against Spain in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Turin, under manager Gian Piero Ventura, making him the joint eighth-most capped international player of all time with Cobi Jones, and the second-most capped active international player, behind only Iker Casillas.{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/qualificazioni-mondiali-europa/2018/gigi-buffon-l-uomo-dei-record-con-164-presenze-in-nazionale-e-l-8-di-sempre_sto5894740/story.shtml|title=Gigi Buffon, l'uomo dei record: con 164 presenze in Nazionale è l'8° di sempre!|publisher=Eurosport.com|author1=Francesco Cisternino|language=it|date=6 October 2016|access-date=2 November 2016}} On 15 November 2016, Buffon won his 167th Italy cap in their friendly 0–0 draw in Milan against Germany, equalling the European international appearance record jointly held by Iker Casillas and Vitālijs Astafjevs, and making him the most capped active international player in the world alongside Casillas.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/023f-0e9797c3479b-bdb6067609d3-1000--europe-s-most-capped-men-s-international-players-cristiano/|title=Buffon equals Casillas's European caps record|publisher=UEFA|date=15 November 2016}} On 1 January 2017, Buffon was awarded the 2016 Pallone Azzurro Award, as Italy's best international player throughout the calendar year, becoming the first player to win the award more than once. On 24 March, Buffon made his 1,000th career appearance, keeping a clean sheet (his 426th overall for club and country) in a 2–0 home over Albania in a World Cup qualifier, becoming the 18th player to reach this milestone; in the process, he also became the sole most capped European player at international level, with his 168th appearance for Italy, and the joint fifth-most capped male international footballer of all time, alongside Iván Hurtado.{{cite web|url=http://sport.sky.it/calcio/nazionale/2017/03/20/italia-prove-di-formazione-anti-albania-11-schierato-da-ventura.html|title=Italia, prove di 4–2–4. Belotti-Immobile in avanti|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=20 March 2017|access-date=25 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39330100|title=Italy 2–0 Albania|publisher=BBC|date=24 March 2017|access-date=25 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=3/news=buffon-plays-1-000th-professional-match-2877185.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325013607/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=3/news=buffon-plays-1-000th-professional-match-2877185.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 March 2017|title=Buffon plays 1,000th professional match|publisher=FIFA.com|date=24 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.beinsports.com/us/world-cup-qualifiers/news/italy-beat-albania-on-gianluigi-buffons-1000t/491420|title=ITALY BEAT ALBANIA ON GIANLUIGI BUFFON'S 1,000TH APPEARANCE|publisher=beIN Sports|date=24 March 2017|access-date=25 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/3087608/gianluigi-buffon-still-wants-the-champions-league-and-still-going-strong-after-1000-games|title=Gianluigi Buffon is far from finished after 1,000 games between the posts|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=James Horncastle|date=23 March 2017|access-date=27 March 2017}}
On 2 September, Buffon made his 170th international appearance in a 3–0 away defeat to Spain in a World Cup qualifier;{{cite web|author1=Matthew Santangelo|title=Don't blame Buffon|url=http://www.football-italia.net/109535/dont-blame-buffon|publisher=Football Italia|access-date=8 November 2017|date=8 September 2017}} he later extended his European international appearance record with his 172nd appearance for Italy on 6 October, in a 1–1 home draw against Macedonia in a 2018 World Cup qualifier, making him the fourth-most capped male international footballer of all time, ahead of Egyptian striker Hossam Hassan (169), and behind only Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Hassan (184), Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea (178), and Mexican defender Claudio Suárez (177).{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/10/06/59d7dfd7e2704e6c078b461a.html|title=Buffon breaks into top four for international appearances|publisher=Marca|author1=Elia Di Marzio|author2=Sam Leveridge|date=6 October 2017|access-date=6 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/italy-1-macedonia-1-azzurri-fail-clinch-play-spot-disappointing-draw|title=Italy 1 Macedonia 1: Azzurri fail to clinch play-off spot with disappointing draw|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=6 October 2017|access-date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007003928/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/italy-1-macedonia-1-azzurri-fail-clinch-play-spot-disappointing-draw|archive-date=7 October 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/08-11-2017/italia-buffon-ci-qualifichiamo-20-anni-fa-avrei-detto-si-ora-230466576026.shtml|title=Italia, Buffon sfida anche la Storia: "Se vinciamo sono leggenda"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Massimo Cecchini|date=8 November 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}}
Buffon's 175th international appearance came on 13 November, in the second leg of the World Cup play-offs against Sweden, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. Although he kept a clean sheet in the 0–0 draw, Italy's 1–0 away loss in the first leg on 10 November saw Sweden advance on aggregate, meaning that Italy had failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. Although he had originally intended to retire after competing in the 2018 World Cup, following the match and Italy's failure to qualify the tournament, an emotional and tearful Buffon communicated his retirement from international football, stating: "I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes. There is certainly a future for Italian football, as we have pride, ability, determination and after bad tumbles, we always find a way to get back on our feet."
He later confirmed his international retirement on social media, tweeting from the national team's official account: "We are proud, we are strong, we are stubborn. We will pick ourselves up as we have always done. I am leaving a national team set-up that will know how to pick itself up again. Best wishes to everybody, and especially to those with whom I have shared this beautiful journey."{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/italy-sweden-2018-world-cup-gigi-buffon-tears-tearful-retirement-captain-team-video-stream-a8053286.html|title=Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon announces his international retirement after draw with Sweden ends 2018 World Cup dream|work=The Independent|author1=Luke Brown|date=13 November 2017|access-date=13 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/112772/ignominious-italy-out-world-cup|title=Ignominious Italy out of World Cup|publisher=Football Italia|date=13 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d82065495c4-bf026037afdd-1000--capitani-azzurri-buffon-davanti-a-tutti/|title=Capitani azzurri: Buffon eguaglia Cannavaro|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=14 November 2017|access-date=15 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/nov/17/gianluigi-buffon-italy-goalkeeper-fury-urchin-world-cup|title=Wild-eyed fury, urchin's grin, sheer dynamism – Gianluigi Buffon had it all|work=The Guardian|author=Richard Williams|date=17 November 2017|access-date=20 November 2017}} After winning the Serie A Footballer of the Year Award later that month, Buffon hinted that he could possibly play for Italy again, stating: "I took a break from the national team. I'm of a certain age, so it's right for me to take a pause. With the way I am though, both for Juventus and for the national team I have always considered myself a soldier, so I could never desert a possible call in the future if needed. Even at 60, if there were a total absence of goalkeepers and they asked me to come back, I'd be there, because I have in me the concept of nation."{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/i-could-never-desert-a-possible-call-buffon-open-italy-return#5iUM0LYMOVWJdVYL.99|title=I could never desert a possible call – Buffon open to Italy return|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=27 November 2017|access-date=12 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/gianluigi-buffon-juventus-news-italy-retirement-return-world-cup-2018-russia-a8079946.html|title=Gianluigi Buffon leaves door open to Italy return despite retirement|work=The Independent|author1=Jack Austin|date=28 November 2017|access-date=12 December 2017}}
On 17 March 2018, despite Buffon's initial decision to retire, he was called up for Italy's March friendlies against Argentina and England by caretaker manager Luigi Di Biagio.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/118644/italy-squad-argentina-and-england|title=Italy squad for Argentina and England - Football Italia|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 March 2018|access-date=17 March 2018}} When asked why he had accepted a call-up after initially announcing his international retirement, he responded: "I'm a consistent person, who feels a great sense of responsibility, that alone is enough to explain my presence. In addition, I've always been an unifying element in the national set-up, and I'd like my presence to be seen in this way. The young lads will grow, some already have, and from tomorrow they'll get their chance,"{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/118732/buffon-here-two-reasons|title=Buffon: Here for two reasons...|publisher=Football Italia|date=19 March 2018|access-date=19 March 2018}} and "I am here for Astori [a former international teammate of Buffon's who had recently died from a heart attack] as well, it's another reason why I wanted to be here."{{Cite news|url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/03/19/football/1521465987_622815.html|title=Buffon cites Astori among reasons for Italy return|last=AS|first=Diario|date=19 March 2018|work=AS.com|access-date=9 October 2018}} On 23 March, Buffon started in goal for Italy for the 176th time, in a friendly against Argentina, and also surpassed Cannavaro to become the record appearance holder as Italy captain, with 80; Italy were defeated by Argentina 2–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/118934/italy-argentina-defeat-new-azzurri|title=Italy: Argentina defeat new Azzurri|publisher=Football Italia|date=23 March 2018}} On 17 May 2018, Buffon announced in a press conference with Juventus that he would not return to the national team for its May and June friendlies.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121496/buffon-ends-italy-career|title=Buffon ends Italy career|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/buffon-lascia-la-nazionale-non-ho-bisogno-di-ulteriori-celebrazioni-1112380|title=Buffon lascia la Nazionale: "Non ho bisogno di ulteriori celebrazioni"|publisher=tuttomercatoweb.com|date=17 May 2018|language=it}}
Player profile
= Style of play and reception =
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="The best goalkeeper I have ever faced was Buffon. When I was at Juventus, it was already difficult to get past Cannavaro and Thuram in defence during training sessions. If I managed to get past them, then I would find Buffon, and it was almost impossible to beat him!"|source=—Zlatan Ibrahimović.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Ligue-1/05-06-2014/ibrahimovic-ronaldo-fenomeno-non-ci-sara-mai-giocatore-migliore-lui-80846175186.shtml|title=Ibrahimovic: "Ronaldo il Fenomeno, non ci sarà mai un giocatore migliore di lui".|publisher=La Gazetta Dello Sport|language=it|date=5 June 2014|access-date=29 September 2014}}}}
Since his emergence as a precocious talent in his youth, Buffon was renowned for his consistent performances throughout his career, and received praise from managers, players, as well as both present and former goalkeeping colleagues, for his concentration and calm composure under pressure, as well as his work-rate, and longevity.{{#tag:ref|See{{cite web|url=http://gazzettaworld.gazzetta.it/news/serie-a/juventus/anatomy-goalkeeper-buffon-best/|title=Anatomy of a goalkeeper: What makes Buffon the best|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|date=18 September 2015|access-date=26 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/goalkeeper-gianluigi-buffon-is-still-saving-italy-1465743382|title=Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon Is Still Saving Italy|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|author1=Joshua Robinson|date=12 June 2016 |access-date=23 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11946/9846537/iker-casillas-versus-gianluigi-buffon-which-one-is-the-better-goalkeeper|title=Iker Casillas versus Gianluigi Buffon: Which one is the better goalkeeper?|publisher=Sky Sports |author=Adam Bate|date=13 May 2015|access-date=27 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/1839716/trendsetting-goalkeepers-buffon-casillas-keep-it-legendary|title=Trendsetters Buffon, Casillas keep it legendary|publisher=ESPN FC |author=Michael Cox|date=25 June 2013|access-date=22 May 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1858000/1858449.stm|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2002 |access-date=4 June 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.org/news/newsid=949435.html|title=Casillas names his top ten No1s |publisher=UEFA.org |author=Guillem Balagué|date=5 February 2010|access-date=27 March 2017|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195704/http://www.uefa.org/news/newsid=949435.html|url-status=dead}}|name="style1"|group="nb"}} Regarded as one of the best players ever in his position, he was often considered to be the archetype of the modern goalkeeper, and has been cited by many other subsequent goalkeepers as a major influence and role model.{{cite web |url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2011/12/italys-best-ever-goalkeeper-dino-zoff-or-gianluigi-buffon/|title=Italy's Best Ever Goalkeeper: Dino Zoff or Gianluigi Buffon?|website=forzaitalianfootball.com|date=10 December 2011 |access-date=23 May 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-premier-league/story/3135816/the-most-expensive-goalkeepers-in-world-football-before-ederson-moraes|title=The most expensive goalkeepers in world football before Ederson Moraes|publisher=ESPN FC|date=1 June 2017|access-date=3 October 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/jan-oblak-exclusive-sure-numbers-mine-arent-normal-modern-football |title=Jan Oblak exclusive: "For sure, numbers like mine aren't normal in modern football..." |publisher=FourFourTwo |last=Flanagan |first=Chris |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=18 June 2020}} He was described as "an agile, strong, and commanding shot-stopper, who is hugely experienced at the highest level" and "an accomplished and well respected keeper"{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/12947/gianluigi-buffon|title=Gianluigi Buffon Player Profile, Bio and Career Stats |work=ESPN FC|access-date=19 August 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/euro-2012/girone-c/italia/gianluigi-buffon.shtml |title=GIANLUIGI BUFFON – Italia – Euro 2012|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|website=corriere.it|language=it|access-date=21 October 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/articles/2006/07/08/nobodys_fool_little_getting_past_buffon/?page=full|title=Nobody's fool: Little getting past Buffon
|publisher=The Boston Globe|author=Frank Dell'Apa|date=8 July 2006|access-date=1 February 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/9367049/Euro-2012-I-look-up-to-Italy-goalkeeper-Gianluigi-Buffon-reveals-Spains-No-1-Iker-Casillas.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/9367049/Euro-2012-I-look-up-to-Italy-goalkeeper-Gianluigi-Buffon-reveals-Spains-No-1-Iker-Casillas.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Euro 2012: I look up to Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, reveals Spain's No 1 Iker Casillas|publisher=The Telegraph|author=Henry Winter|date=30 June 2012|access-date=14 March 2017}}{{cbignore}} with an "[e]xcellent positional sense, courage, power and class".{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/teams/first-team/goalkeepers/gianluigi-buffon/index.php|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Player Profile|publisher=Juventus FC|access-date=26 December 2012}}
