The description of Gianluigi Buffon on the memorable overhead kick of Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2017/18 Champions League quarter-finals is absolutely enthralling.
The goal was so stunning that even fans from the opposing team stood up to applaud the brilliance of the Portuguese icon.
Buffon, the revered Italian goalkeeper with a wealth of experience and trophies under his belt, was left awestruck by Ronaldo’s astonishing goal in the encounter.
Cristiano Ronaldo was playing for Real Madrid at the time, and he was instrumental in Los Blancos’ 3-0 win over Gianluigi Buffon’s Juventus, scoring a brace and providing an assist for Marcelo on the night (April 3, 2018).
Anyway, months later, Gianluigi Buffon revealed a candid moment during the Trento Sports Festival.
Gianluigi Buffon on Cristiano Ronaldo overhead kick
Reflecting on the goal, he admitted to being initially frustrated but soon recognized the greatness of Ronaldo’s feat.
Buffon’s inquiry about Ronaldo’s age led to a lighthearted exchange between the pair, and reminiscing over it, the retired goalkeeper said:
“After about 25 seconds of normal frustration over the goal I conceded, I thought about what he had done to me, something really great.
“I asked him, ‘Cristiano, how old are you?’ and he said: “Not bad for a 33-year-old, right? In the end, we both laughed.”
Expressing pride in his stint alongside Ronaldo at Juventus, Buffon emphasized the importance of playing with the best to continually improve.
He lauded Cristiano Ronaldo’s demeanor and professionalism, highlighting their brief but meaningful conversations during training sessions.
The Italian goalie added: “It’s hard to improve if you don’t play with the best and I wanted to add him to the list of the great champions I’ve played with.
“He is an educated boy; you see that by how he behaves with the other teammates.
“We usually take two or three minutes in the training to speak and, for me, it has been a pleasure meeting him.
“At the end of my career, I had the chance to play with Cristiano and that’s an extra point.”
Buffon choice between Lionel Messi and Ronaldo
Gianluigi Buffon’s admiration for Ronaldo extends beyond the pitch, when pressed to compare Ronaldo and Messi, Buffon declined to choose a favorite, acknowledging their distinct styles and strengths.
He said: “They are two completely different players.
“Messi is more complete, because he starts deeper, has more technical quality, and a vision of the game that is worthy more of a trequartista than a finisher.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps because he is a little older, has become a killer in the penalty area.
“Compared to how he was before, Ronaldo conserves his energy more, so he no longer goes out to the flank for a nutmeg or trick shot. But with one ball into the box, he can create a goal.”
Buffon’s illustrious career is marked by numerous records and achievements.
From his record-breaking appearances in Serie A to his triumphs with the Italian national team, the 2006 World Cup winner left an indelible mark on the sport.
Making his debut at just 17 years old for Parma, he has amassed over 1,100 professional appearances, solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.
In June 2021, Buffon returned to his boyhood club Parma, who had been relegated to Serie B for that season, before announcing his retirement from football in 2023 at the age of 45.
In essence, Gianluigi Buffon’s journey from awe-inspiring moments on the field to candid reflections off it epitomizes the essence of sportsmanship and respect in the beautiful game of football.
