After a 28-year career, Gianluigi Buffon announces his retirement from football at age 45.

 After a storied 28-year career, Gianluigi Buffon has announced his retirement from sport.continue reading 

Prior to his contract with Parma expiring in June 2024, the 45-year-old Italian custodian said he planned to play until that tournament. His current deal with Parma expires in 2026.

Before sharing the information on Wednesday, he had to reevaluate his future due to a number of ailments over the previous year.

He posted a video of some of his greatest professional achievements on social media with the message, “That’s all, folks! You gave everything to me. I gave it all to you. Together, we completed it.

The position of Chief of Delegation for the Italian national team, which was once held by former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli, is now anticipated to be awarded to Buffon.

After beginning his career in the Parma academy and landing a transfer to Juventus, Buffon returned to Parma in 2021.

During his second stint with Parma, he made 45 appearances in all competitions, but the previous season was marred by injuries. He only appeared in 19 games during the 2022–23 season due to hamstring and calf problems.

Buffon had a stellar career, winning 10 Serie A championships, six Supercoppa Italianas, six Coppa Italias, and the 2006 World Cup.

With 657 games under his belt, he also holds the record for the most appearances in Serie A.