Gianluigi Buffon



D.O.B: 28/01/1978 in Carrara (MS), Italy
Position: Goalkeeper
Squad number: 1
Nationality: Italian
Height: 1.91m (6'3")
Weight: 83kg
Nickname(s): Gigi, Superman

Serie A debut PARMA 0-0 Milan, 19/11/95

International debut Russia 1-1 ITALY, 29/10/97

1995-96 Parma A 9 -6
1996-97 Parma A 27 -17
1997-98 Parma A 32 -33
1998-99 Parma A 34 -36
1999-00 Parma A 32 -36
2000-01 Parma A 34 -31
2001-02 Juventus A 34 -23
2002-03 Juventus A 32 -23
2003-04 Juventus A 32 -41
2004-05 Juventus A 37 -23
2005-06 Juventus A 18 -12
2006-07 Juventus B 37 -21
2007-08 Juventus A 34 -30
2008-09 Juventus A 23 -26
2009-10 Juventus A 26 -33
2010-11 Juventus A 16 -17
2011-12 Juventus A

Honours

4 Scudetti (2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05 revoked, 2005-06 revoked)
1 UEFA Cup (1998-99)
1 Coppa Italia (1998-99)
3 SuperCoppa Italiana (1999, 2002, 2003)
1 Cadetti (2006-07)
1 World Cup (2006)

Gianluigi Buffon was born in Carrara on January 28 1978 in a family of sportsmen and women: his mother Maria Stella used to be a first rate shot putter and discus thrower, father Adriano used to be a top-level shot-putter, and sisters Guendalina and Veronica have played professional volleyball at the highest level. Gianluigi is happily engaged to Czech model Alena Seredova, and the couple has a baby: Louis Thomas.

In his free time he listens to a lot of music. He likes the biggest Italian and international hits of all time (Pink Floyd’s Wish You were here, Queen's We are the Champions and Certe Notti by Ligabue), as well as the new hits played on the radio. He also likes watching movies a lot and, when he can, he adores doing so relaxing on his sofa. His favourite actor is Nicolas Cage, whereas his personal cult movie is definitely The Untouchables. He doesn't watch television much.

One of his favourite ways to relax is going back to Carrara, where he can feel the warmth of home and re-live the carefree attitude he had as a boy. Gigi is very particular about his clothes: he wears casual wear during the day, and classic cuts in the evening when he's out with friends, maybe at a nice restaurant. Since February 2005 he has had his own clothing line together with his sister Veronica, called “Baggage”.

His favourite dish is pasta alla carbonara but as he loves good food in general he adores all traditional Italian dishes. He doesn't know a lot about wine. If he has to choose, he goes for red wines, strictly from Tuscany.

He began playing footie at the Canaletto Youth Academy, an amateur organization in La Spezia, and when he was a little older he joined Perticata, an amateur team based in Carrara. He was employed as a striker in both teams because of his powerful physique. At 12 he joined Bonascola and at 13 he joined Parma. At 14 one day he was forced to play in goal because both keepers were injured. In just two weeks, he'd become the regular first team keeper, just like his idol Thomas N’Kono, the famous Cameroonian keeper who played at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. After Gigi joined Parma, his career was very quick and he made his debut at just 17, in a UEFA Cup game against Halmstad (the match ended 0-0) and in Serie A against AC Milan (another 0-0). His happiest memory at Juventus is when he won his first League title, while his top moment with the National team will always be winning the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

He dreams of building a nice big family like the one he grew up in, and he hopes to be blessed with a quiet, happy future.

woah got another 10 years left in him

Juventus will rest Azzurri goalkeeper Gigi Buffon for this weekend’s trip to Reggina.

Buffon has been struggling with a back problem for over a month and is still not 100 per cent, despite returning to the starting line-up for key games against Roma and Udinese.

The Juve medical team fear that the injury could become more serious if Buffon doesn’t rest his back for the next week and are keen to ensure that he is fit for the Turin derby next Wednesday.

The hope is that the former Parma man will also take the gloves for Week 26’s key clash against Fiorentina.

Buffon continues to work individually with goalkeeping Coach Giorgio Pellizzaro and fitness guru Riccardo Capanna.

He has also not been taking part in any of the five-a-side games at Vinovo, but is able to dive comfortably.

Emanuele Belardi will make his fourth start of the campaign at the Stadio Granillo and youth custodian Cristiano Novembre will sit on the bench.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb20n.html
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I think we can probably afford to be without Buffon for this game but need to still play to a high standard. Belardi is a decent backup.