Buffon was praised for his athleticism, his "outstanding shot-stopping",{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-euro-italy-penpix-idUSBRE85T0CR20120630 |title=Italy Penpix|date=30 June 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=1 July 2012}} his acrobatic dives, and his quick reflexes,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportqa.com/record-breaking-reflexes-of-Gianluigi-Buffon-a14620|title=record breaking reflexes of Gianluigi Buffon|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707062341/http://www.sportqa.com/record-breaking-reflexes-of-Gianluigi-Buffon-a14620|url-status=dead}} as well as his ability to produce decisive saves,{{cite web| url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Rubriche/CalcioEstero/Primo_Piano/2007/02_Febbraio/07/MAGNIFICI20.shtml|title=Chi è il più forte del mondo?|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Riccardo Pratesi|date=7 February 2007|access-date=9 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808040825/http://www.gazzetta.it/Rubriche/CalcioEstero/Primo_Piano/2007/02_Febbraio/07/MAGNIFICI20.shtml|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/italy-euro-2016-uefa-conte-buffon-giovinco-insigne-bonucci/ |title=Will Italy regret snubbing Giovinco for Euro 2016?|publisher=Sportsnet|author=John Molinaro|date=2 June 2016|access-date=18 March 2017}} despite being a tall, large and physically imposing goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=http://temi.repubblica.it/laprovinciapavese-europei2008/2008/05/23/gianluigi-buffon/|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=23 May 2008|access-date=29 September 2014}} Although he at times was criticised for not being particularly adept at stopping penalties,{{cite web |url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/confederations_cup/2013/06/30-266639/Buffon%3A+%C2%ABNon+paro+i++rigori%3F+Critiche+umilianti+per+me%C2%BB|title=Buffon: "Non paro i rigori? Critiche umilianti per me"|publisher=Tutto Sport|language=it|date=30 June 2013|access-date=21 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110735/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/confederations_cup/2013/06/30-266639/Buffon:+%C2%ABNon+paro+i++rigori%3F+Critiche+umilianti+per+me%C2%BB|archive-date=4 March 2016}} he was also proven to be effective in this area, as demonstrated by his penalty-saving record;{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2014/09/29-307793/Buffon,+hai+ragione+tu%3A+sei+anche+un+pararigori|title=Buffon, hai ragione tu: sei anche un pararigori|trans-title=Buffon, you're right: you are also a penalty-saving specialist|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|author=Alessandro Baretti|date=29 September 2014|access-date=20 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703162525/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2014/09/29-307793/Buffon,+hai+ragione+tu%3A+sei+anche+un+pararigori|archive-date=3 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/revealed-buffon-s-29-penalty-saves-12135|title=REVEALED Buffon's 29 penalty saves|publisher=CalcioMercato.com|date=19 October 2016|access-date=21 October 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/italy/players_to_watch/default.stm |title=Gianluigi Buffon |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 May 2004 |access-date=18 May 2020}} with sixteen saves, he has stopped the joint-fifth-highest number of penalties in Serie A history, alongside Giuseppe Moro.{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2020/01/12/handanovic-rigori-parati-serie-a-classifica|title=Handanovic come Pagliuca, la classifica dei migliori pararigori della storia della Serie A|publisher=sport.sky.it|language=it|date=12 January 2020}}
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="There have been some very good goalkeepers in my era, but Buffon is there for consistency. Most of the goalkeepers have had times when their form has not been so good, but Buffon has been at such a high level for so long."|source=—Ronaldinho on choosing Buffon as the goalkeeper in his all-time top XI.{{cite web |url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/champions_league/photogallery/2015/03/06/top_11_champions_ronaldinho.html#1|title=Ronaldinho sceglie la sua top 11: ci sono Maldini e Buffon|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=6 March 2015|access-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312080834/http://sport.sky.it/sport/champions_league/photogallery/2015/03/06/top_11_champions_ronaldinho.html#1|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ronaldinho-ream-xi-john-terry-frank-lampard-and-claude-makelele-are-in-as-former-barcelona-superstar-10091010.html |title=Ronaldinho dream XI: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele are in as former Barcelona superstar names ideal side |work=The Independent |last=Sheen |first=Tom |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223170302/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ronaldinho-ream-xi-john-terry-frank-lampard-and-claude-makelele-are-former-barcelona-superstar-names-ideal-side-10091010.html |url-status=dead}}}}
File:Gianluigi Buffon Euro 2012 vs England 02.JPG
In his prime, Buffon was a talented, complete, brave, aggressive, and often instinctive and frenetic goalkeeper, who was recognised for his speed, prowess, and anticipation when coming off his line in one on one situations, as well as his confidence, goalkeeping technique, reactions, and ability to get to ground quickly to collect, parry, or even challenge for the ball with his feet; when playing in teams that relied upon high defensive lines and a zonal marking system, he often functioned as a sweeper-keeper, frequently rushing out of his area to clear the ball or face opponents who had beaten the offside trap.{{#tag:ref|See{{cite web|url=http://www.ilnumero1.it/intervista-a-buffon-troppi-rischi-non-esco-piu/|title=Intervista a Buffon: "Troppi rischi: non esco più!|publisher=ilnumero1.it|language=it|date=28 December 2013|access-date=22 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/12901|title=Zoff or Buffon – who is No 1? – Football Italia|publisher=Football Italia|author=Giancarlo Rinaldi|date=16 November 2011|access-date=16 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2007/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-7a/fiorentina-juventus/fiorentina-juventus.html?refresh_ce|title=Pari con polemiche tra Fiorentina e Juventus|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=7 October 2007|access-date=23 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.beinsports.com/us/uefa-euro-2016/news/gianluigi-buffon-the-tactical-goalkeeper/279099|title=Gianluigi Buffon: The Tactical Goalkeeper|publisher=beINSports.com|author1=Richard Hall|date=14 June 2016|access-date=23 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/01/29/the-top-20-best-goalkeepers-in-the-world/buffon-pulls-off-a-save-in-the-champions-league-final1/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/01/29/the-top-20-best-goalkeepers-in-the-world/buffon-pulls-off-a-save-in-the-champions-league-final1/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The top 20 best goalkeepers in the world|publisher=The Telegraph|date=19 October 2016|access-date=4 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/gianluigi-buffon_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|title=Buffon, Gianluigi|publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport (2002)|author1=Alberto Polverosi|language=it|access-date=16 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://ilportiere.com/news/william-vecchi-ho-allenato-dida-e-buffon-sono-incredibili.html|title=William Vecchi: 'Ho allenato Dida e Buffon: sono incredibili'|trans-title=William Vecchi: "I trained Dida and Buffon: they're incredible"|work=ilportiere.com|language=it|date=2 December 2004|access-date=16 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916123402/http://ilportiere.com/news/william-vecchi-ho-allenato-dida-e-buffon-sono-incredibili.html|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/27/gianluigi-buffons-eternal-quest-champions-league-glory-makes/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/27/gianluigi-buffons-eternal-quest-champions-league-glory-makes/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Gianluigi Buffon's eternal quest for Champions League glory makes Juventus the neutral's choice against Real Madrid|publisher=The Telegraph|author1=Jonathan Liew|date=27 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/ottobre/15/Toldo_Buffon_meraviglie_ga_0_9910153142.shtml|title=Toldo-Buffon, le 20 meraviglie|trans-title=Toldo-Buffon, the 20 wonders|author1=Luca Calamai|author2=Andrea Schianchi|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|date=15 October 1999|access-date=7 July 2016|language=it}}{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/en/2015/09/29/en/football/international_football/1443544608.html|title=Buffon: "I would've liked to have played in the Premiership"|publisher=Marca|author1=Juan Castro|date=29 September 2015|access-date=24 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2005/settembre/03/Uno_tutti_sw_0_0509031892.shtml |title=Uno su tutti |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Iacopo Iandiorio |date=3 September 2005 |access-date=30 May 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ilnumero1.it/levoluzione-dei-numeri-1/ |title=Il ruolo del portiere: L'evoluzione dei numeri 1 |publisher=www.ilnumero1.it |language=it |author1=Alberto Polverosi |date=30 August 2017 |access-date=22 September 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2007/m=11/news=who-the-world-best-keeper-630581.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216103527/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2007/m=11/news=who-the-world-best-keeper-630581.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 February 2018 |title=Who is the world's best keeper? |publisher=FIFA.com |date=6 November 2007 |access-date=11 November 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/gianluigi-buffon-has-a-few-things-tell-you-about-goalkeeping-and-life |title=Gianluigi Buffon has a few things to tell you about goalkeeping – and life |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=6 March 2019 |access-date=17 May 2020}}|name="style2"|group="nb"}} He was also highly regarded for his handling, aerial ability, and command of the area on high balls;{{#tag:ref|See{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4375/editorials/2013/10/11/4326604/italy-record-breaker-buffon-may-go-down-as-the-greatest|title=Italy record-breaker Buffon may go down as the greatest goalkeeper in history|publisher=Goal.com|date=11 October 2013|access-date=10 December 2013|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224112041/http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4375/editorials/2013/10/11/4326604/italy-record-breaker-buffon-may-go-down-as-the-greatest|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ally-livingston/celtic-juventus_b_2679697.html|title=Fantastic Celtic, Feckless Refereeing but Fair Play to Juventus|work=The Huffington Post|date=14 February 2013|access-date=22 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/il-pagellone-dei-campioni/marchisio-top-player-matri-implacabile-buffon-presa-d-acciaio-128525|title=MARCHISIO TOP PLAYER, MATRI IMPLACABILE, BUFFON PRESA D'ACCIAIO|publisher=Tutto Juve|author=Paolo Mulas|language=it|date=12 February 2013|access-date=21 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/primo-piano/da-venti-anni-e-il-patrimonio-del-calcio-mondiale-semplicemente-gianluigi-buffon-248579|title=Da venti anni, è il patrimonio del calcio mondiale: semplicemente Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=it|author=Caterina Baffoni|date=14 August 2015|access-date=21 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cinquantamila.it/storyTellerArticolo.php?storyId=58d0df1a5c0dc|title=Buffon nell'Olimpo. Contro l'Albania Gigi sarà leggenda. Solo lui e Maldini nell'Italia dei mille|publisher=www.cinquantamila.it|language=it|author1=Valeria Benedetti|author2=Fabiana Della Valle|author3=Giorgio Dell'Arti|date=21 March 2017|access-date=19 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.laliga.es/en/news/kiko-casilla-for-a-goalkeeper-messi-and-cristiano-are-the-opponents-to-beat|title=Kiko Casilla: "For a goalkeeper, Messi and Cristiano are the opponents to beat"|publisher=La Liga|date=2 January 2015|access-date=25 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816020338/http://www.laliga.es/en/news/kiko-casilla-for-a-goalkeeper-messi-and-cristiano-are-the-opponents-to-beat|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}|name="style3"|group="nb"}} however, throughout his career, Buffon was occasionally accused by pundits of being overly cautious on crosses and of not always coming out to collect them,{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/10891055/World-Cup-2014-Italy-goalkeeper-Gianluigi-Buffon-still-standing-in-Englands-way-ahead-of-clash-in-Manaus.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/10891055/World-Cup-2014-Italy-goalkeeper-Gianluigi-Buffon-still-standing-in-Englands-way-ahead-of-clash-in-Manaus.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=World Cup 2014: Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon still standing in England's way ahead of clash in Manaus|website=telegraph.co.uk|publisher=The Telegraph|author1=Jeremy Wilson|date=10 June 2014|access-date=10 February 2015}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/04/gianluigi-buffon-goalkeeper-italy-captain|title=Gianluigi Buffon: a goalkeeper must be a masochist and egocentric|work=The Guardian|author1=James Horncastle|date=4 June 2014|access-date=30 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160208023838/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/04/gianluigi-buffon-goalkeeper-italy-captain|archive-date=8 February 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/2/serie-a/2013/12/27/4505265/non-sparate-sul-portiere-buffon-difende-il-ruolo-a-spada |title=Non sparate sul portiere, Buffon difende il ruolo a spada tratta: "Certe regole sono disumane" |website=Goal.com |language=it |date=27 December 2013 |access-date=4 September 2018}} and also drew criticism for preferring to punch the ball out to his teammates at times rather than holding on to it.{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/serie_a/juve/2013/12/27-345420/Buffon%3A+%C2%ABContro+i+portieri+regole+disumane%C2%BB|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160211000306/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/serie_a/juve/2013/12/27-345420/Buffon:+%C2%ABContro+i+portieri+regole+disumane%C2%BB|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2016|title=Buffon: "Contro i portieri regole disumane"|trans-title=Buffon: "Inhumane regulations against goalkeepers"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=27 December 2013|access-date=19 October 2016}}
Although not as adept with the ball at his feet as the newer generation of goalkeepers that emerged in his later career,{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/022a-0e9363834bc2-9c3db6790aef-1000--expert-view-gianluigi-buffon-v-manuel-neuer/|title=Expert view: Gianluigi Buffon v Manuel Neuer|publisher=UEFA|author1=Thomas Goldmann|author2=Alessandro Massimo|date=22 February 2016|access-date=23 October 2016}} Buffon also possessed good footwork, as well as reliable distribution, which enabled him to adapt to more contemporary systems requiring goalkeepers to play with their feet more frequently and be involved in the build-up of plays. His confidence in possession allowed him to play the ball out from the back on the ground to his defenders and start swift counter-attacks, as well as find his teammates further up the pitch or out on the wing with deeper kicks with his right foot. In his youth, his ball skills even occasionally led him to take on opponents, whenever he was put under pressure by on-running strikers.{{#tag:ref|See{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/82112/buffon-%E2%80%98neuer-not-original%E2%80%99|title=Buffon: 'Neuer not original'|publisher=Football Italia|date=31 March 2016|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2001/marzo/14/Buffon_Van_der_Sar_maestri_ga_0_0103144255.shtml|title=Buffon e Van der Sar maestri con i piedi|trans-title=Buffon and Van der Sar masters with their feet|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Matteo Dore|date=14 March 2001|access-date=23 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523225550/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2001/marzo/14/Buffon_Van_der_Sar_maestri_ga_0_0103144255.shtml|archive-date=23 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//1998/ottobre/07/Buffon_para_Pagliuca_Francia_avrei_ga_0_9810072664.shtml|title=Buffon para Pagliuca: "in Francia avrei potuto giocare io"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Nicola Cecere|date=7 October 1998|access-date=4 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/genoa/?action=read&idnet=cGlhbmV0YWdlbm9hMTg5My5uZXQtMzg0Njk|title=ESCLUSIVA PIANETAGENOA-Davide Micillo: "Perin? A tratti ricorda Zenga e Buffon"|publisher=tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|access-date=23 May 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2014/emil-audero-the-future-s-in-safe-hands.php|title=Emil Audero, the future's in safe hands|publisher=Juventus FC|date=21 October 2014|access-date=25 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/beginnings-massimiliano-allegris-juventus-193423684.html|title=New beginnings for Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus|publisher=Yahoo Sports|date=18 September 2014|access-date=14 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2001/02/19/super-buffon-ferma-il-brescia-poi-il.html|title=Super Buffon ferma il Brescia poi il Parma si sveglia e domina|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=EMILIO MARRESE|date=19 February 2001|access-date=28 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/championsleague/?action=read&idtmw=978639|title=Juve-Real, Julio Iglesias: "Perez e Butragueno a casa mia, speriamo di vincere"|publisher=Tutto Mercato|language=it|author1=Marco Frattino|date=3 June 2017|access-date=28 October 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/2/serie-a/2015/11/19/17489272/juventus-buffon-analizza-i-colleghi-cech-il-migliore-come|title=Juventus, Buffon analizza i colleghi: "Cech il migliore, come tecnico stimo Luis Enrique"|website=Goal.com|language=it|author=Luca Barbon|date=19 November 2015|access-date=4 November 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-sorrentino-il-segreto-di-buffon-i-piedi-e-il-lavoro-10444 |title=Juve, Sorrentino: 'Il segreto di Buffon? I piedi e il lavoro' |publisher=Calcio Mercato |language=it |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmetgates/2023/08/03/gianluigi-buffon-retires-as-the-greatest-goalkeeper-of-all-time/?sh=7ebb1bfe1b5c |title=Gianluigi Buffon Retires As The Greatest Goalkeeper Of All-Time |work=Forbes |last1=Gates |first1=Emmet |date=3 August 2023 |access-date=15 May 2024 }}|name="style4"|group="nb"}}
