Gianluigi Buffon Opens Up About Life After Football and Italy's Woes
In a recent interview at the Guardian's London office, Gianluigi Buffon, Italy's legendary goalkeeper, shared profound insights into his retirement and the current state of Italian football. At 48, Buffon, who ended his 28-year professional career in May 2023, described the transition as both liberating and daunting. "I felt it was the right choice to end my journey," he said, "but after nearly 30 years, I knew my life would become completely different." His autobiography, Saved, captures the emotional intensity of his final game with Parma, where he felt "dead inside" as he left the pitch.
From World Cup Glory to Retirement Realities
Buffon's career is marked by unparalleled achievements, including 176 caps for Italy, 10 Serie A titles with Juventus, and a World Cup victory in 2006. He recalled the 2006 tournament as a peak moment, where he felt "almost omnipotent" and unbeatable. However, this triumph was shadowed by the Calciopoli scandal, which saw Juventus relegated and Buffon facing accusations. "We knew we hadn't done anything bad," he reflected, "but the injustice brought out the best in us." The scandal, he admitted, made the Italian squad "decidedly unpopular" but fueled their determination.
One of the most memorable incidents from the 2006 final was Zinedine Zidane's red card after a head-butt on Marco Materazzi. Buffon, who had just saved a powerful header from Zidane, witnessed the event and alerted the referee. "I was shaken up," he confessed, "I knew it was Zidane's last game, and I was sorry it ended that way." In a lighthearted moment, Buffon joked in English, "It's my fault," referring to his save that preceded the altercation. He and Zidane have never discussed the incident, out of mutual respect.
Analyzing Italy's Football Decline
As part of Italy's management team, Buffon experienced the pain of the national team failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, including a recent playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "It has been a painful page for Italian football and myself," he stated. Buffon identified three key reasons for the decline:
- Globalization: Increased competitiveness across all teams.
- Tactical Shifts: Italy's historical tactical advantage has diminished.
- Lack of Creative Talent: Absence of players like Roberto Baggio or Francesco Totti.
Personal Struggles and Future Aspirations
Buffon also opened up about his battles with depression and panic attacks during his career. "Sharing your weaknesses can be a synonym of strength," he said, highlighting the importance of mental health. Now focused on fatherhood, he aims to be more present for his two sons. Yet, football remains in his blood. "It is the world I know best," he affirmed, "I'll always stay in a world where I'm appreciated." Buffon's legacy, from his ultra-fan roots to his philanthropic nods on his gloves, underscores his deep connection to the sport's culture and community.
