Gianluigi Buffon vs Iker Casillas and other rivalries in football

Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Know about his fellow well-known rivals.

Gianluigi Buffon with Serie A club Parma; Credit: Twitter/@gianluigibuffon
By Srushti Palkar | May 5, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Due to consistent performances in his career so far, Gianluigi Buffon has been hailed as one of the most accomplished and hugely experienced goalkeepers around. His goalkeeping skills, work rate, and athleticism have helped him emerge as one of the most talented modern-day goalkeepers. Buffon began his career with the youth system of Parma. He initially started playing as a midfielder, before deploying as a goalkeeper. In 2001, he transferred from Parma to Juventus – which led to a career breakthrough for Buffon. There he started climbing the ladder of success and recognition. After a long spell with Juventus, Buffon signed a contract with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain. A season later, he returned to Juventus once again. He flourished with the Bianconeri before bidding adieu to the club and then joined Parma.

Career Achievements

As a young promising goalkeeper, Buffon helped Parma with a number of silverware. With Juventus, he won a record nine Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias, and five Supercoppa Italiana. He even became the first goalkeeper to win the Serie A Footballer of the Year award. With French club Paris Saint-Germain also he won silverware, before returning to Juventus. At the international level, Buffon is the most capped (176) player in the history of the Italy football team. He represented his country during many editions of the FIFA World Cup. During the 2006 tournament, he was awarded the Golden Glove as the competition’s best goalkeeper. In addition, he was also a part of many Euros, and the FIFA Confederations Cups, where he won a bronze medal in the 2013 edition of the tournament. Moreover, he won the UEFA’s award for best goalkeeper in 2003 and also the Golden Foot award.

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Gianluigi Buffon vs Iker Casillas

Casillas was in his prime when he was at Real Madrid. An excellent shot-stopper and one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He is known for his agility, reflexes, consistency as well as his footwork, concentration, and speed. Apart from the statistical value of Buffon and Iker Casillas, we know that both are the finest goalkeepers in the football world. Both have been terrific, producing tremendously great performances for their club and respective country. Both are quality goalkeepers, no doubt about that. But Buffon has an edge when it comes to longevity.

Gianluigi Buffon vs Petr ÄŚech

Petr Čech is one of the notable goalkeepers of his generation. He is also hailed as one of the best shot-stoppers of all time. His personality and strong leadership skills have led Chelsea to multiple glories. He has been at the heart of the Blues side, providing security to the team’s defense during key moments. He shares countless honors with Italy’s Gigi Buffon. Therefore, it really is difficult to compare the two on metrics – especially when both are best in their own era. However, on the international stage, Buffon seems to have an edge over Čech.

Gianluigi Buffon vs Manuel Neuer

Neuer is one of Bayern Munich’s most decorated legends. His goalkeeping techniques and skills are unique and at their peak. His impressive style of play has made Neuer one of the most influential goalkeepers of all time. Buffon on the other hand has made the goalkeeping position his own for over two decades. Regardless of his age, he has produced wonders with his gameplay. Experience-wise Buffon tops the German. Manuel Neuer on the other hand is renowned for advocating modern goalkeeping, being an excellent sweeper keeper. Therefore, it is a close call between the two.

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