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Technically, with his feet, you wouldn't say he looks a natural. He's not a keeper like Marc-André ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo or Manuel Neuer. But his positioning is perfect. He's very deep. He never strays far from his line. That gives him an extra split second to see the ball, judge the flight, move his feet. And more often than not, he catches the ball. The other thing that stands out is his shape when diving. It's almost faultless. His arms and legs and body are all in sync. Everything is solid."|source=—Football coach, pundit and former Sunderland goalkeeper David Preece on Buffon.}}
After struggling with a series of injuries between 2008 and 2010,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/mar/01/salvatore-sirigu-palermo-italy-squad|title=Sirigu offers Buffon a glimpse of the future as Palermo beat Juventus|work=The Guardian|author=Nicky Bandini|date=1 March 2010|access-date=28 October 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/buffon-undergoes-back-operation-after-world-cup-injury/article1390192/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&|title=Buffon undergoes back operation after World Cup injury|publisher=The Globe and Mail|author1=Filippo Monteforte|date=5 July 2010|access-date=28 October 2017}} Buffon effectively adapted his style of goalkeeping to the physical effects of ageing, while also modifying his diet and training regime, and as a result, developed into a less spectacular, but more efficient, calm, and reflective goalkeeper;{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=3/news=nkono-i-m-honoured-to-be-buffon-s-inspiration-2771446.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402163034/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=3/news=nkono-i-m-honoured-to-be-buffon-s-inspiration-2771446.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2016|title=Nkono: I'm honoured to be Buffon's inspiration|publisher=FIFA|date=21 March 2016|access-date=19 October 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2003/novembre/29/Una_notte_portieri_volanti_ga_0_03112910607.shtml |title=Una notte da portieri volanti |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Francesco Bramardo |date=29 November 2003 |access-date=4 September 2018}} despite the loss of some of his physical strength, explosiveness, speed and mobility, he continued to excel at the highest level due to the consistency of his performances, as well as his positioning between the posts, tactical intelligence, decision-making, and his ability to read the game and organise his defence.{{#tag:ref|See|name="style5"|group="nb"}} In contrast with his goalkeeping style in his early career, Buffon often preferred to position himself in deeper areas closer to his line in his later career, particularly in one-on-one situations, in order to increase the distance between himself and his opponent, giving himself more time to assess situations and parry the ball.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilnumero1.it/intervista-a-sarti-yashin-e-buffon-sono-i-piu-grandi-della-storia/|title=Intervista a Sarti: "Yashin e Buffon sono i più grandi della storia"|publisher=ilnumero1.it|language=it|date=29 December 2013|access-date=6 June 2017}} In addition to his goalkeeping abilities, Buffon was singled out for his charisma, strong mentality, discipline in training, vocal presence in goal, and leadership,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/18876/buffon-leader-says-pagliuca|title=Buffon a leader, says Pagliuca|publisher=Football Italia|date=16 May 2012|access-date=12 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1289056-perfect-player-series-building-a-flawless-goalkeeper|title=Perfect player series: Building a flawless goalkeeper|publisher=The Score|author1=Gianluca Nesci|date=24 July 2017|access-date=17 January 2018}} and was described as "a key dressing room personality".
= Legacy =
Buffon is widely regarded by players, pundits and managers as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time,{{#tag:ref|See{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/29/leonardo-bonucci-spotlight-inter-juventus-serie-a|title=Leonardo Bonucci in the spotlight as Inter cannot stop remarkable Juventus|work=The Guardian|author=Nicky Bandini|date=29 February 2016|access-date=21 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834065/gianluigi-buffon-breaks-serie-a-record-as-juve-beat-torino|title=Gianluigi Buffon breaks Serie A record as Juventus ease past Torino|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Mina Rzouki|date=20 March 2016|access-date=21 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160321212315/http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834065/gianluigi-buffon-breaks-serie-a-record-as-juve-beat-torino|archive-date=21 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/5/26/1487920/gianluigi-buffon-2010-world-cup-player-profile|title=2010 World Cup Player Profile: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy's Superman|website=sbnation.com|date=26 May 2010|access-date=4 January 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7e1a168688-03e0c3289645-1000--casillas-and-buffon-go-head-to-head/|title=Casillas and Buffon go head to head|date=30 June 2012|publisher=UEFA|access-date=4 January 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/02/05/best.goalkeepers/index.html?eref=rss_latest|title=The best goalkeepers of all time|publisher=CNN|author1=Neale Graham|date=9 February 2009|access-date=26 November 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2009/01/19/1068102/gianluigi-buffon-number-one-in-goalkeeper-rankings |title=Gianluigi Buffon Number One in Goalkeeper Rankings |website=Goal.com |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=13 June 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/14/gianluigi-buffon-juventus-italy-world-cup-champions-league-barca|title=Gianluigi Buffon still the godfather in gloves as he gets set for date with destiny|work=The Guardian|author1=Amy Lawrence|date=14 May 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611142736/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/14/gianluigi-buffon-juventus-italy-world-cup-champions-league-barca|archive-date=11 June 2015}}|name="greatest-gks"|group="nb"}} and by some in the sport as the greatest ever.{{#tag:ref|See{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=2174295.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030001749/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=2174295.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 October 2014|title=Buffon hailed after 500th Juventus appearance|website=UEFA|author=Roberta Radaelli|date=29 October 2014|access-date=30 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12961/10070777/20-years-of-buffon|title=Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates 20 years since debut|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/72707/trezeguet-%E2%80%98buffon-best-ever%E2%80%99|title=Trezeguet: 'Buffon the best ever'|publisher=Football Italia|date=8 December 2015|access-date=10 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/79771/buffon-voted-greatest-keeper|title=Buffon voted greatest 'keeper|publisher=Football Italia|date=12 February 2016|access-date=12 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/juventus/story/2706277/juventus-gianluigi-buffon-best-ever-goalkeeper-allegri|title=Gianluigi Buffon 'best goalkeeper in history' – Juventus boss Allegri|publisher=ESPN FC|author=Ben Gladwell|date=9 November 2015|access-date=12 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/73084/pirlo-%E2%80%98cbuffon-best-ever%E2%80%99|title=Pirlo: 'Buffon the best ever'|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 September 2015|access-date=12 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834534/gianluigi-buffon-record-cements-his-legacy-greatest-keeper|title=Gianluigi Buffon record cements his legacy as greatest keeper of all-time|publisher=ESPN FC|author=James Horncastle|access-date=21 March 2016|date=21 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bonucci-desperate-deliver-record-buffon#:NoNDxvxGHNKCPA|title=Bonucci desperate to deliver record for Buffon|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=19 March 2016|access-date=21 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3137134/can-gianluigi-buffon-claim-champions-league-destiny-his-career-deserves|title=Will Gianluigi Buffon finally get the UCL glory his stellar career deserves?|publisher=ESPN FC|author=Nicky Bandini|date=31 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2017/05/21-26058575/serie_a_galli_buffon_pallone_d_oro_lo_merita_il_migliore_di_sempre_/ |title=Serie A Galli: "Buffon pallone d'oro? Lo merita, il migliore di sempre" |trans-title=Serie A Galli: Ballon d'Or to Buffon? He deserves it, he's the best ever |work=Tutto Sport |language=it |date=21 May 2017 |access-date=9 October 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/Gianluigi-Buffon/the-greatest-of-all-time |title=The Greatest of all Time? |publisher=Football Italia |last=McKay |first=Gaby |access-date=24 April 2020}}|name="greatest-gk"|group="nb"}} In the introduction of his 2008 autobiography, Numero 1 (Number 1), Roberto Perrone describes him as: "the greatest goalkeeper in the world, one of the four or five that will always live on in the memory of world football".{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.it/amp/news/45574/buffon_raggi_x |title=Campioni ai Raggi X: Gianluigi Buffon, il 'Numero Uno' |publisher=www.calciomercato.it |language=it |date=30 April 2012 |access-date=10 October 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010150608/https://www.calciomercato.it/amp/news/45574/buffon_raggi_x |url-status=dead }} In 2012, he was voted the 20th best footballer in the world by The Guardian, finishing as the second-highest ranked goalkeeper, behind Iker Casillas.{{cite web|url=http://talenticalcio.it/classifica-100-migliori-calciatori-2012-stilata-the-guardian/7691/|title=Classifica 100 migliori calciatori del 2012 stilata dal The Guardian|work=The Guardian|language=it|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312031917/http://talenticalcio.it/classifica-100-migliori-calciatori-2012-stilata-the-guardian/7691/|url-status=dead}} Buffon was awarded the Nereo Rocco Prize on 2 September 2014, which is given to a footballer in recognition of their career.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/altre-notizie/in-serata-buffon-ritira-il-premio-nereo-rocco-203512|title=In serata Buffon ritira il "Premio Nereo Rocco"|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014}} In 2015, France Football rated him as one of the ten best footballers in the world over the age of 36.{{cite web|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Le-top-10-des-meilleurs-vieux/559763|title=Le top 10 des meilleurs vieux|trans-title=The top 10 of the best oldies|publisher=France Football|language=fr|author1=Thomas Simon|date=19 May 2015|access-date=4 August 2015}} In 2016, he was named the greatest goalkeeper in history by the same magazine. Later that year, he was also voted the UEFA Champions League's greatest goalkeeper of all time in an official UEFA online Twitter poll.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/91202/buffon-champions-league-award|title=Buffon Champions League award|publisher=Football Italia|date=10 September 2016|access-date=12 September 2016}} In 2015, UEFA ranked Buffon as the third-best player ever not to have won the Champions League,{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0221-0e90c7564eb5-3b70d5ac744b-1000--the-best-not-to-have-won-the-champions-league/ |title=The best not to have won the Champions League |publisher=UEFA |date=19 May 2015 |access-date=11 August 2020 }} while in 2019, FourFourTwo placed Buffon at number two behind only Ronaldo in their list of "The 25 best players never to win the Champions League".{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/gallery/25-best-players-never-win-champions-league |title=The 25 best players never to win the Champions League. #2 Buffon |publisher=FourFourTwo |last=Lea |first=Greg |date=28 May 2019 |access-date=27 May 2020 }} In May 2020, Sky Sports ranked him as the fourth-best player ever to have not won the Champions League or European Cup,{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11096/11996951/25-1-best-players-never-to-win-champions-league |title=Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The best players never to win Champions League 25-1 |publisher=Sky Sports |last1=Solhekol |first1=Kaveh |last2=Sheth |first2=Dharmesh |date=30 May 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020 }} and he was also voted the "Greatest Goalkeeper Ever" by users of Eurosport.com.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/the-eurosport-cup-gianluigi-buffon-voted-greatest-goalkeeper-ever_sto7757299/story.shtml |title=RESULT: Gianluigi Buffon voted greatest goalkeeper ever |publisher=Eurosport |date=24 May 2020 |access-date=27 May 2020 }}
= Attire =
Although when he started his career it was more common for goalkeepers to wear long-sleeved jerseys, Buffon was always known for wearing short-sleeves throughout his entire career, even during the winter months; when asked in a 2017 interview with FourFourTwo why he preferred to wear short sleeves, he commented: "I really don't know why. It's just something that I've always done, right from the time I first started playing in goal. It always felt good. And now look: lots of goalkeepers do it. I've started a fashion."{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/gianluigi-buffon-one-one-you-have-be-a-real-masochist-play-goal-and-a-bit-perverse?page=0%2C2|title=Gianluigi Buffon, One-on-One: You have to be a real masochist to play in goal – and a bit perverse|publisher=FourFourTwo|author=Matt Barker|date=24 March 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612114803/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/gianluigi-buffon-one-one-you-have-be-a-real-masochist-play-goal-and-a-bit-perverse?page=0%2C2|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/premium/plus/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/04-05-2012/zoff-sereno-buffon-resti-grande-911128874332.shtml|title=Zoff: "Sereno Buffon Resti un grande"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Gaetano Imparato|date=5 May 2012|access-date=13 June 2017}} When asked again about his goalkeeping attire in a 2018 interview with L'Équipe's magazine Sports et Style, he stated that he first cut the sleeves off of his goalkeeping kit as a youngster, "for convenience and to feel more comfortable", also adding that he "feel[s] more when the ball touches [his] forearms".{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/128956/buffon-why-i-cut-my-sleeves |title=Buffon: 'Why I cut my sleeves' |publisher=Football Italia |date=6 October 2018 |access-date=7 October 2018 }}
After retirement
= Italian Federation =
After retiring from professional football, Buffon was appointed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as the head of delegation of the Italy national team on 5 August 2023, a position last held by the late Gianluca Vialli.{{cite web|url= https://theathletic.com/4751310/2023/08/05/gianluigi-buffon-figc-management/|title=Gianluigi Buffon appointed as head of delegation at FIGC|date=5 August 2023|publisher=theathletic.com}} In December of that year, he received his sporting director diploma through the Coverciano technical centre.{{cite web |url=https://www.pianetamilan.it/news-milan/ultime-notizie/ex-milan-massaro-direttore-sportivo-figc-ultime-news-oggi-01-02-2024/ |title=Ex Milan, Massaro prende il diploma da direttore sportivo |publisher=Pianeta Milan |language=it-IT |date=1 February 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 }}
In August 2024, Buffon received the UEFA President's Award.
