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Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement from competitive football after failing to help Italy qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia. Italy lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sweden as they failed to qualify for the quadrennial event for the first time since 1958.
The image of a weeping Buffon at the end of that match is sure to haunt football fans for years to come as Buffon has been an absolute legend of the game. With 175 appearances for Italy, he remains their most capped player and is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, if not the greatest.
He played for Juventus in Serie A, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. In an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Buffon captained both Italy and Juventus successfully with the biggest achievement being the 2006 World Cup triumph. In a tense final, Buffon emerged as the hero as Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties.
Let us take a look at some of the best saves in Buffon's incredible journey
Also read: Pros and cons of Italy missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup
#5 Italy vs Paraguay, 1998 International friendly
It was probably this save that showed the world what Buffon was made of, as he pulled it off so early into his career at the tender age of 20. In that particular game against Paraguay, Buffon made an incredible save against Hugo Brizuela.
Barely three yards out, Brizuela tapped the ball towards the goal. But with an insane reflex action save, Buffon denied him the goal. Brizuela's reaction said the whole story as he could not believe his luck. That was the start of something great that the football world was going to witness, as Buffon evolved into a world-class goalkeeper.
#4 Italy vs Germany, Euro 2016 Quarter Finals
Buffon was once again at the forefront of an Italian campaign as he led Italy to the UEFA Euro in 2016. In the quarterfinals against Germany, Buffon produced a spectacular save from close range as he stupendously managed to parry a shot from Mario Gomez from just 4 yards out.
In spite of Buffon's brilliance, Italy lost 6-5 on penalties to the Germans. Although he was at the fag end of his career, Buffon still had it in him to compete at the biggest stage with his stunning reflexes and excellent game awareness. He led from the front on more than one occasion for the "Azzurri".
#3 Juventus vs Barcelona, 2015 UEFA Champions League Final
Juventus locked horns with Bacelona in the final of the 2015 Champions league with the Serie A champions were looking for their 3rd title. In a moment of brilliance, Buffon made a classic save to deny the Catalans a goal. Aleix Vidal sent a rasping shot towards the face of the goal but the outstretched right hand of Buffon came in the way.
The save was even more spectacular than it looked, at first, as Buffon initially went the wrong way and yet managed to tip the ball over the bar with his left hand. Buffon, once again, ended up on the losing side as Barcelona registered a comfortable 3-1 victory over Juventus.
#2 Juventus vs AC Milan, 2003 Champions League Final
Juventus played AC Milan in the finals of the 2003 Champions League, at the hallowed Old Trafford in Manchester. The match was nail-biting as both teams played with high intensity. During the second half, Filippo Inzhagi powerfully headed a beautiful cross towards the goal, only to be denied by a flying Buffon.
In a stunning reflex action effort, Buffon stuck out his left hand and stopped the ball from going into the net. Buffon was almost parallel to the ground when he made that save, earning the appreciation from football experts and fans worldwide. However, AC Milan held their nerves during the penalty shootout and won their 6th title in the process
#1 Italy vs France, 2006 World Cup Final
Probably the most important save in Buffon's decorated career-- this special effort turned out to be the match winner for Italy at the end of the day. Both Italy and France were locked 1-1 after full time and the match went into extra-time. During the 13th minute of extra time, Zinedine Zidane powerfully headed a cross from the right wing goalwards.
Buffon leapt up into the air and tipped the ball over the crossbar leaving the Frenchmen in utter disbelief. Italy eventually went on to win the World cup as they beat France 5-3 in penalties. It still remains the most vital save made in Buffon's career.
