Today, legendary Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon turns 40 years old. The stopper – who remains undecided as to whether he will carry on playing for another season – has had an immeasurable impact on Italian and World football during his career for Parma, Juventus and Italy.
Since a senior debut back in 1995, Buffon has made 629 Serie A appearances, 37 Serie B starts and has represented the Azzurri on no less than 175 occasions. The ‘keeper has won the World Cup, UEFA cup, alongside a whole host of Scudetti and Coppa Italia medals that decorate his trophy cabinet with a huge list of personal accolades to boot.
On Saturday evening Buffon sat on the bench away to Chievo after having only just recovered from injury, and there he found a surprise early birthday card. It was coloured in by hand, left there by some young fans of the opposition team and read: “Happy Birthday Champion! You are our idol, we hope you continue to amaze us with your saves.”
Such messages made Buffon smile in the dugout, and shows just how universally loved this player is. His influence stretches far and wide, with many believing him to be the very best goalkeeper of a generation. It is no surprise that those messages were not the only ones sent to Buffon to mark his special birthday, with a selection of those included below:
“Gigi do you still want to play at 40? For me, the real pupone (big baby) is you! Happy Birthday my friend.” - Francesco Totti.
“You are like a son to me. An extraordinary champion. Stop, continue, become a Coach, Juve, the national team? Whatever you decide to do, you will remain a legend. Happy Birthday Gigi.” - Marcello Lippi.
“Dear Gigi, the celebration isn’t for you, but for the whole world. I hope that you are ready to give as much as you have given to football in your first 40 years in the next 40, with the same enthusiasm, wisdom and strength.” - Carlo Ancelotti.
“Dear Gigi, you are not only a champion, but a special person. An example to youngsters, to your teammates and for Coaches. I hope that you will continue to spread your qualities.” - Cesare Prandelli.
“Dear Gigi, to have known you was a pleasure, to have worked with you a privilege. My wish is that you will always remain as you are. But thinking about it, this isn’t a wish, but a certainty.” - Claudio Ranieri.
“It’s difficult to describe the admiration I have for you. You are a fantastic example, simply a legend.” Milan and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“Dear Gigi, like a Barolo you get better with age. Thank you for being an example for everyone. You are a legend.” - Mattia Perin, Genoa and Italy goalkeeper.
“Dear Gigione, Happy 40th Birthday, you are getting old too but you wear it well! Enjoy this day of celebration.” - Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso.
“He is a great goalkeeper who has made history at both national and club level. I wish him every happiness on his birthday.” Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
“Happy Birthday, you are an example, a role model to aspire to for all that you have won and for all that you are today. The best ever.” - Marco Sportiello, Fiorentina goalkeeper.
“Dear Gigi, you are an example, a champion, an outstanding member of society. Your professionalism is so important for the children that love football and dream of playing in Serie A. Happy Birthday.” - Etrit Berisha, Atalanta goalkeeper.
Inzaghi's face!! 😱
Has no right to stop this. #Buffon39
The list of wishes could go on indefinitely, but Gianluigi Buffon is so clearly one of those players that has universal appeal to football fans. Throughout his career his saves have gone way beyond the norm, his feats having entertained us all throughout the years. For that reason alone, it is safe to say that we all wish him a very Happy Birthday today.
