World's Best Goalkeeper – IFFHS

Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Born on January 28, 1978, in Carrara, Italy, the Italian goalkeeper established himself for over two decades as a global benchmark thanks to his exceptional longevity, impressive reflexes, and leadership on the field.

During his career, Buffon was awarded five times by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) as the World's Best Goalkeeper in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2017. He also received several historic IFFHS distinctions, notably for the Best Goalkeeper of the Decade, of the Last 25 Years, and of the 21st Century, confirming his exceptional influence in the history of the position.

Promising beginnings at Parma

Gianluigi Buffon began his professional career in 1995 with Parma Calcio, a club where he had already played for several years in the youth teams. Very quickly, he established himself as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Italian football.

Between 1995 and 2001, Buffon played 168 matches with Parma and won several major trophies, including the 1998/99 UEFA Cup, the 1998/99 Coppa Italia, and the 1999 Supercoppa Italiana. His performances led to him being named Serie A's Best Goalkeeper for the first time in 1999, confirming his ascent among the world's best goalkeepers.

A legend of FC Juventus

In 2001, Buffon joined FC Juventus, where he would forge one of the most remarkable careers in the club's history. For nearly two decades in Turin, he became one of the symbols of Italian football and accumulated numerous records.

With Juventus, he notably won nine Italian league titles (Serie A), four Coppa Italia titles, and five Supercoppa Italiana titles. He played over 650 matches with the club, including over a hundred in the UEFA Champions League, a competition in which he reached the final multiple times.

Buffon also holds several Serie A records, including the most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, with 974 minutes during the 2015/2016 season, as well as the most clean sheets in the history of the Italian championship.

A world champion with Italy

With the Italian national team, Gianluigi Buffon also became a historic figure in international football. Between 1997 and 2018, he played 176 matches with the Squadra Azzurra, a record for the Italian national team.

His most significant moment came during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he played a decisive role in Italy's victory. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament largely contributed to the Italian national team's world triumph.

Buffon also participated in five FIFA World Cups, as well as several European Championships, confirming his exceptional longevity at the highest level.

An icon of the goalkeeper position

Thanks to his consistency, professionalism, and influence on several generations of goalkeepers, Gianluigi Buffon is today considered one of the greatest specialists in the position in football history.

His numerous individual awards, including five IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper titles, attest to the exceptional impact he has had on international football.

Available Products

Discover the official IFFHS LEGEND editions dedicated to Gianluigi Buffon, celebrating one of the greatest goalkeepers in world football history.