Reflexes, Positioning, Distribution: 2006 World Cup winner Buffon builds his perfect goalkeeper

Former Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has built the perfect goalkeeper by combining a surfeit of qualities of current shot-stoppers. 

The 46-year-old knows a thing or two about the position, having had a career that lasted nearly three decades before retiring at boyhood club Parma in 2023. 

To construct his ultimate goalkeeper, the 2006 World Cup winner selected seven key attributes: reflexes, handling, positioning, one-on-one ability, high claims, distribution and passing, and penalty-saving prowess.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was chosen in two categories — positioning and claiming high balls — while Jan Oblak (reflexes), Manuel Neuer (handling), Alisson Becker (one-on-one ability), Ederson (distribution) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (penalties) made up the rest of Buffon’s selection. 

Since retiring from professional football, Buffon has transitioned to a new role as head of the Italian national team delegation since August 2023.