World Cup

Gianluigi Buffon eyeing Italy return at 2026 World Cup

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 February 2022

Gianluigi Buffon refuses to rule out the prospect of returning to the Italy team for the 2026 World Cup, by which point he will be 48 years old.

Legendary Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has not ruled out the prospect of returning to international duty for the 2026 World Cup.

The 44-year-old continues to ply his trade for Parma in the second division of Italian football and is one of the first names on the teamsheet even in his golden years.

Buffon's 176th and most recent international cap came in a 2-0 defeat to Argentina back in March 2018, but the former Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain number one is eyeing a return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup, by which point he will be 48.

Speaking to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2006 World Cup winner said: "If Italy don't qualify for the World Cup, I may play the next ones.

"I would not be surprised to be still fit at 48. Michael Jordan didn't rule out playing until 50 and I understand him. At the end of the day, we do the talking on the pitch.

"I've always used the World Cup as an excuse for those who were wondering why I was continuing. The truth is, I continue because I am doing things that others don't do. However, the dynamics make me understand that Qatar is impossible. It's fine like this, I must respect the choices of a smart man such as Roberto Mancini."

Buffon has started 20 Serie B games for Parma in the 2021-22 season, keeping seven clean sheets and letting in just 22 goals in the process.

Italy are yet to book their spot at the 2022 World Cup, with the Euro 2020 champions facing either Portugal or Turkey in the playoff final if they get past North Macedonia next month.