Wonder save by Buffon at Genoa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHup3KMtYF0

he's still the best.

He's proved it even more so this season.

Gianluigi Buffon has pledged his future to Juventus by extending his contract until 2013 and sent a message to the fans.

The goalkeeper was one of the first to announce he was standing by the Bianconeri when they were relegated into Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal.

In 2007 he extended his contract until 2012, but has now further solidified that relationship by penning a new deal that expires on June 30, 2013.

“I will play for Juventus until the age of 35 and so we can have many more satisfying times together,” said Buffon.

“I thank the directors and fans for the affection and respect they have shown me.”

By the time the contract expires, Buffon will have been at Juve for 12 seasons and is already promised the captain’s armband after Alessandro Del Piero retires.

“We are tied to Buffon by a great synchronicity in terms of values and a future vision of Juventus,” explained general manager Jean Claude Blanc.

“We share a common vision of plans and objectives. This agreement is a way to underline the confidence of a player who is decisive for our present and our future.”

However, there was bad news for Tiago Mendes, who was set to take on a key role in the Juve midfield following Cristiano Zanetti’s thigh strain.

He pulled up in training today and was suffering from blisters on his feet and is now in doubt for the match with Napoli.

Tiago has only made 13 appearances this season and is yet to score.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar12m.html

Legend

GDS rating so far: 6.46

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed his belief that Juventus could find themselves in a Champions League Final within the next two years.

The Italian giants look to be returning to Europe’s biggest club competition after their demotion to Serie B in 2006 robbed them of European Cup action.

Although their Calciopoli punishment also saw the side lose a variety of top players, Buffon is confident that the club’s plans for the future will see them return to the very top of the game.

“I believe in the Champions League Final,” the goalkeeper told Tuttosport. “When? In two or three years because I think this team can return given time.”

The Old Lady turned back the clock on Saturday night with a 2-1 win against reigning champions Inter, a victory which was significant to the outfit and this year’s title race.

“We have a genetic heritage that has been in place at this club since the time of Gianluca Vialli in the mid-90s,” added the former Parma No 1.

“We display strong character, grit and determination – this allows us to overcome any technical deficiencies that we may have.”

Juventus’ win consolidated their third place in the table, yet also allowed Roma to move to within four points of the leaders.

“I’m not sure if the Serie A race is back on because Roma are still in the Champions League and they’ll have to pay something for that,” he added.

“It’s just a shame that we are not in Roma’s League position at this stage of the campaign…”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar24i.html

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It is a shame, with a few more of those stolen points we would cause Inter to throw it away, now we have to support Rome, which is sad.

Gigi Buffon is planning to rest his back ahead of Euro 2008, as soon as Juventus secure Champions League qualification.

The Azzurri No 1 has been suffering from pain in his lower back for the last few months and has been forced to sit out several games this term.

The problem is unlikely to require an operation and there would be a risk of a long absence, so Buffon has been advised to sit out a few games at the end of the season to ensure he is at 100 per cent for Italy’s European Championships adventure in June.

“As soon as we are mathematically certain of Champions League football, I will rest,” Buffon explained.

“I will need around 20 days to get back to full fitness. There is already a week to recover between the end of the season and the Italy camp before Austria and Switzerland.

“I am feeling good. I am not at 100 per cent, but I won’t have an operation. I am convinced that physiotherapy will be enough and all I need is a little relaxation.”

Juventus lead fifth-placed Milan by a commanding nine points and should guarantee Champions League a few games ahead of the end of the season.

However, Bianconeri President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has declared his intention of finishing in second place and he may want Buffon to play all the way through should Juve close Roma’s six-point lead in second.

Hardly a surprise, looks like we will be seeing a bit more of Belardi in the last couple of games then.

Juventus 'keeper Gigi Buffon has admitted that the Bianconeri's impressive return to Serie A has come as a surprise to him.

The Old Lady sit third in the table and will almost certainly be playing Champions League football next season just a year after they earned promotion from Serie B.

The Turin outfit were, of course, demoted to the second tier for their part in the Calciopoli scandal in 2006.

“The best moment of our campaign was the win against Inter at San Siro and I think our fans will never forget that,” said the 30-year-old.

“I didn't expect us to be so competitive, I thought it was going to be harder for us and that we needed a great campaign in order to reach a top-four finish.

“I still believe our run was incredible, but I don't want us to lose focus. Roma are too far ahead and I think we have found the right position in the table. I miss the Champions League a lot.”

