Gianluigi Buffon was a professional soccer player.
Gianluigi Buffon . Buffon was the winner of the 2006 Yashin Award following Italy 's World Cup victory , in which he was also elected to be part of the Team of the Tournament ; an honour which he also received after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2008 European Championships , and the final of the 2012 European Championships . 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 2008 UEFA European Football Championship , commonly referred to as UEFA Euro 2008 or simply Euro 2008 , was the 13th UEFA European Football Championship , a quadrennial football tournament contested by European nations .