Gigi Buffon received the UEFA President’s Award from Aleksandar Ceferin before participating in the 2024-25 Champions League draw. ‘It was the biggest reason why I played for such a long time.’
The trophy was handed to the legendary Calcio figure ahead of the ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
Buffon and former Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo will be picking the names and pressing buttons for the complicated new draw in the Champions League League Phase format.
Buffon honoured by UEFA
The former Parma, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain star hung up his gloves last year after winning an official 10 Serie A titles, the Ligue 1 trophy, UEFA Cup, multiple editions of the Coppa Italia and of course the 2006 World Cup for Italy.
“The most capped goalkeeper, the most capped Italian ever, the fourth-most capped European football player, but most of all a very good person, who was not just a teammate, but also a second father, a teacher and always raised his voice for unprivileged people. So I am sure he is number one to deserve this trophy.
“And, for me personally, the best goalkeeper ever in history,” said Ceferin.
Of course, of all the trophies that Buffon won, he never managed to lift the Champions League in his career, coming close several times.
“It was the biggest reason why I played for such a long time. Not because I wanted to win it, but because I enjoyed playing it,” said Buffon from the stage in Monaco.
“Without a doubt, it is the most important trophy for soccer.”
Now working with coach Luciano Spalletti as part of the Azzurri staff, Buffon received the award from UEFA President Ceferin.
“My role is becoming more and more important, thanks to the Italian Federation, and I hope to be able to repay them, because it will mean I am doing a good job for the national team and returning to being ambitious and winning, as history requires of us. I hope.”