Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who represented clubs like Parma, Juventus, PSG, and the Italian national team, has disclosed the player he considers his toughest opponent—excluding some of the biggest names in football.
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At 46 years old, Buffon is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his era. He is particularly remembered for his role in Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany. ..Continue Reading
However, Buffon’s illustrious career spans far beyond that achievement. Having played in over 1,100 professional matches, he secured ten Serie A titles, a Ligue 1 championship, and a host of other honors.
Despite facing legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Lionel Messi, Buffon identified a different former Barcelona player as his most formidable adversary.
“I played with three generations of footballers,” Buffon said when speaking Corriere della Sera.
“How can I say it? Zidane, Ronaldo, Messi, CR7, Iniesta…” he explained.
“Neymar [was the best]. He should have won five Ballon d’Or for the player and the person he is.”
Neymar, now 32, is currently a part of the Saudi Pro League, representing Al Hilal after making the switch from PSG in August 2023.
He and Buffon shared the pitch as teammates during their time at PSG, featuring together in 13 matches during the 2018/19 season.
Buffon also expressed admiration for Italian legend Paolo Maldini, who was on the opposing side for AC Milan during Buffon’s Serie A debut with Parma at the young age of 17.
“Inside the tunnel, I looked into the eyes of Weah, Boban, Costacurta, and Baresi,” the 45-year-old explained.
“At some point, somebody gave me a pat on the shoulder. It was Paolo Maldini who encouraged me.
“He also debuted in Serie A as a teenager and knew what it meant. I will never forget that gesture. He was an immense footballer, and he has two qualities I admire the most: loyalty and courage.”
Although Buffon’s career is filled with remarkable achievements, he never succeeded in winning the Champions League.
The legendary Italian goalkeeper reached the final three times but was unable to claim the title, even though he earned a spot in the Champions League Squad of the Season on two occasions.
Buffon now serves in a supporting role with the Italian national team’s coaching staff.
