Gianluigi Buffon was a professional soccer player.
Gianluigi Buffon . At club level , Buffon 's professional career began with Parma in 1995 , where he made his Serie A debut , and was soon promoted to the role of starting goalkeeper , earning a reputation as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Italy ; during his time with the club , he won the Coppa Italia , the UEFA Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana , all in 1999 . The Golden Foot award is an international football award , given to players who stand out for their athletic achievements ( both as individuals and team players ) and for their personality . The Italian national football team ( Nazionale di calcio italiana ) represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation ( FIGC ) , the governing body for football in Italy . Serie A ( [ ˈsɛːrje ˈa ] ) , also called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by TIM , is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and the winner is awarded the Coppa Campioni d'Italia . The UEFA Club Footballer of the Year was a football award presented by UEFA to the most outstanding performers of the European club football season .