The Bianconeri will be looking to invest in the transfer market this summer in order to battle for the Scudetto next season.

“When you chase only one target you may find the strength to overcome your limits, but when you enter two different competitions things change completely,

“We need reinforcements, but I am not going to advise the board because they know what they are doing,” he concluded

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TBH I'm not surprised we are top four, but I am surprised with how well we have played in certain games. At the turn of the year we did play poorly and dropped some points that would have pushed us up but also we were robbed in several games and should have at least a couple more wins, but we have to be satisfied with coming straight up to third place.

Gianluigi Buffon is “not for sale at any price,” warns Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

The sudden influx of cash at Manchester City has prompted transfer rumours including a £60m bid for Buffon and a £100m offer for Milan star Kaka.

“I am not interested what price we could get for Buffon, he’s not leaving Juve,” assured the patron on Sky Italia television.

“I am only interested in having him here with us, as a player, a person and a foundation block of this Juventus.”

The goalkeeper opted to stay with the Bianconeri even after their demotion to Serie B in the Calciopoli scandal just weeks after he lifted the World Cup.

Buffon also stated this week that it was “fantasy football” and he was not remotely interested in a switch to Manchester.

He was one of the heroes for Italy in last night’s 2-1 win away to Cyprus, performing several crucial saves.

“I am happy that Buffon contributed to the Nazionale’s victory with his great performance,” added Cobolli Gigli.

“We are simply not interested in any offers for him, just as we rejected all bids for David Trezeguet this summer.”

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He is priceless and besides, he is never going to move to England and particularly Manchester lol.

Just out of curiosity do you think Buffon has reached his peak yet? If so, do you reckon he'd still up there for years to come?

No, I think he is better every season and he is still only 30 which is not old for a goalkeeper, so unless I see a downturn in his form then I can't say for sure when his peak is or will be.

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon believes the injury he suffered against Cagliari yesterday isn't anything to worry about.

The Old Lady continued their excellent start to the season with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Sant'Elia.

But the taste of victory was marred by fears that Azzurri No 1 Buffon could be sidelined after he was substituted at half-time.

“I felt a sensation like a pin prick when I kicked out for the ball,” Buffon explained.

“I asked to be substituted and I waited until half-time to come off. However, I don't think it is anything serious and I'll be out for a week at most.

“Having seen the saves that Alex Manninger made in the second period, I know that I can be calm about trusting him to take my place.”

Manninger had an excellent 45 minutes in Sardinia and pulled off a sensational save to deny Alessandro Matri in the last minute.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sep22a.html

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Good news. Manninger is a great backup but Gigi is worth more than 10 points a season.

I would say a goalkeeper peaks between 29 and 34, Buffon will be the world's number 1 for a few more years yet

Superman will miss 2 games as a precaution, Catania (H) and Sampdoria (A).

It looks like he will be back for Palermo, according to the official site. Great news.

It looks like Gigi may be out until December rather than November, we are fucked.

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon is pleased with the Old Lady's form in his absence. "I am replaceable."

Buffon has been out of action since the start of October, leaving Austrian international Alex Manninger to deputise.

However, the Bianconeri have dealt with the Azzurri ace's absence impeccably and have hauled themselves back into Scudetto contention in recent weeks as well as progressing in the Champions League.

“I will be back in the New Year and I want us to be second so that I can be the one to lead us to first,” Gigi joked.

“Seriously, six consecutive wins between Serie A and the Champions League have shown that Buffon is not indispensible for Juventus - that is a fact.

“Manninger is playing great and Antonio Chimenti could also overtake me in the pecking order.

“My teammates know how to react correctly to difficult moments, even though we all know you can't always win.

“We believe in the Scudetto and Alessandro Del Piero's recent performances have helped us to dream.

“We must believe in all our objectives while they are possible because we can achieve them all with the quality we have.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/nov10k.html

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No you are not Gigi, we are just defending better knowing you are not behind the defence.


This guy should do standup.

Hope to see him back soon, although I think I have been justified with being pleased at the signature of Manninger, he is as good as we have had at number 2 for a number of years, since Fabian Carini.

Gigi confesses mental struggle

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has revealed that he battled depression during the 2003-04 season.

Buffon is the latest Serie A star to release an autobiography, titled 'Numero Uno', and extracts have been published in La Stampa.

Surprisingly, Gigi has confessed that he considered quitting the game five years ago - a season that ended with defeat to Milan in the Champions League Final - due to depression.

“Was it because of fame or money? There were thousands of reasons,” Buffon writes.

“Maybe you realise that you can't find the right woman or you fail to win the Champions League.

