25 years since Buffon's debut

November 19, 1995That is to say, 25 years ago, in addition to the creation of Windows 95, together with Internet Explorer, by Microsoft, one of the most important sporting events in the history of Italian football, even worldwide. A young porter from the Tuscan town of Carrara, with straight hair and ribbon, made his debut as a professional: Gianluigi Buffon. Now, in 2020, he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the history of football.

He himself has been in charge of reliving that moment on his social networks. At 17, playing Subbuteo, listening to music through the Discman, talking to his girlfriend on the legendary classic cell phones, seeing the Lion King … And, most importantly, his party outfit ready in a teenage backpack.

The best Parma in history and his love for Juventus

He did it at the age of 17, hand in hand with Parma, nothing more and nothing less than in a match against Milan. A squad that had to face giants like George Weah, Roberto Baggio, Paulo Futre, Patrick Vieira, Zvonimir Boban, Roberto Donadoni, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini or Marcel Desailly. That same encounter finished 0-0. That is to say, Buffon left his first duel with his first clean sheet. That is to say, a mere premonition of what, in the end, would be his football career.

Despite this, it would not be from next year (1996-97) where it would gain more prominence. ANDhe high point with Parma came in 1998-99, where he managed to win a double in the best time in the history of the 'crociati': UEFA Cup, in which they thrashed Olympique de Marseille 3-0, and the Italian Cup, defeating Fiorentina. The Crespo, Chiesa, Verón, Cannavaro, Thuram, as well as Buffon, with Alberto Malesani as commander, fell in love with Europe.

The next year, After adding an Italian Super Cup to his record, the most important moment of his career came: signing for Juventus. The most important club of his career, at least in terms of seasons (19), matches (673) and titles (19). The 'Vecchia Signora' and Buffon sealed their bond in 2001 after a transfer of close to 53 million euros. With Marcello Lippi as orchestra conductor, two 'Scudetti' and an Italian Super Cup were Buffon's first windings dressed as 'bianconero'

The World Cup with Italy to forget the 'Calciopoli'

Not even the darkest stage in the history of Juventus cracked love between the Carrara goalkeeper and Juve. The 'Calciopoli', which meant, among other things, the relegation of the Turin team to Serie B, provoked a rout of several of the most important players. However, Buffon was one of those who resisted sinking, and helped to re-float.

Italy, while also living one of the saddest episodes of his 'Calcio', the selection was in charge of making up that time. He won his fourth World Cup. And, yes, it was with Buffon under sticks, being decisive with his saves, defeating France in the final after an agonizing penalty shoot-out.

2011: the beginning of the 'Vecchia Signora' dynasty

Only four years after his relegation to Serie B, Buffon was – and continues to be – part of one of the greatest dynasties in the world of football today. Nine consecutive 'Scudetti', with one exception: 2018-19, when, surprisingly, both the veteran Italian goalkeeper and Juventus gave their love a “break”. PSG crossed his path and offered him the opportunity to try the experience in Paris. Its 1st outside the borders of Italy. However, 25 games later, a Ligue 1 title and another French Super Cup, returned to Turin. Making the saying of “As at home nowhere” good.

Now, at 42, he continues to defend the Juventus goal. Obviously, age is unforgiving and takes its toll on some of its qualities. Hence, the starting goalkeeper is still the Polish Szczęsny, one of the best in Serie A. However, they are two the games he has played this season, showing that its level is still optimal. To test what he is achieving, the example is in his current coach, Andrea Pirlo. Or even Gennaro Gattuso (Naples), 'Pippo' Inzaghi (Benevento), Paolo Cannavaro (Guangzhou Evergrande), Camoranesi (Maribor) and Fabio Grosso (Sion). All of them, world champions with him in 2006 already retired and directing. That is to say, he is still the only active member of that historic Italian team.

A successful career. However, saving one of his biggest thorns and that he has fought the most, without a doubt: the Champions League. An 'Orejona' who has resisted him up to three different occasions. First against Milan (2003), then Barcelona (2015), and finally Real Madrid (2017). A slight bump in his record that, not at all, blurs everything harvested so far. Gianlugi Buffon, legend of world football.