Gianluigi Buffon: head, heart and hands

25 years ago today, a suave but naive 17 year old, soon to be known as Buffon, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever keepers of all time, made his debut for Parma. This article will explore the fuse that was lit from a young age and the spark of Thomas N’Kono that ignited his love for the beautiful game.

Buffon’s debut finished 0-0 against that season’s eventual champions AC Milan. Gigi’s bold character and the vital role he was to play in the team was immediately evident; when asked if he was ready to start, he nonchalantly replied “No problem!”.

Thus, Buffon had established himself from day one at Parma and seemed to be following in the footsteps of his Italian predecessors known for their theatrics. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, and his brains in his hands, he became an instant fan favourite. A legend in the making. After a captain worthy performance in his first game and a strong finish to the season, he was was credited Parma’s starting keeper and there began his legacy. That season Gigi made 27 appearances and conceded 17 goals, thus helping Parma finish runners up in Serie A. At just 18 Buffon had shown the maturity of a keeper much further into his career.

Controversially, in 2001 Gigi took the number 88 shirt, a number carrying neo-Nazi connotations, the 8th letter referring to the letter ‘H’, meaning ‘Heil Hitler’. Yet Gigi explained his actions in a press conference. 

“I have chosen 88 because it reminds me of four balls and in Italy, we all know what it means to have balls: strength and determination. And this season I will have to have balls to get back my place in the Italy team.” 

Gigi had previously caught media attention when he wore a shirt bearing the far right slogan Boia chi molla”-“Death to cowards” he defended his actions by saying he saw it on a school desk that year, testifying his ignorance. Whether it was recklessness or intentional anyone could see a young boy dying to prove his heart and courage.

For six seasons Gigi played for Parma as their knight in shining armour. He helped them achieve their highest Serie A finish and win the UEFA Cup. The Parma fans must have foreseen the day when Buffon would pass to greater things and that came in the summer of 2001, when he transferred to Juventus. A loose cannon who had shown brief spells of maturity but certain greatness had followed his dreams and secured a move to a club that would help him wear that Scudetto that he so desperately dreamed of. I don’t think its necessary to state the accounts that preceded so I will just state numbers 10 Serie A, 12 Serie A Goalkeeper of the year, 1 World Cup… the list goes on.

The men behind the footballers very rarely are revealed but judging from interviews and his charisma on the pitch Gigi seems like an intelligent thoughtful man who you know thinks through every action carefully deducting each outcome, each possibility. Much like figuring which way to dive on a penalty or how to save a 1 on 1.

Buffon remembered his twelve year old self being completely transfixed by Africa’s greatest ever keeper, Thomas N’ Kono as Cameroon faced Argentina 1990 World Cup. 

In a letter to younger self, he wrote:

“This is why you became a footballer. Not because of money or fame. Because of the artistry and style of this man Thomas N’Kono. Because of his soul.” 

Buffon was so inspired by the sheer elegance and fearlessness, at twelve years old, this boy thought to himself, “you will show the world that Buffon exists”. The deranged, self-assured belief befitting of the man he would become.

A classy Italian Joey Barton.

A macho man, a proper footballer.