“I went away for two months to receive treatment and to cure the depression.

“Every time I fail to make a save this thing tries to come back, but you can't go away every three months to cure it.

“I don't have any regrets at all, but I started my life in football when I was just 17 and maybe I didn't live my youth as I wanted.”

Juventus face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, but Buffon is currently injured so Alex Manninger will continue to fill in.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/nov13f.html

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I think we all feel that way from time to time. I often consider how I could have spent my youth better or the people I spent it with.

One paper in Italy has Man City linked with a £65m bid for Buffon and an offer of £12.6m per year

bless the premier league

haha I still don't think juve would sell.

They'd be crazy not to sell at that price

That is what Buffon says, but then he is an icon, some things you just can't put a price on. I think Buffon's chance of leaving was when Juve were demoted. He has said before he doesn't have the temperament to play in England or northern Europe and right now there is no contest between Man City and Juventus. The fact that they can bid these amounts of money hypothetically is pretty disgusting in itself but I don't see anything coming of it, it is the same every couple of months and even Hughes laughed the last time it came out.

Coincidentally I'm sure you have noticed that Man City's keeper is currently injured

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...per-Buffon.html

What pathetic journalism.

This weekends game against Chievo will be Gigi's 300th for Juve

Interesting story. I do have to admit that Buffon has not been Buffon this season. He has letting in a lot more goals and he looks rusty. It may be do to the lack of defense in front of him but non the less he has not looked good. Manninger has been much better then him. I would like to see Buffon stay for another year. I do think he is just having a bad year. It happens to everyone now and then. However there are rumors of huge bids coming in for the player and I think it is something that Juventus have to consider and look at all there options.

I will not place the blame only on Buffon. Our defense sucks. It pisses me off when I read headlines of Juventus looking at buying another striker like Quagliarella, Cannano or a Attacking Mid. We are set in that department. We need 2 World class defenders this summer. Strikers sell tickets but Defense wins championships.

I don't really like Goal.com articles but I must say that Buffon looked like his feet were cemented into the ground on Pellissier's second goal. He couldn't do anything on the other two though, they were from poor defending.

I think some fans are sick of the talk about 'moving if a mega bid comes in'. Buffon is irreplaceable one for one but Manninger showed when he came in that even a relatively limited goalkeeper is enough in a good side, and we need to get back to being a good side all round.

Jay, where do you stand if Juve received a £30m bid for him? Surely it would be worth accepting for that kind of money?

No it would take more than £30m, the board would only accept CRAZY money, and there is only one club with that money these days. They have just bought a good goalkeeper.

I wouldn't accept £30m, Buffon's image and presence at the club is worth more than his technical value.

http://www.fansfc.com/story/9447.html

Manchester United linked with stunning €70 million Serie A swoop!

lol

Man Utd don't have that money lol.

Buffon future in doubt

Gigi Buffon will only decide to stay at Juventus once he has seen who the Bianconeri buy this summer.

There is growing disillusion at Juventus over the team's inability to fight League leaders Inter all the way for the Scudetto.

The Bianconeri slipped to third at the weekend, nine points off the pace, after a disappointing 2-2 draw with bottom of the table Reggina.

“I have a contract until 2013,” Buffon told L'Equipe. “There is still time until then. We will also look at the team we have next season.

“I hope that it is even more competitive. I want to understand with peace of mind what happens inside the club so I can make the best decision.”

Buffon was linked with a lucrative move to Manchester City in January, but reiterated his desire to stay at Juventus.

The World Cup winner joined the Bianconeri in 2001 and has made 241 appearances for the club, including a stint in Serie B.

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Same old story from every year. Seems to me that he is saying he wants to see who is coach (preferably not Ranieri) and what players come in.

I'm not going to be fretting over Buffon's future anymore. A couple of years ago I would have been worried about replacing him but if he genuinely wants a change of scenario then we sell to the highest bidder and he can play for a smaller side (Man City) in what could be his peak years. He might be irreplaceable at his current level but there are other good young goalkeepers around, with Nedved retiring this year, the possible exit of Trezeguet and maybe Del Piero next season it might be time for Juventus to move on from the old symbols and look to the new ones, ie Chiellini, Giovinco and Marchisio to name three. Add in a Diego or whoever and they become the new names synonymous with Juventus. If Gigi wants to stay and the board desperately want him to then he will stay, but now isn't the time for games. He hasn't looked right the last few months, his head is not there.

