Gianluigi Buffon recalls Zinedine Zidane Headbutt Incident in 2006 World Cup Final, says 'I was VAR'

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Gianluigi Buffon, one of football's most iconic goalkeepers, opened up on a range of personal and professional experiences during a media interaction in Turin while promoting his new book.

From light-hearted moments with coaches Marcello Lippi and Massimiliano Allegri to the emotional highs and lows of the 2006 World Cup, Buffon offered rich insights into his storied career.

Discussing the central theme of his book, Buffon explained that goalkeeping mirrors the journey of life.
"The theme of the book is that goalkeeping is a metaphor for life. You fall, get back up, fall, get back up. There are always going to be falls, but the important thing is finding the motivation to get back up again," he said.

The 2006 World Cup & Zidane's Infamous Moment

Buffon's crowning moment came in 2006 when Italy lifted the World Cup after defeating France in a penalty shootout. However, the historic night was also marred by Zinedine Zidane's shocking headbutt on Marco Materazzi.

Recalling the incident, Buffon described how he played a key role in ensuring it did not go unnoticed.
"At that moment, I was the VAR," he joked.

"My reaction and my run towards the area where it happened made sure that the referees realised what had transpired. They will never admit it, of course, but they saw it back on the television monitors. I was the only one who saw everything that happened in real time."

Buffon also reflected on Italy's early exit from the 2010 World Cup under Lippi's second stint as head coach. The goalkeeper was injured during the tournament and recalled the atmosphere in the dressing room after their elimination.

"I was injured, so I got back into the dressing room and saw everyone distraught, with their heads in their hands. The coach arrived, he was calm, but detached. 'It is not your fault, it is my fault that like an idiot, I brought you here.' I will admit, I went and hid in the shower so I could laugh at that," Buffon concluded.