Outside of professional football
= Personal life =
Buffon was born into a family of Italian athletes on 28 January 1978. His mother, Maria Stella, was a discus thrower and his father, Adriano, was a weightlifter. Following their athletic retirement, they subsequently worked as P.E. school teachers.{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2008/11/13/societa/buffon-ricco-e-famoso-la-depressione-mi-prese-lo-stesso-1rg5RFbhnvY7oaNcIwNi6N/pagina.html|title=Buffon: Ricco e famoso la depressione mi prese lo stesso|trans-title=Buffon: I'm rich and famous but depression got me anyway|publisher=La Stampa|language=it|author=Gianluigi Buffon|date=13 November 2008|access-date=11 May 2015}} Buffon's two sisters, Veronica and Guendalina, played volleyball for the Italian national volleyball team, and his uncle, Dante Masocco, was a basketball player in Serie A1, who also represented the national team. Former Milan, Inter, and Italy goalkeeper Lorenzo Buffon is also a cousin of Gianluigi Buffon's grandfather. Buffon is Catholic.{{cite web|url=http://torino.repubblica.it/sport/2010/11/08/news/mistero_buffon_vita_di_quartiere_tra_ristoranti_e_cure-8868955/|title=Mistero Buffon: dove è il portierone? Vita di quartiere tra ristoranti e cure|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Timothy Ormezzano|date=8 November 2010|access-date=27 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Europei/2012/03-07-2012/buffon-rientro-spirituale-la-visita-medjugorje-911724442789.shtml|title=Buffon, rientro spirituale con la visita a Medjugorje|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=3 July 2012|access-date=30 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/ilaria-d-amico-buffon-poco-scaramantico-e-molto-cattolico-futuro-61145|title=Ilaria D'Amico: 'Buffon poco scaramantico e molto cattolico. Futuro? La Juve non gli lascia scelta'|work=Calciomercato.com | Tutte le news sul calcio in tempo reale|publisher=www.calciomercato.com|language=it|date=8 May 2017|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203091456/https://www.calciomercato.com/news/ilaria-d-amico-buffon-poco-scaramantico-e-molto-cattolico-futuro-61145|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.it/sport/calcio/2017/05/09/ilaria-damico-gig-buffon-scaramantico|title=Ilaria D'Amico: "Quelle visite mattutine in chiesa di Gigi..."|publisher=Vanity Fair|language=it|date=9 May 2017|access-date=27 February 2018}}
Buffon married Czech model Alena Šeredová in June 2011, although they had been in a relationship since 2005. They have two children, Louis Thomas (born in 2007 and named after Buffon's idol Thomas N'Kono) and David Lee (born in 2009 and named after Van Halen singer David Lee Roth).{{cite news|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/buffon%20seredova%20sposi%2016giugno2011|title=Alena e Gigi oggi sposi|publisher=juventus.com|language=it|date=16 June 2011|access-date=30 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210214359/http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/buffon%20seredova%20sposi%2016giugno2011|archive-date=10 February 2015|url-status=dead}} In May 2014, Buffon announced that he had separated from his wife after three years of marriage.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/06/10/italys-buffon-ties-record-at-his-5th-world-cup/10289491/|title=Italy's Buffon ties record at his 5th World Cup|publisher=usatoday.com|access-date=6 March 2019}} Louis Buffon followed in the footsteps of his father and became a footballer. As of 2025, he plays as a forward for Serie B outfit Pisa SC and received a call-up for the Czech Republic national under-18 football team.{{cite web |title=Syn legendárneho Buffona oblečie český dres. Na pozvánku údajne reagovali aj v Taliansku |url=https://sportnet.sme.sk/spravy/futbal-louis-buffon-nominacia-reprezentacia-cesko-u18/?ref=mnt |website=sportnet.sme.sk |access-date=18 February 2025 |language=sk}}
Soon after divorce, Buffon became romantically linked to Italian sports pundit, journalist and television host Ilaria D'Amico.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2014/07/01/news/buffon_esce_allo_scoperto_bacio_pubblico_con_ilaria_d_amico-90429575/|title=Buffon e la D'Amico escono allo scoperto: primo bacio pubblico|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=1 July 2014|access-date=17 July 2014}} In 2015, Buffon announced that the couple were expecting a child together.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/03-09-2015/buffon-ilaria-d-amico-terzo-figlio-1201205766871.shtml|title=Buffon aspetta il terzo figlio da Ilaria D'Amico: "Sono abbonato ai maschi..."|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=3 September 2015|access-date=3 September 2015}} On 6 January 2016, the couple announced the birth of their son Leopoldo Mattia.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/06-01-2016/buffon-d-amico-nato-leopoldo-mattia-figlio-140180465289.shtml|title=Buffon-D'Amico: è nato Leopoldo Mattia|trans-title=Buffon-D'Amico: Leopoldo Mattia is born|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=6 January 2016|access-date=7 January 2016}} In the summer of 2017, the pair became engaged.{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.it/people/italia/2017/07/28/ilaria-damico-gigi-buffon-foto-estate-gossip-figli-matrimonio|title=Ilaria D'Amico: "Se io fossi Virginia Raggi"|publisher=www.vanityfair.it|language=it|author=Lavinia Farnese|date=28 July 2017|access-date=11 October 2017}} Prior to his relationship with and marriage to Šeredová, Buffon had also previously been engaged to a sprinter from the Italy national athletics team, Vincenza Calì.{{cite web|url=http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/gossip/articoli/articolo166825.shtml|title=Vincenza e Gigi: fine di un amore|publisher=tgcom24.mediaset.it|language=it|date=26 January 2004|access-date=29 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308034453/http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/gossip/articoli/articolo166825.shtml|archive-date=8 March 2013|url-status=dead}}
On 14 November 2008, Buffon released the Italian edition of his autobiography, Numero 1 (Number 1), which was written in collaboration with writer and Corriere della Sera journalist Roberto Perrone.{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/08_novembre_14/buffon_corriere_18d055dc-b249-11dd-a015-00144f02aabc.shtml|title=Gigi Buffon, "Numero 1" al Corriere|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=14 November 2008|access-date=3 September 2014}} In his autobiography, he revealed that he had suffered with bouts of depression during the 2003–04 season, following Juventus' penalty shoot-out defeat in the 2003 Champions League final, and due to Juventus' negative performance that season. In 2013, he elaborated that, between December 2003 and June 2004, he regularly visited a psychologist, but refused to take medication, and he overcame his depression prior to Euro 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/23/italy-juventus-gianluigi-buffon-1000th-game|title=Gianluigi Buffon's 1,000th career game is testament to a beacon of stability|work=The Guardian|author=Louise Taylor|date=23 March 2017|access-date=27 March 2017}} In January 2019, he further revealed that he had even suffered from panic attacks due to his depression during his early career with Juventus, and that he even missed a game as a result.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46803699|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Paris St-Germain goalkeeper reveals he had depression and panic attacks at Juventus|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 January 2019|access-date=9 January 2019}}
Buffon suffers from spheksophobia,{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0247-0e989643410b-35597527c2cc-1000--what-you-might-not-know-about-gianluigi-buffon/ |title=What you might not know about Gianluigi Buffon |publisher=UEFA |date=28 January 2021 |access-date=4 April 2021 }} as he is allergic to wasp stings.{{cite web |url=https://www.tuttojuve.com/altre-notizie/mundo-deportivo-le-39-cose-che-dovete-sapere-su-gigi-buffon-366010 |title=Mundo Deportivo - Le 39 cose che dovete sapere su Gigi Buffon |website=Tutto Juve |language=it |last1=Doro |first1=Rosa |date=10 April 2017 |access-date=4 April 2021 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/champions-league/20170410/421578935641/buffon-juventus-barca-champions-portero-messi.html |title=Las 39 cosas que debes saber de Buffon: depresión, ludopatía y manías |publisher=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |date=10 April 2017 |access-date=4 April 2021 }}
In his youth, Buffon supported a number of clubs, including his hometown club Carrarese, along with Genoa, and German side Borussia Mönchengladbach; up until the age of seven, he also supported Juventus, while between the ages of eight and twelve, he was a fan of Inter – due to his admiration for manager Giovanni Trapattoni – as well as Pescara, Como, Avellino, and Campobasso, before eventually supporting Genoa.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/08-01-2019/buffon-psg-calcio-juve-carrarese-canna-manganellata-polizia-320203922783.shtml |title=Buffon: "Io, giovane ultrà che faceva cazz... di ogni tipo. E quella canna..." |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=8 January 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019 }}{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2007/10/19/buffon-messaggi-amore-al-genoa-anche.html |title=Buffon, messaggi d' amore 'Al Genoa anche gratis' |work=La Repubblica |language=it |last=Adamoli |first=Gessi |date=19 October 2007 |access-date=10 October 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/gig-buffon-reveals-which-club-he-supports-other-than-juventus-an-91261 |title=Gigi Buffon reveals which club he supports other than Juventus and why |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |date=13 December 2016 |access-date=10 October 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/calciomercato/2018-2019/juventus-roma-parma-genoa-a-chi-serve-veramente-gigi-buffon_sto7316561/story.shtml |title=Lazio, Roma, Parma, Genoa, MLS, Qatar o Emirati: a chi serve Gigi Buffon? |publisher=Eurosport |language=it |last=Fonsato |first=Stefano |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/151312/buffon-juve-fan-age-seven |title=Buffon: 'Juve fan up to the age of seven' |publisher=Football Italia |date=18 March 2020 |access-date=18 March 2020 }} He was a member of the ultras of Carrarese, specifically the "Commando Ultrà Indian Tips", and to this day, he still has the group's name printed on his goalkeeping gloves.
