Lorenzo Buffon, the iconic Italian goalkeeper, celebrates his 95th birthday on December 19, 2024, reflecting on his storied life and illustrious football career. Known as one of the best goalkeepers Italy has ever produced, Buffon played the majority of his professional career with AC Milan and Inter Milan, where he earned recognition for his skills on the field.
Despite his advanced age, Buffon remains remarkably active and continues to cherish life. "I just had a small operation for a hernia, that's why you see me with crutches. But I still drive, do some exercise, eat moderately, and I’ve eliminated alcohol and smoking. Then I paint, spend time with my second wife Loredana, and watch AC Milan matches, even if they talk too much on TV," he said, during his interview with Corriere della Sera.
The secret to his longevity, he humorously noted, is to maintain good relationships with doctors and priests, jokingly stating, "I renamed myself Fortunato because I've overcome many physical troubles, including fractures I suffered as a player." Buffon's approach to health emphasizes moderation and lifelong learning which he considers as foundational to his well-being.
Reflecting on his impressive football career, which began when he was recruited by Milan after being rejected by Udinese for being too tall, Buffon recalled, "Yes, Udinese rejected me as a young man because I was too tall. I went to Portogruaro, and through a director who had contacts with Milan, I ended up there as the fourth goalkeeper." His determination paid off as he climbed the ranks swiftly, eventually achieving his first championship with Milan at the young age of 21!
Buffon's achievements include winning four championships with AC Milan and one with Inter Milan. He reminisced about the legendary players he shared the pitch with, including Nils Liedholm, who provided invaluable guidance throughout his early career. "Nils remains unforgettable; he taught me everything, even how to be a goalkeeper," Buffon fondly recalled. His ability to hold onto the ball led to his nickname, 'Tenaglia' - the Claw, signifying his exceptional grip during matches.
Apart from his successes on the field, Buffon also shared light-hearted stories from his younger days, particularly moments spent with teammates like Giampiero Boniperti and his later life with media personality Edy Campagnoli, whom he was the first footballer to marry. "She would come to see games behind my goal; we dated under the radar until we eventually married," Buffon said, reflecting on their relationship's media attention over the years.
Though Buffon and Campagnoli divorced after ten years, he has maintained warm recollections of their time together. His experiences traveling, including time spent alone after his divorce, have also contributed to his rich narrative, where he formed friendships with notable figures, including music legend Frank Sinatra during his travels across the United States.
His feelings on the current generation of the sport are tinged with both nostalgia and admiration. Buffon expressed emotional reactions when witnessing descendants of football legacies like Daniel Maldini taking to the pitch, saying, "When I saw Daniel Maldini play for Milan and then this year with the National team, I felt great emotion. I was there when his father Paolo debuted back in 1985, and to see the family legacy continue is incredible."
Besides examining personal relationships and historical moments of Italian football, Buffon also discussed contemporary challenges facing the sport. His relationship with Gigi Buffon, his distant cousin, is touched with both pride and disappointment for Gigi's failure to mention him publicly. Regardless of these familial intricacies, Lorenzo Buffon remains steadfastly optimistic about the future of the sport and hopes to see it unite more people rather than divide them.
On the occasion of his 95th birthday, Lorenzo Buffon's life stands as a magnificent chronicle of perseverance, culture, and friendship, valuable both on and off the field. He concludes with wishes for his beloved Milan and Udinese to thrive and for sportsmanship to always bring together those who enjoy it.
