5 Amazing Moments in Gianluigi Buffon's Juventus Career
There is little doubt that Gigi Buffon is the finest goalkeeper of the current era, his performances for club and country rivaled only by a list of achievements equal to those of any player in the game today.
From his memorable Parma debut in November 1995, where the then-teenager repelled the mighty attack of Milan, to the current day where he's led Juventus to multiple triumphs. Buffon celebrates his 37th birthday today, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect upon those victories and accomplishments.
In the intervening years, the Bianconeri captain has lifted the World Cup and countless domestic honours, filling two glorious decades with wonderful memories for his fans.
While there are countless others that have not made this list, over the following pages is a look at the five most amazing moments in Buffon’s stellar Juventus career, listed in chronological order.
Signing for Juventus for a World Record Fee
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In the summer of 2001, Juventus shocked the world by selling Zinedine Zidane and reinvesting the staggering sum they received from Real Madrid to rebuild the team. Luciano Moggi enjoyed a fantastic period, bringing the likes of Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved to the club and providing Marcello Lippi with a talent-laden squad.
Chief among his acquisitions was Buffon, bought from Parma for a fee of approximately €51 million, a figure which, even today, remains a record fee for a goalkeeper . It was, and is, testament to both the ability he displayed at that point, and the fact he was just a 23-year-old player at the time the deal was made.
Today, having made over 500 appearances for the Bianconeri, Moggi clearly made a shrewd purchase and Juventus have inarguably gotten value for money.
Ensuring Juve’s Passage to the 2003 Champions League Final
2 of 5Despite winning almost every honour the game has to offer, the Champions League has thus far eluded Buffon. The closest he came was in 2003, with the Bianconeri eventually losing on penalties to Milan despite the Juve goalkeeper saving two spot-kicks in the shootout.
He also made an incredible stop after just 17 minutes, turning a diving header from Pippo Inzaghi round the post when it looked destined to find the back of the net. Buffon also made a crucial save in the semi-final, when he saved a penalty from Luis Figo. which allowed the Turin giants to progress at the expense of the Galacticos.
Finishing as Runner-Up in the 2006 Ballon d’Or
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2006 would prove to be a bittersweet year for Buffon and Juventus, winning the league title at a canter before many of the side went on to lift the World Cup with Italy. Nobody was more central to those triumphs than Buffon, who made a number of sensational saves for both club and country along the way.
While Fabio Cannavaro was named as the winner of France Football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, Buffon was the runner-up and probably deserved the honour himself. He did win the Lev Yashin award, given to the World Cup's most outstanding goalkeeper.
Winning Promotion Back to Serie A
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Of course 2006 ended with the Bianconeri relegated to Serie B for their part in the Calciopoli scandal, and—unlike a number of his high-profile team-mates—Buffon would opt to remain with the club in the second tier.
Despite a nine-point penalty, Juventus would win the league title by some distance, instantly earning promotion back to the top flight. His decision further endeared him to supporters, and he is now one of the most beloved players in the club’s storied history.
Lifting the 2013 Scudetto
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For many, the 2012 league title was a watershed moment, ending a six-year wait for the title after their earlier demotion. Yet 12 months later, Juventus would repeat as champions with Buffon as captain following Alessandro Del Piero’s exit at the end of the previous season.
It was his first major honour since inheriting the armband, a moment the goalkeeper will surely cherish long after he calls time on his wonderful career.
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