= AIC =
On 7 May 2012, Buffon was elected vice-president of the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC); this was the first time an active footballer had held this position.{{cite web|url=http://sport.libero.it/calcio/273021/buffon-e-il-vice-tommasi|title=Buffon è il vice di Tommasi|website=sport.libero.it|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.assocalciatori.it/struttura/organigramma/|title=AIC: ORGANIGRAMMA (Buffon, Vicepresidente)|publisher=AIC|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014}}
= Media and endorsements =
Buffon was sponsored by German sportswear company Puma during his career, wearing Puma gloves and Puma King football boots, and has appeared in Puma commercials.{{cite web|url=http://www.footballboots.co.uk/14769-italys-gianluigi-buffon-wears-the-puma-king.html|title=Italy's Gianluigi Buffon wears the Puma King!|date=12 September 2013 |publisher=Football Boots.co.uk|access-date=8 February 2015}} Buffon has also featured in Pepsi commercials, including an advertisement for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, where he lined up alongside several other footballers, including David Beckham, Raúl and Roberto Carlos, in taking on a team of sumo players.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/3025745/Millions-riding-on-injured-England-captain-mean-he-is-still-a-crock-of-gold.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/3025745/Millions-riding-on-injured-England-captain-mean-he-is-still-a-crock-of-gold.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Millions riding on injured England captain mean he is still a crock of gold|date=11 April 2002 |publisher=The Telegraph|access-date=6 February 2015}}{{cbignore}} In 2009, Buffon, an avid poker player and gambler, was hired by PokerStars to endorse their products.{{cite web|url=http://www.pokerlistings.it/gigi-buffon-firma-per-pokerstars-mentre-totti-47843|title=Gigi Buffon Firma per Pokerstars. Mentre Totti...|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014}}
Buffon was featured on the cover of the Italian edition of Konami's PES 2008, alongside global coverstar Cristiano Ronaldo.{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/pro-evolution-soccer-2008/3030-13165/|title=Pro Evolution Soccer 2008|website=giantbomb.com|date=24 January 2008|access-date=25 April 2015}} Buffon also features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was named alongside Manuel Neuer, Iker Casillas and Petr Čech in the Ultimate Team Best Goalkeepers in FIFA 14.{{cite web|url=http://www.fifauteam.com/best-players-of-fifa-14-ultimate-team/|title=The Best Goalkeepers of FIFA 14 Ultimate Team|date=5 September 2013|publisher=FIFA Ultimate Team|access-date=8 February 2015}}
In 2011, he featured in a commercial for Italian mineral water company Ferrarelle.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/espn-fc-united/68/post/3359993/gianluigi-buffon-turns-40-reasons-to-love-juventus-italy-goalkeeping-legend |title=Forty reasons to love Buffon, aged 40 |work=ESPN.com |last=Hurrey |first=Adam |date=28 January 2018 |access-date=28 July 2020 }}
In 2016, Buffon was chosen as the new face of Amica Chips.{{cite web |url=https://www.amicachips.it/en/amica-chips-celebrates-friendship-with-amica-trasparente-and-gigi-buffon/ |title=Amica Chips celebrates friendship with Amica trasparente and Gigi Buffon. |publisher=Amica Chips |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=28 July 2020 }} The following year, he was instead chosen as the new face of Head & Shoulders in Italy.{{cite web |url=https://www.headandshoulders.it/it-it/novita/head-and-shoulders-sceglie-gigi-buffon-come-testimonial-della-sua-nuova-campagna |title=HEAD&SHOULDERS SCEGLIE GIGI BUFFON COME TESTIMONIAL DELLA SUA NUOVA CAMPAGNA |publisher=www.headandshoulders.it |language=it |access-date=28 July 2020 }}
Throughout the 2017–18 season, Buffon appeared in the Netflix docu-series First Team: Juventus.{{cite web|author=Antonio Corsa|url=https://www.esquire.com/it/cultura/film/amp18225511/documentario-juve-netflix/|title=Il documentario sulla Juve di Netflix è un esperimento riuscito|date=19 February 2018|language=it}}
In May 2018, Buffon announced his partnership with the video game World of Tanks.{{cite web |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/05/05/buffon-world-of-tanks.html |title=Dalla mancata campagna di Russia alle battaglie virtuali: Buffon sale sui carrarmati di World of Tanks |publisher=Sky.it |language=it |date=5 May 2018 |access-date=29 August 2018 }} Late that same year, he also featured in a commercial for Birra Moretti.{{cite news |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/mondiali-senza-italia-marketing-gioca-l-ironia-tra-moretti-e-ikea-AElqrk9E |title=Mondiali senza Italia? Il marketing gioca con l'ironia (tra Moretti e Ikea) |work=Il Sole 24 ORE |language=it |last=Prisco |first=Francesco |date=22 June 2018 |access-date=28 July 2020 }}
In December 2019, Buffon announced his collaboration with the Spanish clothing and accessories retailer Kimoa, which is owned by Spanish race car driver Fernando Alonso, to release four different limited edition models of sunglasses, which represent four European cities associated with Buffon's football career and achievements: Berlin (the location of the victorious 2006 World Cup final), Moscow (the city in which he made his international debut and won the UEFA Cup), Paris (the city in which his former club PSG is based), and Turin (the city in which his club at the time, Juventus, is based).{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/13-12-2019/buffon-si-da-moda-sara-stilista-una-linea-occhiali-3501864800877.shtml |title=Buffon si dà alla moda: sarà stilista per una linea di occhiali |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=30 June 2020 }}{{cite web |url=https://kimoa.com/int_en/sunglasses/buffonbykimoa |title=Buffon by Kimoa |publisher=Kimoa |access-date=30 June 2020 }}
In January 2020, Buffon made a cameo appearance in the music video for "Ti saprò aspettare" by Biagio Antonacci, where he coaches a children's football team against Antonacci as the opposing coach. In the last scene, Buffon takes a shot on Antonacci as goalkeeper, with the video intentionally stopping before the ball is either scored or saved.{{cite web|url=https://www.radioitalia.it/news/biagio_antonacci/nuova_uscita/20500_biagio_antonacci_e_gigi_buffon_insieme_nel_video_ti_sapro_aspettare.php#|title=BIAGIO ANTONACCI E GIGI BUFFON INSIEME NEL VIDEO "TI SAPRÒ ASPETTARE"|publisher=radioitalia.it|date=26 January 2020|language=it}}
= Business =
On 16 July 2010, Buffon became a share-holding partner of his hometown club Carrarese; he initially owned 50% of the club's shares, along with Cristiano Lucarelli and Maurizio Mian.{{cite web|url=http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/massa/sport/2010/07/17/news/finalmente-accordo-fatto-si-parte-1.1967696|title=Finalmente, accordo fatto: si parte|publisher=Il Tirreno|language=it|date=17 July 2010|access-date=3 September 2014}} On 10 June 2011, he acquired an additional 20% of the club's shares.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttolegapro.com/altre-news/gigi-buffon-rinnova-il-suo-investimento-con-la-carrarese-29345|title=Gigi Buffon, rinnova il suo investimento con la Carrarese|website=tuttolegapro.com|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903213635/http://www.tuttolegapro.com/altre-news/gigi-buffon-rinnova-il-suo-investimento-con-la-carrarese-29345|url-status=dead}} On 6 July 2012, Buffon become the sole shareholder of Carrarese through his family's company, Buffon & co.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/calciomercato/2012/07/06-198360/Carrarese,+Buffon+diventa+azionista+unico|title=Calcio"Calciomercato Venerdì 6 Luglio, 2012 27 commenti Carrarese, Buffon diventa azionista unico|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|date=6 July 2012|access-date=3 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404042100/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/calciomercato/2012/07/06-198360/carrarese,+buffon+diventa+azionista+unico|archive-date=4 April 2016}} In May 2015, Buffon stated that he would be stepping down from his position as the owner of Carrarese at the end of the 2014–15 season;{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/66941/buffon-walks-away-carrarese|title=Buffon walks away from Carrarese|publisher=Football Italia|date=26 May 2015|access-date=27 May 2015}} in July, he sold 70% of Carrarese's shares to the Italian real estate developer Raffaele Tartaglia, who took control of the club, although Buffon still remained with the club as a minority shareholder.{{cite news|url=http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/massa/cronaca/2015/07/21/news/carrarese-accordo-fatto-entra-l-imprenditore-raffaele-tartaglia-1.11813163|title=Carrarese, accordo fatto: entra l'imprenditore Raffaele Tartaglia|work=Il Tirreno|language=it|date=21 July 2015|access-date=13 March 2016}} After continuing to struggle with financial difficulties, the club officially declared bankruptcy on 11 March 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/carrarese-cronaca-di-una-fine-annunciata-buffon-e-corresponsabil-201428|title=Carrarese, cronaca di una fine annunciata: Buffon è corresponsabile|work=calciomercato.com|language=it|author=Pippo Russo|date=12 March 2016|access-date=13 March 2016}}
On 30 May 2011, he joined the board of directors of the Italian textile company Zucchi Group S.p.A., with a share of 19.4%.{{cite web|url=http://juvemania.it/gigi-buffon-entra-nel-cda-zucchi/|title=Gigi Buffon entra nel CDA Zucchi|language=it|access-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206115752/http://juvemania.it/gigi-buffon-entra-nel-cda-zucchi/|archive-date=6 December 2014}} Despite the company's financial difficulties, in 2015, Buffon, who had by then acquired 56% of the company's shares, had reportedly invested €20 million in order to save the company from bankruptcy. In late December, Zucchi was acquired by a French investment fund, Astrance Capital, which took control of Buffon's company GB Holding, under an agreement to restructure Zucchi Group's debt, while Buffon was allowed to retain a 15% share in the company.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/12076801/Italys-most-celebrated-goalkeeper-makes-crucial-save-of-a-struggling-company.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/12076801/Italys-most-celebrated-goalkeeper-makes-crucial-save-of-a-struggling-company.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Italy's most celebrated goalkeeper makes crucial save – of a struggling company|work=The Telegraph|author=Nick Squires|date=31 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cbignore}}
In 2017, Buffon launched his own brand of wine under the name "Buffon #1".{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/18/football/buffon-juventus-wine-serie-a/index.html|title=Grapes of success: Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon ventures into wine|publisher=CNN.com|author=Jonathan Shkurko|date=17 August 2017|access-date=22 August 2017}}
= Philanthropy =
Buffon is also known for his charity work. In addition to his other charitable endeavours, after every match he auctioned off his personalised captain's armband for charity.{{cite web|url=http://torino.repubblica.it/sport/2013/05/13/news/juve_la_beneficienza_di_buffon_e_chiellini-58725585/|title=Juve, la beneficienza di Buffon e Chiellini|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=13 May 2013|access-date=3 September 2014}}
In 2012, Buffon joined the "Respect Diversity" Programme, through UEFA, which aimed to fight against racism, discrimination and intolerance in football.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.org/social-responsibility/news/newsid=1835760.html|title=Germany and Italy captains back campaign|date=29 June 2012|publisher=UEFA|access-date=30 October 2014}}
On 1 September 2014, Buffon, along with many current and former footballing stars, took part in the "Match for Peace", which was played at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, with the proceeds being donated to charity.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/01-09-2014/calcio-partita-pace-baggio-dinho-eto-o-campo-il-papa-90323482706.shtml?rlabs=1|title=Il Papa a Maradona: "Ti aspettavo". Diego show con Baggio, poi si infuria: "Icardi non doveva giocare"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=1 September 2014|access-date=1 September 2014}}
In October 2019, Buffon was named a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/145074/buffon-named-un-ambassador |title=Buffon named UN Ambassador |publisher=Football Italia |date=9 October 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019 }}
= Politics =
Prior to the 2013 Italian general election, Buffon publicly endorsed the prime minister at the time, Mario Monti.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.it/2013/02/15/elezioni-2013-lendorsement_n_2693035.html|title=Elezioni 2013, l'endorsement di Gianluigi Buffon per Mario Monti: "Ha il mio appoggio totale e incondizionato"|work=The Huffington Post|language=it|date=15 February 2013|access-date=30 October 2014}} Buffon was one of over 80 Italian celebrities to sign a petition in favour of the 2016 Italian constitutional referendum promoted by the Democratic Party under then prime minister Matteo Renzi.{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/referendum-riforma-costituzionale/notizie/referendum-societa-spettacolo-espugna-costituzionalisti-f35aa9a8-8c4f-11e6-9946-db55f98b858a.shtml|title=Referendum: la società dello spettacolo espugna i costituzionalisti|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author=Pierluigi Battista|date=7 October 2016|access-date=22 August 2017}}
= Controversy =
While at Parma, Buffon's decision to wear the number 88 shirt,The number 88 is used by neo-Nazis as an abbreviation of the Nazi salute Heil Hitler, as H is the eighth letter of the alphabet. rather than his previous number 1 shirt, for the 2000–01 season caused controversy in Italy. Buffon claimed to be unaware of the number's neo-Nazi connotations, stating that 88 represented "four balls", which are symbols of the character and attributes of a person.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200009/08/39b937bc01479/|title=88, Cioè 4 Palle|publisher=RaiSport.RAI.it|language=it|date=8 September 2000|access-date=19 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218185745/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200009/08/39b937bc01479/|archive-date=18 February 2012|url-status=dead}} He stated that they were meant to signify his need for these attributes after his injury prior to Euro 2000, and that they also represented his "rebirth". He subsequently offered to change numbers,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/sep/09/newsstory.sport1|title=Buffon in trouble for choosing the wrong number at Parma|location=London|work=The Guardian|first=Jon|last=Brodkin|date=9 September 2000|access-date=17 July 2014}} choosing the squad number 77 instead.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11876_2191332,00.html|title=Buffon Defuses Nazi Row|work=Sky Sports|last=Marshall|first=Adam|date=9 September 2000|access-date=16 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.quinews.it/2008/11/29/gigi-buffon-ecco-la-storia-del-boia-chi-molla-e-del-numero-88/|title=Gigi Buffon: ecco "la storia del 'boia chi molla' e del numero 88"|publisher=www.quinews.it|language=it|date=29 November 2008|access-date=17 July 2014}}
In September 1999, Buffon faced heavy criticism and severe disciplinary sanctions for bearing the Italian fascist slogan Boia chi molla ("Who gives up is a scoundrel") handwritten on a T-shirt under his goalkeeping jersey, which he wore and showed during media interviews after a match against Lazio.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/09/08/gli-ebrei-di-roma-88-di.html|title=Gli ebrei di Roma L' 88 di Buffon significa Heil Hitler|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author=Corrado Zunino|date=8 September 2000|access-date=17 July 2014}} Buffon publicly apologised, stating that it was a stupid and naïve gesture because he was completely ignorant of the slogan's neo-fascist connotations, stating that he had first encountered the slogan written on a boarding school desk, and was unaware of its far right-wing association and, in particular, its use with the neo-fascists in Reggio Calabria during the Reggio revolt in the early 1970s. He declared that he merely intended to use the slogan to spur on his teammates and the fans, as Parma had previously encountered some disappointing results.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2003/gennaio/16/Quando_Buffon_scrisse_Boia_chi_co_0_0301163485.shtml|title=Quando Buffon scrisse: "Boia chi molla"|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=16 January 2003|access-date=17 July 2014}}
