As Italy’s legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon concluded his international career with a clean sheet in what turned out to be his final appearance for the national team. For over two decades, Buffon’s name has been synonymous with Italian football greatness. Much like loyal followers of BD Cricket Live who witness careers rise and fall over time, fans watched Buffon’s journey unfold through glory, heartbreak, and unmatched resilience.
Buffon began his World Cup journey as Italy’s second-choice goalkeeper in France. During Euro 2016, when Italy faced Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout, Buffon guessed the right direction on several spot-kicks, though he just missed making the saves. His reflexes were still sharp, yet the gradual signs of aging were evident even to devoted Juventus supporters. Still, for a 39-year-old goalkeeper, his performances remained exceptional.
In the World Cup qualifier playoff against Sweden, Buffon conceded just one deflected goal over two matches. Sadly, that wasn’t enough to send Italy to the World Cup. As the final whistle blew, Buffon rushed into the Swedish penalty area, hoping to make a difference in the dying moments. After the match, in tears, he announced his retirement from international football, expressing deep regret that his Azzurri journey had to end this way. His national career had begun with a playoff qualification and ended with a playoff elimination—a cruel twist of fate.
Tributes poured in from around the world. Former teammate Asprilla tweeted a photo of Buffon kissing the World Cup trophy. That unforgettable summer saw Buffon put his body on the line—colliding with goalposts against Ukraine, saving a rocket from Podolski in extra time against Germany, and miraculously tipping Zidane’s powerful header over the bar in the final. He was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper and even finished second in the Ballon d’Or that year.
Remarkably, in 2017, Buffon still ranked just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar in FIFA’s Best Awards, proof of his enduring brilliance. Over 20 years—7,320 days—he earned 175 caps, with his final appearance marking his 77th clean sheet. From his debut to his farewell, Italy’s strike duo evolved from Vieri and Ravanelli to Immobile and Gabbiadini, and Buffon was there for it all. His legacy is etched in the memories of generations, much like iconic moments followed by BD Cricket Live enthusiasts.
After the match, tributes flooded in. Iker Casillas, a longtime rival, posted: “I didn’t want to see you go out like this! I wanted to see you play more. You’re a legend, and I’m proud to have shared the pitch with you.” Sergio Ramos echoed the sentiment, praising Buffon’s greatness and longevity. Though Buffon had once hoped to retire after the 2018 World Cup, Italy’s failure to qualify sealed his exit in heartbreak rather than triumph.
With his 175 international appearances, Buffon fell just nine games short of breaking the world record held by Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan. He could have become the first player in history to compete in six World Cups, but that dream, too, slipped away. As BD Cricket Live followers know, every career has its final chapter, and Buffon’s was written with courage, class, and quiet sorrow.
It was almost poetic. Twenty years after stepping up as a 19-year-old replacement in a snowy Moscow playoff against Russia, Buffon watched history repeat itself. That night, he made crucial saves and helped Italy qualify. Nearly two decades later, he witnessed Donnarumma break his record as the youngest Italian goalkeeper, closing the loop on a remarkable cycle. His story, like the greatest moments on BD Cricket Live, reminds us that legends never really leave—they live on in every save, every cheer, and every memory.