Gianluigi Buffon at a Glance
- Net Worth: $20 Million
- Birthdate: January 28, 1978
- Birthplace: Carrara, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Profession: Former Professional Footballer, Team Coordinator
What is Gianluigi Buffon’s Net Worth?
Gianluigi Buffon has a net worth of $20 million. He is a former Italian professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His wealth was accumulated over a nearly three-decade-long career defined by record-breaking contracts, consistent high-level salaries, and significant endorsements.
The foundation of his fortune was set in 2001 when he transferred from Parma to Juventus for €52.9 million. This transaction made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, a record that stood for 17 years. This deal secured him a top-tier salary at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, where he remained the number-one choice for 17 seasons. Buffon’s financial success comes from his long-term contracts at elite clubs like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, supplemented by major brand partnerships.
Contracts and Earnings
Gianluigi Buffon’s earnings were consistently among the highest for a goalkeeper. During his first dominant spell at Juventus, his salary was reported to be around €6.8 million ($7.5 million) annually, not including bonuses.
A significant financial event occurred in 2018 when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). At 40 years old, he signed a lucrative contract worth a reported €10 million ($11.5 million) for the season. Buffon later publicly stated his regret over leaving the French club after just one year, noting that the decision cost him a significant payday as he walked away from the second year of his high-value contract.
He returned to Juventus in 2019 on a much-reduced salary, accepting a role as a backup. He finished his playing career at his first club, Parma, where his salary was a reported £1.4 million per year before his retirement in 2023.
Throughout his career, Gianluigi Buffon’s status as an icon of Italian football attracted numerous endorsements. His most prominent and long-standing partnership was with the German sportswear brand Puma, which supplied his gloves and boots for the majority of his career. He also served as a brand ambassador for the Italian insurance company Reale Mutua.
Early Life
Gianluigi Buffon was born on January 28, 1978, in Carrara, Italy, into a family of athletes. His mother, Maria Stella Masocco, was a national champion discus thrower, and his father, Adriano Buffon, was a weightlifter. His two sisters also played volleyball, and his paternal uncle was a professional basketball player. Buffon began playing football as a midfielder but switched to goalkeeper at age 11, inspired by Cameroon’s Thomas N’Kono during the 1990 World Cup. He joined the Parma youth academy in 1991.
Career
Gianluigi Buffon’s professional career began when he made his Serie A debut for Parma in 1995 at the age of 17. He quickly established himself as a generational talent, helping Parma win the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup in 1999. His performances attracted the attention of Italy’s top clubs, leading to his world-record transfer to Juventus in 2001.
At Juventus, Buffon became a club legend and the backbone of a team that dominated Italian football. He won a record 10 Serie A titles and five Coppa Italia trophies during his two spells with the club. He famously remained with Juventus in 2006 when the club was relegated to Serie B following the Calciopoli scandal, cementing his loyalty to the fans. The pinnacle of his career came in 2006 when he led the Italian national team to victory at the FIFA World Cup, conceding only two goals during the entire tournament.
Buffon holds the record for the most appearances in Serie A history and for the Italian national team. After a one-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain in the 2018–2019 season where he won the Ligue 1 title, he returned to Juventus for two more seasons. In 2021, he made a nostalgic return to Parma. He officially announced his retirement from professional football in August 2023, ending his 28-year playing career. Following his retirement, Buffon accepted a new role as the team coordinator for the Italy national team.
