Gianluigi Buffon rules out retirement; Hopes to play till 50

Gianluigi Buffon has spoken out about his future, and has said that he would like to continue playing until 50. The iconic goalkeeper has gone on to say that he would like to represent Italy at the 2026 World Cup. 

He currently features for his boyhood club Parma in Serie B, and recently became the first-ever goalkeeper in the history of football to keep 500 clean sheets in their career. 

Gianluigi Buffon speaks out on his future 

Here is what Gianluigi Buffon had to say to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his upcoming years: 

‘If Italy don’t qualify for the World Cup, I may play the next ones. 

‘I would not be surprised to be still fit at 48. Michael Jordan didn’t rule out playing until 50 and I understand him. At the end of the day, we do the talking on the pitch.

‘The truth is, I continue because I am doing things that others don’t do. However, the dynamics make me understand that Qatar is impossible.

‘It’s fine like this, I must respect the choices of a smart man such as Roberto Mancini.’

Buffon has won the Serie A title on multiple occasions, alongside the Italian Cup. He has also had the honour of lifting the World Cup with Italy. Having said that he intends to play until he is 50 years old, the player has ruled out retirement as well. 

Considering the kind of fitness he has shown in his career, we would surely not rule out him actually making a return to the Italy national team once more.