Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon won the UEFA President’s Award 2024 at the UEFA Champions League draw during the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase draw ceremony in Monaco.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin gave away the award to Buffon for his professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities to younger footballers.
"Gianluigi Buffon is a player I've admired since he first emerged as a young, charismatic goalkeeper for Parma in the mid-90s. Beyond his commanding presence between the posts, his longevity and determination make him an inspiration to football fans worldwide. His remarkable consistency across generations might lead many to believe that staying at the top is easy. The fact that he chose to follow his club to Serie B during his prime, despite being sought after by top clubs around the world, speaks volumes. Buffon is also one of the first athletes to openly discuss mental health and depression, helping to raise crucial awareness of this issue in professional sports."
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said,