In 2000, Buffon risked a four-year prison sentence for falsifying a high school accounting diploma in order to enroll for a law degree at the University of Parma, and ultimately paid a 6,350,000 Lire fine in 2001; he later described the incident as his biggest regret in life, stating that it had been a dishonest gesture.{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2000/settembre/14/Diploma_non_autentico_Buffon_rischia_ga_0_0009143072.shtml|title=Diploma non-autentico, Buffon rischia fino a 4 anni|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=14 September 2000|access-date=4 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/2001/02/07/LS303.html|title=Sei milioni di multa Falso diploma di ragioniere: Buffon patteggia|trans-title=Six million lire fine False accounting diploma: Buffon accepts plea bargain|publisher=Il Tirreno|language=it|date=7 February 2001|access-date=4 June 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007004111/https://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/2001/02/07/LS303.html|url-status=dead}}
On 12 May 2006, during the height of the Calciopoli scandal, Buffon was accused of illegally betting on Serie A matches, which initially put his place in Italy's 2006 World Cup squad at risk.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2006/05/12/buffon-nel-giro-delle-scommesse.html|title=Buffon nel giro delle scommesse|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=12 May 2006|access-date=3 August 2014}} Buffon was formally interrogated and admitted placing bets on sporting matches until players were forbidden from doing so in October 2005, but denied ever placing wagers on Italian football matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/Primo_Piano/Cronache/2006/05_Maggio/13/buffondue.shtml|title=Buffon: "Sono pulito, solo scommesse legali"|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=13 May 2006|access-date=3 August 2014}} He was cleared of all charges in December 2006.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2006/dicembre/30/Buffon_prosciolto_Sapevo_non_aver_co_9_061230050.shtml|title=Buffon prosciolto: "Sapevo di non aver fatto niente"|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=30 December 2006|access-date=3 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103153908/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2006/dicembre/30/Buffon_prosciolto_Sapevo_non_aver_co_9_061230050.shtml|archive-date=3 November 2015}} Following Italy's 2006 World Cup victory celebrations at Circus Maximus in Rome in July, he attracted further controversy when he displayed a banner he had received from the crowd, with the writing "Fieri di essere italiani" ("Proud to be Italian"), as well as a Celtic cross, a symbol adopted by neo–Nazis into the 21st century; Buffon later stated that he had not seen the symbol.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2006/luglio/12/Buffon_inciampa_sulla_croce_celtica_ga_10_060712011.shtml |title=E Buffon inciampa sulla croce celtica |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last=Stoppini |first=Davide |date=12 July 2006 |access-date=28 July 2020 }}
On 11 April 2018, in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Real Madrid, Juventus needed a 3–0 win to force extra time, which was the scoreline when, deep into second-half stoppage time, referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty to Real Madrid. Buffon was sent off for dissent after a confrontation with Oliver; Juventus were eliminated from the Champions League as the resulting penalty kick was converted by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Buffon's post-match comments made about Oliver drew much media attention and controversy:
{{blockquote|"I know the referee saw what he saw, but it was certainly a dubious incident. Not clear-cut. And a dubious incident at the 93rd minute when we had a clear penalty denied in the first leg, you cannot award that at this point. The team gave its all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation. Clearly you cannot have a heart in your chest, but a bag of rubbish. On top of that, if you don't have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, having your drink and eating crisps. You cannot ruin the dreams of a team. I could have told the referee anything at that moment, but he had to understand the degree of the disaster he was creating. If you can't handle the pressure and have the courage to make a decision, then you should just sit in the stands and eat your crisps."|Buffon's post-match comments about referee Michael Oliver}}
On 11 May, Buffon was charged by UEFA over post-match comments made about referee Oliver, and later, on 5 June, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body gave Buffon a three-match ban for UEFA competition matches "for which he would be otherwise eligible". Buffon later issued an apology, stating:
{{blockquote|"If I saw the referee again, I would give him a hug and say that he should have taken more time with that decision. With the feelings, emotions and disappointment of the situation, I behaved in a way that was not usual for me. After that match, I went beyond the limits with the things I said about the referee and I apologise for that."|Buffon's apology to referee Michael Oliver{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/gianluigi-buffon-michael-oliver-referee-apology-juventus-vs-real-madrid-a8355696.html |title=Gianluigi Buffon apologises to referee Michael Oliver for going 'beyond the limits' after Champions League red card |work=The Independent |last=de Menezes |first=Jack |date=17 May 2018 |access-date=14 April 2020 }}}}
Career statistics
= Club =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{Soccerway|53|access-date=11 May 2019}} | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Coppa Italia, Coupe de France}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Coupe de la Ligue}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="7"|Parma
|9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
| 1996–97
|Serie A |27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in UEFA Cup}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 0 | |||
| 1997–98
|Serie A |32 | 0 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 8{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 46 | 0 | |||
| 1998–99
|Serie A |34 | 0 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11{{efn|name=UC}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 51 | 0 | |||
| 1999–2000
|Serie A |32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 9{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, seven appearances in UEFA Cup}} | 0 | 2{{efn|One appearance in Supercoppa Italiana, one appearance in 4th-place Serie A UEFA Champions League tie-breaker}} | 0 | 43 | 0 | ||
| 2000–01
|Serie A |34 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7{{efn|name=UC}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 43 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!168 | 0 | 14 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 220 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="18"|Juventus
|Serie A |34 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 45 | 0 | |||
| 2002–03
|Serie A |32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 15{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI|Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana}} | 0 | 48 | 0 | ||
| 2003–04
|Serie A |32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 6{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 39 | 0 | ||
| 2004–05
|Serie A |37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 48 | 0 | |||
| 2005–06
|Serie A |18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2006–07
|37 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 40 | 0 | ||||
| 2007–08
|Serie A |34 | 0 | 1 | 0
|colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 0 | |||||
| 2008–09
|Serie A |23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 30 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10
|Serie A |27 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7{{efn|Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11
|Serie A |16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 0 | |||
| 2011–12
|Serie A |35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 0 | ||||
| 2012–13
|Serie A |32 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 44 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14
|Serie A |33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 14{{efn|Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 48 | 0 | ||
| 2014–15
|Serie A |33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 13{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 47 | 0 | ||
| 2015–16
|Serie A |35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 8{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 44 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17
|Serie A |30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 43 | 0 | ||
| 2017–18
|Serie A |21 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 9{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=SCI}} | 0 | 34 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!509 | 0 | 15 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 124 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 656 | 0 | ||
| Paris Saint-Germain
|17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=TDC|Appearance in Trophée des Champions}} | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| rowspan="3"|Juventus
|Serie A |9 | 0 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | ||
| 2020–21
|Serie A |8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!17 | 0 | 10 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Parma
|Serie B |26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 26 | 0 | ||||
| 2022–23
|Serie B |17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearance in Serie B promotion play-offs}} | 0 | 19 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!43 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 45 | 0 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!754 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 167 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 975 | 0 |
{{notelist}}
= International =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/buffon-intl.html |title=Gianluigi Buffon – Century of International Appearances |date=29 February 2012 |website=RSSSF |access-date=1 February 2013}}{{FIGC Italy player|43176|Gianluigi Buffon|access-date=17 April 2015|citation=yes}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="22"|Italy
|1997 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1999 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 176 | 0 |
Honours
Parma{{cite web|url=http://www.gianluigibuffon.it/official/pagina/Ita/palmares.html|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Palmares|website=gianluigibuffon.it|language=it|access-date=28 September 2014}}
- Serie A:{{#tag:ref|Not including the 2004–05 and 2005–06 Serie A titles, which were revoked following the Calciopoli scandal.|name="revoked"|group="nb"}} 2001–02, 2002–03, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20
- Serie B: 2006–07
- Coppa Italia: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2020
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2002–03, 2014–15, 2016–17
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1: 2018–19
- Trophée des Champions: 2018{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=511012|title=PSG thrash Monaco to win French Super Cup as Neymar plays 15 minutes|publisher=ESPN|access-date=4 August 2018}}
Italy U21
Italy
- FIFA World Cup: 2006
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2012
Individual
- Bravo Award: 1999{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |title=The "Bravo" Award |author=José Luis Pierrend |date=8 January 2015 |access-date=20 November 2015 |url-status=live |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701223750/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |archive-date=1 July 2014}}
- Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year Award: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017{{cite news|url=http://www.assocalciatori.it/Pagine/AlbodOro/tabid/161/language/en-US/Default.aspx |title=Albo d'Oro |publisher=assocalciatori.it |language=it |access-date=15 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515095258/http://www.assocalciatori.it/Pagine/AlbodOro/tabid/161/language/en-US/Default.aspx |archive-date=15 May 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://grangala.assocalciatori.it/Vincitori/gianluigi-buffon-squadra2012/ |title=Gianluigi Buffon |publisher=grangala.assocalciatori.it |language=it |access-date=25 October 2019 }}
- UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year: 2002–03
- UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2002–03
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2016, 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0235-0e95fa3ed8a7-dcf338b70f47-1000--detailed-analysis-uefa-com-team-of-the-year-2016/|title=Team of the Year 2016|publisher=UEFA|date=5 January 2017|access-date=5 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0241-0e98395bf426-ef21bdef22fc-1000--facts-and-figures-uefa-com-team-of-the-year-2017/|title=Facts and figures: UEFA.com Team of the Year 2017|publisher=UEFA|website=UEFA.com: The official website for European football|date=11 January 2018|access-date=13 January 2018}}
- ESM Team of the Year: 2002–03, 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |title=ESM Season XI 2002/03 |author=Karel Stokkermans |date=14 March 2007 |access-date=20 May 2015 |url-status=live |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207144925/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |archive-date= 7 February 2016}}{{cite web |title=ESM Top-Elf: Ein Bayern-Star in Europas Elite |url=http://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.team-der-saison-esm-top-elf-ein-bayern-star-in-europas-elite.8ee28a4c-2d49-4f49-93a4-d4dc9575ded2.html |work=Abendzeitung |language=de |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=12 June 2017 }}
- Best European Goalkeeper: 2003, 2016, 2017{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
- Ballon d'Or: Second place 2006
- IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/former-results/|title=FORMER RESULTS|publisher=IFFHS.de|access-date=18 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208174738/http://iffhs.de/former-results/|archive-date=8 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2017-gianluigi-buffon-makes-it-five/|title=THE WORLD'S BEST GOALKEEPER 2017: GIANLUIGI BUFFON MAKES IT FIVE!|publisher=IFFHS.de|date=3 December 2017|access-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171217/http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2017-gianluigi-buffon-makes-it-five/|archive-date=4 December 2017}}
- IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: runner-up 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
- IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 3rd place 2001, 2005, 2018
- FIFA 100{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/04/newsstory.sport15|title=The Fifa 100|work=The Guardian|date=4 March 2004|access-date=9 June 2015}}
- FIFA World Cup Yashin Award: 2006
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
- Serie A "Fan" Award: 2006, 2007
- FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007, 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2005-2006|title=FIFPro World XI 2005/2006|publisher=FIFPro|date=20 December 2013|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709013756/http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2005-2006|archive-date=9 July 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2006-2007|title=FIFPro World XI 2006/2007|publisher=FIFPro|date=20 December 2013|access-date=9 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302065115/http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2006-2007|archive-date=2 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fifpro-world11/index.html|title=FIFA FIFPro World11|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103091338/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fifpro-world11/index.html|archive-date=3 November 2016}}
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
- Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade: 2009{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113202936/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 November 2012|title=All-Decade Team: Soccer|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=21 December 2009|access-date=6 October 2017}}
- ESPN World Team of the Decade: 2009{{cite news|last=Brewin|first=John|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|title=World Team of the Decade|date=25 December 2009|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303153207/http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|archive-date=3 March 2016}}
- IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the Decade 2001–2010{{cite web |url=http://www.iffhs.de/?d85ff8b00388f05e91a01bccdc4205fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb883910 |title= Gianluigi Buffon ahead of Iker Casillas by a hair |publisher=iffhs.de |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208195541/http://www.iffhs.de/?d85ff8b00388f05e91a01bccdc4205fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb883910 |archive-date=8 February 2012}}
- IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the Decade 2011–2020: 2nd{{cite web|title=IFFHS WORLD'S BEST MAN GOALKEEPER OF THE DECADE 2011-2020: MANUEL NEUER|url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/898|website=iffhs.com|date=14 January 2021}}
- IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the 21st Century 2001–2020{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.de/posts/963 |title=IFFHS GOALKEEPERS OF THE XXIst CENTURY (2001-2020) - BUFFON LEADS THE RANKING |website=IFFHS |date=13 February 2021 }}{{cite web|date=7 February 2012|title=Buffon best in the 21st Century|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/15469|access-date=25 November 2014|publisher=Football Italia}}{{cite news|date=13 October 2010|title=Buffon: best goalkeeper of the decade according to IFFHS|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/2010/10/news_newseventi_6a0adb85fb204a598f6c55e898c4aa9e.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505041456/http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/2010/10/news_newseventi_6a0adb85fb204a598f6c55e898c4aa9e.asp|archive-date=5 May 2015|access-date=4 May 2015|publisher=Juventus FC}}
- IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the Past 25 Years: 1987–2012{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/29592/buffon-best-world-keeper-25-years|title=Buffon best world keeper of 25 years|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 January 2013|access-date=30 October 2014}}
- IFFHS All Time World's Best Goalkeeper: 1987–2020{{cite web|url=https://www.iffhs.de/posts/973 |title=IFFHS ALL TIME RANKING OF THE WORLD'S BEST GOALKEEPERS (1987-2020) |website=IFFHS |date=24 February 2021 }}
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/2013/01/27-242192/Gran+Gal%26%23224%3B+del+Calcio+Aic.+E%26apos%3B+Pirlo+il+migliore+del+2012|title=Gran Galà del Calcio Aic. E' Pirlo il migliore del 2012|trans-title=Gran Galà del Calcio Aic. Pirlo is the best of 2012|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|date=27 January 2013|access-date=1 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624042901/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/2013/01/27-242192/Gran+Gal%26%23224%3B+del+Calcio+Aic.+E%26apos%3B+Pirlo+il+migliore+del+2012|archive-date=24 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/2014/12/15-315387/Serie+A,+Gran+Gal%C3%A0+del+Calcio+Aic.+Tutte+le+frasi+e+i+premi|title=Serie A, Gran Galà del Calcio Aic. Tutte le frasi e i premi|trans-title=Serie A, Gran Galà del Calcio Aic. All the quotes and awards|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|date=15 December 2014|access-date=11 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101839/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/2014/12/15-315387/Serie+A,+Gran+Gal%C3%A0+del+Calcio+Aic.+Tutte+le+frasi+e+i+premi|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/17_gennaio_31/gran-gala-calcio-juventus-fa-incetta-premi-serie-a-c6dc644c-e795-11e6-8168-2d40923ac04f.shtml|title=Gran Galà del calcio, la Juventus fa incetta di premi|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=31 January 2017|access-date=31 January 2017}}
- AIC Legend Special Award: 2023{{Cite web |date=4 December 2023 |title=Gran Galà del Calcio: tutti i vincitori della serata LIVE |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2023/12/04/gala-del-calcio-2023-premi-vincitori |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Sky Sport |language=it}}
- Pallone Azzurro: 2013, 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2017/01/01/news/pallone_azzurro_buffon_melania_gabbiadini-155230591/|title=Nazionale, a Buffon il 'Pallone azzurro'|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=1 January 2017|access-date=1 January 2017}}
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2013–14
- Premio Nereo Rocco: 2014
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2014–15, 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c5117a9d99b-79a2efb59ef3-1000--uefa-champions-league-squad-of-the-season/|title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season|publisher=UEFA|date=5 June 2017}}
- UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year substitute (published 2015){{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814043130/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2015|title=Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI|publisher=UEFA|date=22 November 2015|access-date=25 November 2015}}
- France Football World XI: 2015{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-neymar-jr-iniesta-and-alves-in-france-football-world-xi-of-2015|title=Messi, Neymar Jr, Iniesta and Alves in France Football world XI of 2015|publisher=FC Barcelona.com|date=30 December 2015|access-date=30 December 2015}}
- Gianni Brera Award for Sportsman of the Year: 2015
- Juventus MVP of the Year: 2015–16
- UEFA Euro All-time XI (published 2016){{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813794a987-97623277ab50-1000--your-all-time-euro-11-revealed/|title=Your All-time EURO 11 revealed|publisher=UEFA|date=7 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016}}
- Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/26-07-2016/a-gigi-buffon-premio-scirea-podio-barzagli-abbiati-160483136491.shtml|title=A Gigi Buffon il premio Scirea: sul podio Barzagli e Abbiati|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Andrea Guerra|date=26 July 2016|access-date=26 July 2016}}
- Golden Foot: 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/11-10-2016/a-buffon-golden-foot-2016-quarto-italiano-vincerlo-170394210115.shtml|title=A Buffon il Golden Foot 2016: è il quarto italiano a vincerlo|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=11 October 2016|access-date=11 October 2016}}
- Serie A Footballer of the Year: 2016–17
- The Best FIFA Goalkeeper: 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-goalkeeper/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807043319/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-goalkeeper/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2017|title=The Best FIFA Goalkeeper: Gianluigi BUFFON|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=23 October 2017}}
- UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season: 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023c-0e9c93367b5f-6e0561d03889-1000--gianluigi-buffon-named-ucl-goalkeeper-of-the-season/|title=Gianluigi Buffon named #UCL goalkeeper of the season|publisher=UEFA|date=24 August 2017|access-date=24 August 2017}}
- IFFHS Men's World Team: 2017{{cite web |url=http://iffhs.de/the-iffhs-man-world-team-2017/ |title=The IFFHS Men World Team 2017 |publisher=IFFHS.de |date=12 December 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010651/http://iffhs.de/the-iffhs-man-world-team-2017/ |url-status=dead }}
- Gazzetta Sports Awards Man of the Year: 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/12-12-2017/gazzetta-sports-awards-buffon-uomo-anno-totti-contador-leggende-240179017831.shtml|title=Gazzetta Sports Awards: Buffon l'uomo dell'anno, Totti e Contador leggende|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=12 December 2017|access-date=12 January 2017}}
- Juventus Greatest XI of All Time: 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve120-team-announced.php|title=#JUVE120 team announced|publisher=juventus.com|date=24 November 2017|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064014/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve120-team-announced.php|archive-date=27 May 2018|url-status=dead}}
- FourFourTwo best goalkeeper of the 21st century: 2019{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-10-best-goalkeepers-21st-century?page=0%2C1 |title=Ranked! The 10 best goalkeepers of the 21st century |publisher=FourFourTwo |last1=Warrington |first1=Declan |date=7 March 2018 |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530152428/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-10-best-goalkeepers-21st-century?page=0%2C1 |url-status=dead }}
- Ballon d'Or Dream Team (Silver): 2020{{cite web |title=The other two Ballon d'Or Dream Team XIs: Zidane, Cruyff, Iniesta, Di Stefano... but no Casillas |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/14/5fd7bc8522601d53598b45b2.html |website=MARCA|date=15 December 2020 |access-date=15 December 2020}}
- IFFHS All-time Men's B Dream Team: 2021{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1110 |title=IFFHS ALL TIME WORLD MEN'S DREAM TEAM |work=IFFHS |date=22 May 2021 }}
- Premio Bulgarelli Number 8 Lifetime Achievement Award: 2024{{Cite web |date=2 May 2024 |title=Bulgarelli Number 8 |url=https://www.assocalciatori.it/news/bulgarelli-number-8-1 |access-date=26 May 2024 |language=it |website=Italian Footballers' Association}}
- Globe Soccer Awards Player Career Award: 2024{{Cite news |last=Bettoni |first=Lorenzo |date=29 May 2024 |title=Globe Soccer Europe Awards: Luciano Spalletti and Gigi Buffon recognised |work=FIGC|url=https://www.figc.it/en/national-teams/news/globe-soccer-europe-awards-luciano-spalletti-and-gigi-buffon-recognised/|access-date=29 May 2024}}
- UEFA President's Award: 2024{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0290-1bb41ad5dbf0-4fb33d3193c7-1000--gianluigi-buffon-to-receive-uefa-president-s-award/|title=Gianluigi Buffon to receive UEFA President's Award|website=UEFA|date=26 August 2024|access-date=31 August 2024}}
Records
- Most appearances in Serie A: 657{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0238-0e96af4a1adc-bf6c823c04e9-1000--totti-fa-615-agganciato-zanetti/|title=Totti fa 615, agganciato Zanetti|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=16 April 2017|access-date=17 April 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/juventus-2-verona-1-buffon-signs-a-high|title=Juventus 2 Verona 1: Buffon signs off on a high|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=19 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}
- Second-most appearances for Juventus in all competitions: 685, behind Alessandro Del Piero, 705{{cite web|url=http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/riassunto_presenze.aspx|title=Presenze Giocatori|trans-title=Player appearances|publisher=My Juve.it|language=it|access-date=4 May 2015}}
- Most appearances for Juventus in Serie A: 489{{cite web|url=http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/classifica-presenze-campionato_serie_a-SerA.aspx|title=Presenze Giocatori Campionato Serie A|trans-title=Player Appearances Serie A Championship|publisher=My Juve.it|website=myjuve.it|language=it|access-date=25 October 2015}}
- Most appearances for Juventus in Italian League matches (includes Serie A and Serie B): 526
- Most appearances for Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana: 8
- Most appearances for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League: 117 (including 4 in the qualifying rounds)
- Most appearances for Juventus in UEFA club competitions: 126
- Second-most appearances for Juventus in international club competitions: 126, behind Alessandro Del Piero, 130
- Joint-most appearances for Juventus in Serie B: 37, alongside Federico Balzaretti and Alessandro Birindelli
- Most all-time minutes played for Juventus in all competitions: 61,412{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/29-02-2016/juve-buffon-uomo-record-ora-punta-zoff-seba-rossi-140843879669.shtml|title=Juve, Buffon: l'uomo dei record. Ora punta Zoff e Seba Rossi|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|author=Fabiana Della Valle|language=it|date=1 March 2016|access-date=1 March 2016}}
- Most all-time minutes played for Juventus in Serie A: 43,549{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/juventus/b-day-tutti-i-numeri-di-gianluigi-buffon_1214291-201802a.shtml|title=B-Day: tutti i numeri di Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=Mediaset|language=it|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/99907/buffon-looks-juve-and-italy-future|title=Buffon looks to Juve and Italy future|publisher=Football Italia|date=19 March 2017|access-date=20 March 2017}}
- Most career club appearances by an Italian player: 975
- Most appearances in Europe's top five leagues: 674 (657 in Serie A and 17 in Ligue 1)
- Most appearances for Italy senior team: 176{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/ital-recintlp.html|title=Italy – Record International Players|access-date=30 October 2014|url-status=live|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314041859/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/ital-recintlp.html|archive-date=14 March 2013}}
- Most all-time minutes played for Italy senior team: 15,251
- Most appearances for Italy in FIFA World Cup qualification matches: 39{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Qualificazioni%20Mondiali&ogg=Presenze|title=Qualificazioni Mondiali: Presenze|trans-title=World Cup Qualifying: Appearances|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=3 May 2016}}
- Joint second-most appearances for Italy in UEFA European Championship matches: 17, alongside Giorgio Chiellini, and behind Leonardo Bonucci, 18{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d811f27c85f-6abbf6bbd299-1000--stars-of-uefa-euro-2016-gianluigi-buffon/|title=Stars of UEFA EURO 2016: Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=UEFA|author=Paolo Menicucci|date=15 April 2016|access-date=15 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Campionati%20Europei&ogg=Presenze|title=Presenze: Campionati Europei|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=14 March 2017}}
- Most appearances for Italy in UEFA European Championship qualifying matches: 41{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Qualificazioni%20Europei&ogg=Presenze|title=Presenze: Qualificazioni Europei|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=14 March 2017}}
- Most appearances for Italy in UEFA European Championship (final tournament and qualifying matches): 58
- Joint-most appearances for Italy in FIFA Confederations Cup matches: 8, alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Riccardo Montolivo{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Confederations%20Cup&ogg=Presenze|title=Confederations Cup: Presenze|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=3 May 2016}}
- Most appearances as captain for Italy senior team: 80{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/mondiali-2018/italia/2017/10/06-31861169/la_prima_volta_di_buffon_in_azzurro/|title=La prima volta di Buffon...in azzurro|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=6 October 2017|access-date=15 October 2017}}
- Most goalkeeper appearances as captain for Italy senior team: 80{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2017/10/04-31777580/buffon_vicino_a_un_nuovo_record_da_capitano_della_nazionale/#10|title=Buffon vicino a un nuovo record da capitano della Nazionale|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|date=4 October 2017|access-date=15 October 2017}}
- Most appearances by a goalkeeper at the UEFA European Championship: 17
- Joint-fewest goals conceded in a single FIFA World Cup edition by a starting World Cup winning goalkeeper: 2 goals in 7 appearances at the 2006 World Cup, alongside Iker Casillas in 2010 and Fabien Barthez in 1998{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991652.stm|title=Italy 1–1 France (aet)|publisher=BBC Sport|author=Jonathan Stevenson|date=9 July 2006|access-date=8 December 2015}}
- Joint-fewest goals conceded in a single UEFA European Championship edition (at least 3 matches played): 1 goal in 4 appearances at Euro 2016, alongside Iker Casillas in 2012, Thomas Myhre in 2000 and Dino Zoff in 1968
- Joint-most clean sheets in a single World Cup edition: 5 at the 2006 World Cup, alongside Iker Casillas in 2010, Oliver Kahn in 2002, Fabien Barthez in 1998 and Walter Zenga in 1990{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2090072-veteran-juventus-goalkeeper-gianluigi-buffon-still-vital-world-cup-cog-for-italy|title=Veteran Juventus Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon Still Vital World Cup Cog for Italy|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=30 October 2014}}
- Longest consecutive run without conceding a goal in a single Serie A season: 974 minutes in 2015–16{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/it/sala-stampa/notizie/info/record-di-imbattibilita-per-buffon-974|title=RECORD DI IMBATTIBILITA' PER BUFFON: 974'|trans-title=Record unbeaten streak for Buffon: 974 minutes|publisher=LegaSerieA.it|language=it|date=20 March 2016|access-date=22 March 2016|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802205651/http://www.legaseriea.it/it/sala-stampa/notizie/info/record-di-imbattibilita-per-buffon-974|url-status=dead}}
- Most consecutive clean sheets in a single Serie A season: 10 in 2015–16