As a Keeper myself Buffon is a player I admire, and when I get to watch Juve or Italy am always in awe of his abilities, total class

It would be a shame for Buffon to leave Juventus, after he stood with them during demotion.

I don't see it happening to be honest, as long as Juve are competing for Scudetto and in the Champions League it would be a foolish move to leave, unless it were to a club like United.

Buffon's wife is expecting their second child.

His future is being bandied about in the media. His agent says there are no stories or interest to speak about so the press make their own up, Milan being the predictable team linked (again).

I think once he calms down and the future of the coach and signings are determined then he will remain.

Buffon seeks assurances



Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has asked for guarantees that the club will be in a position to compete for silverware in three or four years' time.

Buffon was visibly upset last weekend during and after Juventus' 2-2 draw with relegation threatened Lecce.

The Italy No 1 mouthed “I cannot take this anymore” to the crowd and reportedly stormed out of the dressing room at half time.

The Bianconeri have fallen off the pace in Serie A, dropping to third place, four points behind Milan and nine points behind Inter.

“I too needed some clarifications,” Buffon told Domenica Sportiva. “I first spoke with John Elkann, and then with Jean-Claude Blanc.

“I didn't look for particular guarantees that we will win something next year, but a guarantee that in the next three or four years we will be in a position to compete for major honours.

“We have lived through a decline that we didn't think possible,” he added. “We have to start again conscious of the fact we want to win.

“We can have one crisis in a season, but not two, three or four like has happened this year,” he concluded.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may11c.html

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Basically he is saying sign some quality and get a new coach.

Is he the type that would leave for glory?

Anyways I don't see anyone wanting to pay over the odds for him these days anyways.

He isn't going to say I want to join Man Utd or Barcelona if that's what you mean, he just wants the team to be competitive and have a chance at glory, not the shite we have now. For the world's best that is completely understandable, he doesn't want every half-arsed player scoring past him because the defence in front of him is terrible.

Buffon: I'm staying at Juve



Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has pledged his future to the Bianconeri, ending weeks of speculation.

The Azzurri No 1 unleashed an angry tirade during Juve's 2-2 draw with Lecce and there have been rumours that Buffon will quit Turin.

However, despite alleged interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, Buffon has no intention of leaving.

“I think you will have seen things on TV and in the newspapers over the last few days and now I want to make it official - I am not leaving Turin next year and will remain Juventus' goalkeeper,” a statement on Buffon's website reads.

“I have had two discussions with John Elkann and Jean-Claude Blanc to clarify things and they both gave me positive responses about the future of the team.

“My fear wasn't that we wouldn't win next year but that maybe it would take three or four seasons.

“Everyone at Juve wants to create a positive group that can compete for everything and I am a lot calmer now.

“All that remains to do now is to finish the season as positively as possible. We looked a lot better against Milan compared to the previous games and it felt like we were back to our level.

“We need to confirm the improvement in the final three games, starting with Sunday's test against Atalanta.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may14p.html

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The usual made up stories but as usual, Gigi stays.

perhaps diego's signing gave him sort of the encouragement he needs to stay. nevertheless, it's good news

Yes I think Diego's signing will be the first of perhaps three or four notable signings.

one of that better be a CB

Gigi calls for reinforcements

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon feels the Bianconeri need some serious reinforcements this summer if they are to usurp Inter.

The Azzurri shot-stopper pledged his future to the Old Lady yesterday after speculation he could leave at the end of the current campaign.

And Buffon has been told that Juve will strengthen the squad this summer, which he feels is crucial.

“The truth is that we can't compete with Inter and we are not even on the same level as the top two,” Buffon moaned in the Corriere della Sera.

“I think we need a bit more quality in certain areas, such as the midfield where we have missed Cristiano Zanetti and Momo Sissoko.

“It is like when Inter are lacking Douglas Maicon or Zlatan Ibrahimovic - that gives you a clear idea of how things are.”

Juve have almost completed the first signing of the summer as Werder Bremen midfield ace Diego is Turin bound.

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Buffon contradicts himself. The players are there is midfield, you can't buy more world class midfielders when you already have Momo and Zanetti out injured on your books. He stops short of saying 'the defence is crap' by turning to injuries. For Juve to compete we need to have everyone fit, but we never do. Now we need to add some quality depth.

2008-09 Serie A stats

Games / Minutes: 23 / 2025
Goals conceded: 26
Penalties faced / saved: 0 / 0
Assists / Completed: 1 / 0
Passes / Successful: 378 / 240
Fouls: 0
Fouls suffered: 2
Cautions: 0
Expulsions: 0