Gianluigi Buffon's key career moments

As the legendary goalkeeper leaves Juventus after a 17 year long and illustrious career, we take a look at some of the most important moments in his career

Gianluigi Buffon, or Gigi, as he's fondly known, is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers the 21st century has witnessed. He was vital in many of Juventus's and Italy's successes. Having won almost every trophy out there, including a World Cup, the UEFA Champions League has always been elusive for the Italian shot stopper.

The move from FC Parma to Juventus

Juventus sold their star midfielder Zinedine Zidane and spent the money in rebuilding the team. One of their key acquisitions was Buffon, who had been a star at FC Parma. He was signed for €51 million, which even today is still a world record fee for a goalkeeper. Buffon became a center figure at Juventus, proving worth his weight in gold.

First Champions League Final

Buffon's first Champions League Final was against AC Milan in 2003. Buffon put on an impressive performance, and saved 2 penalties, one from Clarence Seedorf and the other from Kakha Kaladze. Shevchenko put the final penalty past Buffon, making AC Milan European Champions for a 6th time.

Calciopoli scandal and relegation to Serie B

In May 2006, many players were accused of placing bets on Serie A matches. Buffon was one of them. He openly participated in the interrogation, and admitted that he did place bets on some matches. Juventus was stripped off their 2 recent Serie A titles, were relegated to Serie B and awarded a point deduction. Even in these tough times, Buffon chose to stay with the team. Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Del Piero, and Pavel Nedved also chose to stay. This decision endeared Buffon even further to the hearts of Juventus fans.

World Champion in 2006

Although Buffon's place in Italy's World Cup squad was doubtful following the Calciopoli scandal, he was named their first choice goalkeeper. This decision would result Italy winning the World Cup that year. Buffon was outstanding throuhgout the tournament, conceding just 2 goals in 7 matches, a World Cup record. He also posed a 453 minute scoreless streak. In the final against France, he saved a header from Zinedine Zidane, leading them to extra time and then penalties. The shootout was a tense one, neither Buffon nor Fabien Barthez had saved a shot. Following David David Trezeguet's miss, Fabio Grosso sealed the victory for the Azurri. Buffon won the Lev Yashin award, and was enrolled in the team of the tournament.

Almost winning the Ballon d'or

Fabio Cannavaro
No goalkeeper has ever won the Ballon d'Or before. Buffon came closest to this prestigious award in 2006, where he finished runner up to his fellow compatriot Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro would be the last defender to win this award. Another goalkeeper who came close to winning the Ballon d'Or was Manuel Neuer, who finished 3rd to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Third Champions League Final

Buffon played his 3rd Champions League Final against Real Madrid in 2017. Everyone hoped that Buffon's Champions League jinx will be finally broken. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal for Los Blancos. A superb overhead kick from Mario Mandzukic restored title hopes in the Juventus fans. However, nothing went right for the Turin giants, as a second goal from Ronaldo, a long range strike from Casemiro and a late goal by substitute Marco Asensio helped Real Madrid to a 12th Champions League title.

Seventh consecutive Serie A title

Adding yet another achievement to an already bright career, Buffon won the Scudetto for a seventh consecutive time in the 17/18 season.

Failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup

Buffon had announced that the 2018 will be his last World Cup and possibly, his retirement year as well. He wanted to lead Italy to World Cup glory for one last time. In a sad turn of events though, a loss against Sweden resulted in a failure to qualify for the tournament, a first in over 60 years. Buffon was extremely dejected after the game, his post match interview one of the most heartbreaking ever.

Dramatic exit from the 17/18 UEFA Champions League

Juventus steamrolled their way in the 17/18 season's Champions League. reaching to the Quarterfinals, where the faced previous Champions Real Madrid. Losing 0:3 at home in the first leg, they produced a stunning comeback in the reverse leg, going up 3:0 in the Bernabeu. What looked like a fairy tale Semifinals qualification for Juventus ended in disaster, as a challenge in the box from Medhi Benatia on Lucas Vasquez let to a penalty being awarded to Real. Buffon, who protested against referee Michael Oliver, was instantly sent off with a red card. Ronaldo fired the penalty home to end Juventus's Champions League dreams, yet another time.

Confirming his Juventus exit

Buffon recently broke millions of hearts as the recently announced that he'll be leaving Juventus after 17 long years. Buffon had been loyal to his club through thick and thin. The fans extremely adore him. Where he'll go to next, is a question that's yet to be answered.

No matter where you go Gigi, you'll always be loved and dearly missed by all of us! Wish you all the best for your journey ahead. What do you feel about Buffon's exit? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Follow if you like our content!