- Joint-most clean sheets in a single Serie A season: 21 in 2011–12 and 2015–16{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121494/buffon%E2%80%99s-juventus-moments|title=Buffon's Juventus moments|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}
- Longest consecutive run without conceding a goal in the qualifying stages of the UEFA European Championship: 644 minutes in 2010 and 2011
- One of only eight players to take part in five FIFA World Cups: 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/italys-buffon-ties-record-5th-191529043--sow.html|title=Italy's Buffon ties record at his 5th World Cup|publisher=Yahoo.com|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030203506/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/italys-buffon-ties-record-5th-191529043--sow.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/rafael-marquez-world-cup-2018-mexico-drug-cartel-captain-a8412251.html |title=Rafael Marquez: Five World Cups but Mexico's captain is lost in the shadows far from the national hero he should be |work=The Independent |author=Ed Malyon |date=22 June 2018 |access-date=6 August 2018 }}
- Most clean sheets by an individual goalkeeper in all-time: 501
- Most clean sheets for Italy senior team: 77{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Totale&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Totale: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=11 March 2017}} (second-most clean sheets in international football{{cite web|title=Best goalkeepers in football: From Iker Casillas to Manuel Neuer|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/best-goalkeepers-in-world-football|website=olympics.com|date=18 December 2022}})
- Most clean sheets for Italy at the FIFA World Cup: 6{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Campionati%20Mondiali&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Campionati Mondiali: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910.com|language=it|access-date=17 April 2017}}
- Most clean sheets for Italy at the UEFA European Championship: 8{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Campionati%20Europei&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Campionati Europei: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910.com|language=it|access-date=17 April 2017}}
- Most clean sheets for Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup: 1{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Confederations%20Cup&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Confederations Cup: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910.com|language=it|access-date=17 April 2017}}
- Most clean sheets for Italy in FIFA World Cup qualification matches: 21{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Qualificazioni%20Mondiali&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Qualificazioni Mondiali: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910.com|language=it|access-date=17 April 2017}}
- Most clean sheets for Italy in UEFA European Championship qualifying matches: 23{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Qualificazioni%20Europei&ogg=PortaInviolata|title=Qualificazioni Europei: Porta inviolata (portieri)|publisher=Italia1910.com|language=it|access-date=17 April 2017}}
- Most clean sheets in Serie A: 299{{cite web|url=https://www.fotmob.com/embed/news/6742743/every-record-gianluigi-buffon-holds-and-could-break-in-the-future|title=Every record Gianluigi Buffon holds - and could break in the future|website=FotMob|date=23 February 2021|access-date=30 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40105283|title=Champions League final: Gianluigi Buffon inspired by Cameroon keeper Thomas N'Kono|publisher=BBC Sport|author=Paul Fletcher|author2=John Bennett|date=2 June 2017|access-date=2 June 2017}}
- Most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in men's association football: 505
- Third-most clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League: 53 (excluding 3 in the qualifying rounds), behind Iker Casillas, 57 (excluding 2 in qualifying) and Manuel Neuer, 57 (excluding 2 in qualifying){{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/buffon-v-ronaldo-champions-leagues-greatest-goalkeeper-meets-its-most-prolific-goalscorer|title=Buffon v Ronaldo: The Champions League's greatest goalkeeper meets its most prolific goalscorer|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=31 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0e99cb9576d8-81e0528b33a7-1000--champions-league-s-top-goalkeepers-iker-casillas-most-ap/|title=The Champions League's greatest ever goalkeepers|publisher=UEFA|date=20 March 2018|access-date=20 March 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0e99cb9576d8-81e0528b33a7-1000--champions-league-s-top-goalkeepers-most-appearances-clean-s/|title=Champions League's top goalkeepers: Most appearances, clean sheets|publisher=UEFA|date=1 January 2023|access-date=2 August 2023}}
- Third-most clean sheets kept in a single UEFA Champions League season: 8 (2016–17 season){{cite news|title=Champions League's top goalkeepers: Most appearances, clean sheets|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0e99cb9576d8-81e0528b33a7-1000--champions-league-s-top-goalkeepers-most-appearances-clean-s/|website=UEFA|date=1 January 2023}}
- Most appearances in the UEFA Champions League by an Italian player: 124 (excluding 8 in the qualifying rounds){{#tag:ref|Tally does not include appearances of players who also appeared in the European Cup prior to the establishment of the UEFA Champions League during the 1992–93 season.|name="UCL-European_Cup-caps_record"|group="nb"}}
- Joint sixth-most appearances in UEFA club competitions: 167 (124 in the UEFA Champions League, 8 in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and 35 in the UEFA Cup/Europa League){{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0247-0e989643410b-35597527c2cc-1000--gianluigi-buffon-what-you-might-not-know-claims-to-fame-/|title=Buffon leaves Juventus: how awesome is his legacy?|publisher=UEFA|author=Paolo Menicucci|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0252-0cda5f19a972-19c1130b8262-1000--totti-fa-100-la-top-20-dei-piu-presenti-in-europa/|title=Players with the most UEFA club appearances|publisher=UEFA|access-date=1 January 2017|date=1 January 2017}}
- Third-longest consecutive run without conceding a goal in the UEFA Champions League: 690 minutes in 2016–17, behind Ederson, 706, and Jens Lehmann, 853{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/167821/man-city-can-beat-buffons-record|title=Man City can beat Buffon's record|publisher=Football Italia|date=16 March 2021}}
- Third-most appearances by a goalkeeper in the UEFA Champions League: 132 (including 8 in the qualifying rounds), behind Iker Casillas, 181 (including 4 in qualifying rounds) and Manuel Neuer, 133 (including 2 in the qualifying rounds)
- Third-most appearances by a goalkeeper in UEFA club competitions: 167, behind Iker Casillas, 188, and Pepe Reina, 183
- Most UEFA Champions League final appearances without a victory: 3, alongside Paolo Montero
- Most penalties saved for Italy senior team: 5{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/statistiche-tabelle-giocatori.asp?cmp=Totale&ogg=RigoriParati|title=Totale: Rigori parati|publisher=Italia1910|language=it|access-date=3 May 2016}}
- Joint-most penalties saved in shoot-outs at the UEFA European Championship: 3, alongside Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Unai Simón
- Joint third-most penalties saved in the UEFA Champions League (excluding shoot-outs): 4 (out of 13), alongside Manuel Neuer (out of 11), and behind Iker Casillas, 7 (out of 23) and Petr Čech, 5 (out of 11){{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/024e-0e99726362ca-a1a2549de021-1000--champions-league-penalties-who-has-scored-the-most-top-conve/ |title=All you ever wanted to know: Champions League penalties |website=UEFA |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=14 December 2018 }}
- Third-most senior international appearances by a European footballer: 176, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, 206 and Sergio Ramos, 180{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/11/11/ramos-now-leads-europe-as-player-with-most-international-caps|title=Ramos now leads Europe as player with most international caps|publisher=Real Madrid CF|date=11 November 2020}}
- Twelfth-most men's senior international appearances: 176
- Second-most appearances in UEFA European Championship (final tournament and qualifying matches): 58, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, 69
- Only goalkeeper to ever win the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year Award: 2003{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=21307/profile/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328130139/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=21307/profile/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2010|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=UEFA|access-date=30 October 2014}}
- Most Serie A titles won by a player: 10 (all with Juventus){{refn|name="revoked"|group="nb"}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/it/notizie/giocatori-pluriscudettati-buffon-raggiunge-la-vetta-con-8/xnk18vgwb73c1xgwrr10bgj4a|title=Giocatori pluriscudettati, Buffon raggiunge la vetta con 8: Bonucci a 7|website=Goal.com|language=it|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}
- Third-most consecutive Serie A titles: 7, alongside Stephan Lichtsteiner and Claudio Marchisio, behind Andrea Barzagli, 8 and Giorgio Chiellini, 9{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/21-05-2017/gioia-capitan-buffon-siamo-storia-calcio-200459576053.shtml|title=Juve, la gioia di capitan Buffon: "Siamo nella storia del calcio"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121493/buffon-numbers|title=Buffon by the numbers|publisher=Football Italia|date=17 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}
- Joint-most Supercoppa Italiana titles: 6 (1 with Parma and 5 with Juventus), alongside Dejan Stanković{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/09-08-2015/juve-supercoppa-record-notte-numeri-capogiro-120879554451.shtml|title=Juve, Supercoppa dei record. Notte e numeri da capogiro|trans-title=Juve, Supercup of records. A night and numbers to make your head spin|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=9 August 2015|access-date=31 August 2015}}
- Joint-most Coppa Italia titles: 6 (1 with Parma and 5 with Juventus), alongside Roberto Mancini
- Most Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards: 13{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/07/05/gianluigi.buffon.juventus.injury/|title=New Italy captain Buffon ruled out for three months|publisher=CNN|date=5 July 2010|access-date=6 August 2015}}
- Joint-most IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Awards: 5, alongside Iker Casillas and Manuel Neuer
- Most Top 3 IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Awards: 14 (first place 5 times, second place 6 times and third place 3 times)
- Most Pallone Azzurro Awards: 2
- Fourth-most expensive goalkeeper of all time: €52 million, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga, €80 million,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45120514 |title=Kepa Arrizabalaga: Chelsea sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper in world record deal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2018 }} Alisson, €72.5 million{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/world-cup-watch-the-galacticos-1967707.html?action=gallery&ino=14|title=World Cup Watch: The Galacticos|work=The Independent|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=19 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119125100/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/world-cup-watch-the-galacticos-1967707.html?action=gallery&ino=14|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/18/liverpool-increase-alisson-offer-and-close-on-world-record-deal|title=Liverpool sign Roma goalkeeper Alisson for world-record £66.9m fee|last=Romano|first=Fabrizio|website=The Guardian|date=18 July 2018|access-date=19 July 2018}} and André Onana, €52.5 million{{cite news |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/manchester-united-announce-the-signing-of-andre-onana-37886379 |title=Manchester United announce the signing of Andre Onana |date=20 July 2023 |access-date=20 July 2023 |website=OneFootball}}
- Most titles won with Juventus: 21{{refn|name="revoked"|group="nb"}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thescore.com/seri/news/1546142 |title=By the numbers: Buffon ends record-smashing Juventus tenure on top |publisher=The Score |author=Michael J. Chandler |date=19 May 2018 |access-date=13 August 2018 }}
- Second-oldest player to appear in Serie A: {{age in years and days|1978|1|28|2021|5|12}}, behind Marco Ballotta, 44 years, 38 days{{cite web |url=https://www.calcionews24.com/giocatori-piu-anziani-serie-a-classifica |title=Giocatori più anziani Serie A: la classifica di tutti i tempi |publisher=Calcio News 24 |language=it |last=Camedda |first=Paolo |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=9 October 2019 }}
- Second-oldest goalkeeper to appear in the UEFA Champions League: {{age in years and days|1978|1|28|2020|12|8}}, behind Marco Ballotta, 43 years, 252 days{{cite web |url=https://www.ilposticipo.it/calcio/buffon-scala-la-classifica-dei-record-adesso-non-gli-resta-che-vincere/ |title=Champions, Buffon scala la classifica dei record: adesso non gli resta che... vincere |website=ilposticipo.it |language=it |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212153927/https://www.ilposticipo.it/calcio/buffon-scala-la-classifica-dei-record-adesso-non-gli-resta-che-vincere/ |url-status=dead }}
- He also has the second highest number of clean sheets (420) since 2000s among all goalkeepers.(2000–2020){{cite web|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1578576-the-25-goalkeepers-with-the-most-clean-sheets-since-the-year-2000-11th1st|title=The 25 goalkeepers with the most clean sheets since the year 2000 (11th-1st)|publisher=Give Me Sport|author=Danny Ryan|date=30 June 2020|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128232305/https://www.givemesport.com/1578576-the-25-goalkeepers-with-the-most-clean-sheets-since-the-year-2000-11th1st|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=5 Goalkeepers With the Most Clean Sheets in the 21st Century|url=https://www.90min.com/in/posts/5-goalkeepers-with-the-most-clean-sheets-in-the-21st-century-01ecpppx9dpw|website=90min.com|date=8 July 2020|access-date=24 October 2023|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109140221/https://www.90min.com/in/posts/5-goalkeepers-with-the-most-clean-sheets-in-the-21st-century-01ecpppx9dpw|url-status=dead}}
Orders
:* Image:Friedrich Order.png CONI: Golden Collar of Sports Merit: 2006{{cite web|url=http://www.coni.it/it/news/primo-piano/49-primo-piano-2006/2935-coni-_consegna_dei_collari_d&rsquo%3Boro_e_dei_diplomi_d&rsquo%3Bonore-_premia_il_presidente_del_consiglio_romano_prodi-_diretta_tv_su_rai_2.html |title=Coni: Consegna dei Collari d'Oro e dei Diplomi d'Onore. Premia il Presidente del Consiglio Romano Prodi. Diretta Tv su Rai 2 |publisher=Coni.it |language=it |date=16 October 2006 |access-date=23 December 2016}}
:* File:ITA OMRI 2001 Uff BAR.svg 4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2006{{cite web|title=Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana Sig. Gianluigi Buffon|url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=198442|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214181836/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=198442|archive-date=14 December 2013|access-date=1 February 2013|publisher=Quirinale.it|language=it}}
See also
Notes
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
{{reflist|group=nb}}
References
{{reflist}}
Bibliography
- Gianluigi Buffon, Roberto Perrone, Numero 1, Milan, Rizzoli, 2007, {{ISBN|978-88-17-02438-9}} (Number 1). {{in lang|it}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{Official website}}
- [https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/squad/gianluigi-buffon PSG official profile]
- {{Soccerway|id=53|name=Gianluigi Buffon}}
- [http://www.legaseriea.it/it/giocatori/gianluigi-buffon/BUFGI Profile at legaseriea.it] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013081051/http://www.legaseriea.it/it/giocatori/gianluigi-buffon/BUFGI |date=13 October 2017 }} {{in lang|it}}
- [https://aic.football.it/scheda/221/buffon-gianluigi.htm Profile at aic.football.it] {{in lang|it}}
- {{TuttoCalciatori|Buffon_Gianluigi}}
- [https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/nazionali-in-cifre/dettaglio-convocato/?calciatoreId=43176&squadraId=12 FIGC official profile] {{in lang|it}}
- [http://www.italia1910.com/giocatori-scheda.asp?idgiocatore=112 Profile at Italia1910.com] {{in lang|it}}
- {{FIFA player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
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