Buffon reflects on 2015 UCL Final: “I cried with my wife…”

Gianluigi Buffon, often hailed as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Recently opened up about his emotional experience following Juventus’ loss to Barcelona in the 2015 UEFA Champions League final.

Buffon, who has had an illustrious career, spoke candidly about the deep impact the defeat had on him and how it affected his personal life.

The match, held in Berlin, saw Barcelona secure their fifth Champions League title with a 3-1 victory over Juventus. Despite the overwhelming disappointment, Buffon explained how he and his wife, Ilaria, coped with the loss in the quiet hours after the match. Returning home in a dazed state, the pair sat together in silence, unable to contain their emotions.

Buffon reminisced, “It was 5:30 in the morning, and Ilaria and I were embracing, both of us in tears. After the match in Berlin, I was completely stunned by the defeat, like how you feel after a night of heavy drinking”.

“We just stayed in the living room. She changed clothes, and we didn’t speak a word. We hugged for five minutes, cried, and then went to bed.”

Facing Barcelona’s famous MSN Trio

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The 2015 final marked a crucial moment in Buffon’s career. Barcelona’s attacking trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar, known as MSN was in full force, and despite Juventus’ best efforts, they couldn’t overcome the Spanish giants.

Buffon, however, took pride in his own performance that night, particularly given that he was 37 years old.

“I felt a great sense of pride during that final in Berlin, especially at 37 years old,” Buffon admitted.

One of the most memorable moments for Buffon was his exchange with Messi after the match. The Argentine legend asked for his jersey, a request that left Buffon in awe.

“When Messi asked for my shirt, I thought, ‘Wow, how amazing is this?’ It was one of those moments when I didn’t feel awkward, but I saw myself in a different light,” he said, reflecting on the honor of swapping shirts with such a legendary figure. Though the memory was special, the sting of the loss remained.

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“At the end of the match, though, we had bigger issues, not knowing that a few years later. We’d have another chance to play in a final [against Real Madrid in 2017],” Buffon added.

Buffon connection with Barcelona

Buffon also shared insights into his past connections with Barcelona. Explaining that earlier in his career, when he was playing for Parma, he had the opportunity to join the Catalan club. However, destiny led him to Juventus instead. At just 23 years old, Buffon had the maturity to understand that the decision was ultimately out of his hands.

He continued: “At 23, I came to the realization that my choices were no longer solely mine to make. I left the decision to my father and agent, trusting them to make the right call.”

In the end, a fax confirmed Buffon’s transfer to Juventus, a club that matched his ambitions. While both Barcelona and Roma had shown interest, Buffon felt that Juventus was the best fit for his career. Especially as they were aiming to reclaim the Serie A title after a lengthy absence.

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Buffon then reflected, “That’s when the fax arrived, along with a clipping from Tuttosport that read, ‘We have the number 1.’ Barcelona and Roma were interested in me, but with Juventus, our ambitions aligned. I hadn’t yet won the Scudetto, and they were determined to claim it once more after several years without it.”

Throughout his storied career, Buffon has remained a symbol of excellence, resilience, and dedication. While he never won the Champions League, his impact on the game is undeniable. And earning the respect and admiration of teammates, rivals, and fans worldwide.