Gianluigi Buffon was a professional soccer player.
Gianluigi Buffon . With the Italy national team , Buffon has been called up for an international record of five FIFA World Cup tournaments ( 1998 , 2002 , 2006 , 2010 , 2014 ) since making his debut in 1997 , featuring in four of them as Italy 's starting goalkeeper ( he was an unused substitute in 1998 ) . Goalkeeper , often shortened to keeper or goalie , is one of the major positions of association football . 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 .