Gianluigi Buffon Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Family, Wiki & More

He started playing football as a midfielder but he transformed to goalkeeper at age 11. He started playing professional football by joining the youth system of Parma F.C. at 13. The tall and lanky goalkeeper made a strong start and left an impression in his debut for the senior Italy national football team during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in 1997. However, he was not selected for 1998, FIFA World Cup. 

 

After his impressive performance, Buffon was transferred to Juventus F.C. in  2001 for a hefty amount of $45 million, which is still a record fee for a goalkeeper. He proved his heavy price tag by leading Juventus to four straight league titles and a pair of Italian Supercups. While in National colors, Buffon led a young but dedicated squad to the 2006 FIFA World Cup championship. He conceded just two goals in the whole tournament and led by example. 

 

In 2016, Buffon created history by becoming the first goalkeeper ever to be crowned with the Golden Foot Award.