Imagine how great the world would be if every footballer behaved like Gigi Buffon. The 38-year-old Juventus and Italy goalkeeper is an absolute legend, equally famous for his remarkable career between the posts and his overall character. In recent years Buffon has endeared himself to fans around the world with his charismatic signing of the Italian national anthem, writing an emotional letter to the goal he defends, and playing keeper during a game with children.
Sing it David Schwimmer! Buffon is the best. https://t.co/FqU8NXZKnp
— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) June 24, 2014
During last week’s international break, Buffon once again proved why he is such a beloved figure.
France traveled to the south of Italy to face off against the Azzurri in Bari. As the French national anthem played, a group of Italian supporters began to jeer and whistle. Buffon quickly sprung into action and began clapping to his show support for the French players. Almost immediately, Buffon’s teammates, and the rest of the stadium, followed the Italian captain’s lead and also clapped to drown out the negative jeers.
Fans at Italy game booed French anthem but Buffon started clapping & everyone joined in
Morons 0-1 @gianluigibuffon pic.twitter.com/7wsG9StpmK— Adam Digby (@Adz77) September 2, 2016
The President of France even thanked Italy’s Prime Minister for Buffon’s actions.
This moment, which won’t show up in any box score, is what football should be about in 2016 and is exactly why we all love Gigi Buffon.
