Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, has opened up about his experiences with Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Juventus. Buffon has shared valuable insights into their relationship, highlighting the cordial nature that defined their interactions. However, he expressed that the emotional void left by Ronaldo’s father’s absence contributed to a fragility in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s character.
Buffon poignantly remarked that Ronaldo had to navigate a challenging path partly because of this personal loss. The Portugal captain suffered the tragic loss of his father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, who passed away in 2005 due to liver failure. Although Ronaldo was already recognized as one of the best young talents in football at that time, he had yet to fully blossom into the superstar we know today.
Reflecting on the profound impact of this loss on Ronaldo’s life and career, Buffon revealed to Corriere Della Sera (via GOAL):
With Cristiano, I have always had a wonderful relationship: confidences, judgments on the new talents. I saw in him a great strength and also a fragility, linked to the absence of his father, to the hard path he had to face.
– Gianluigi Buffon
IMAGO / PanoramiC
Buffon and Ronaldo frequently faced off in electrifying UEFA Champions League matches. One of the most memorable moments for Ronaldo was undoubtedly his stunning overhead kick against Juventus in the 2017-18 season, which came while Buffon was in goal. The two superstars eventually joined forces when Ronaldo transferred to Juventus in 2018.
As teammates, Buffon and Ronaldo took the field together in 26 matches before Buffon’s subsequent moves to Paris Saint-Germain and later Parma. The fierce rivalry continued as they met eight times as opponents, with each achieving three victories, while the remaining two encounters ended in draws.
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How did Buffon perceive the influence of Ronaldo’s personal loss on his drive to succeed in football?
**Interview with Gianluigi Buffon on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Journey**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Gianluigi. You’ve had an incredible career not only as a goalkeeper but also as a teammate to some of football’s greatest icons. Recently, you shared your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo during your time at Juventus. Can you tell us more about your relationship with him?
**Gianluigi Buffon:** Absolutely, I’ve always had a wonderful relationship with Cristiano. We shared a lot of confidences and discussions, especially regarding new talents. What struck me was the balance of strength and fragility in him.
**Editor:** It’s interesting that you mention fragility. You’ve noted that this was partly linked to the absence of his father. Can you elaborate on how that personal loss affected him?
**Gianluigi Buffon:** Yes, losing his father at a young age was undoubtedly a heavy burden for Cristiano. Despite being recognized as one of the best young talents at that time, this absence shaped his character in ways that were often challenging. The path he had to traverse was different, and I think it brought both depth and vulnerability to his persona.
**Editor:** Many see Ronaldo as an indomitable figure on the pitch. Did this emotional fragility influence the way he approached the game and his career?
**Gianluigi Buffon:** In some ways, yes. This fragility may have fueled his desire to succeed even more, but it also meant that he faced moments of internal struggle. The pressure he put on himself to excel, to honor his father’s memory, added a significant layer to his pursuit of greatness. It’s a reminder that even the strongest people have battles to fight beneath the surface.
**Editor:** Looking back, how do you think this understanding of Ronaldo’s character affected your dynamic as teammates?
**Gianluigi Buffon:** I think it created a bond of mutual respect and empathy. It allowed us to connect on a deeper level, sharing not just tactical insights but also emotional support. We learned from each other, and that’s what made our time at Juventus special.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gianluigi. Your insights into Cristiano Ronaldo’s life and character are both poignant and enlightening. It shows the human side of sports, beyond just the accolades and records.
**Gianluigi Buffon:** Thank you. It’s always important to remember that behind every player, there are personal stories that shape who they are on and off the pitch.
