27th Aug 2024
Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon will be the recipient of the prestigious 2024 UEFA President’s Award. The award will be presented by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin during the Champions League draw on Thursday, August 29, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. This event will also showcase the new 36-team format of the Champions League for the first time.
The UEFA President’s Award is an accolade given in recognition of exceptional achievements, professional integrity, and exemplary personal traits.
In a statement on UEFA’s official website, Ceferin expressed his deep respect for Buffon, who first caught his attention as a young and charismatic goalkeeper at Parma in the mid-1990s. Ceferin emphasized not just Buffon’s commanding presence as a goalkeeper but also the perseverance that has kept him at the highest level throughout his career.
Ceferin also pointed to Buffon’s decision to remain with Juventus during their relegation to Serie B, despite interest from some of the world’s top clubs, as a reflection of his loyalty and character. Furthermore, Buffon has been a pioneer in professional sports for discussing his struggles with mental health and depression, helping to raise vital awareness on the issue.
Buffon’s career is one of the most decorated in football history. He was a key figure in Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team and set records with 176 appearances for the national team. This makes him the most capped goalkeeper ever, Italy’s most capped player, and one of the most capped European players in history.
In club football, Buffon’s success is equally remarkable. He won 10 Serie A titles – with Juventus recognizing 12 – along with the 1999 UEFA Cup during his time with Parma. Buffon also lifted the Coppa Italia six times and added a Ligue 1 title to his list of honors during his spell with Paris Saint-Germain. After a 28-year playing career, Buffon retired last year, having finished his career where it began at Parma, and is now part of Luciano Spalletti’s staff with the Italian national team.
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