Sport
“Messi Made Me Proud When He Asked for My Shirt” – Buffon on 2015 UCL Final
Gianluigi Buffon has shared a special moment from the 2015 Champions League final that made him feel truly proud.
The match, held at Olympiastadion in Berlin, saw Juventus face off against Barcelona. Ivan Rakitic put Barça ahead early in the fourth minute, but Alvaro Morata brought Juve back into the game with a goal in the 55th minute.
However, Barcelona quickly regained control when Luis Suarez capitalized on a rebound from a Lionel Messi strike that Buffon had parried in the 68th minute. Neymar sealed the 3-1 victory in injury time, securing the trophy for the Spanish giants.
Despite the loss, Buffon experienced an unforgettable moment after the match. Messi approached him and asked for his shirt, a request that left the legendary goalkeeper feeling honored.
“Leo made me proud when he asked for my shirt after the final in Berlin. I was 37 years old, and in that moment, I thought, ‘Mamma mia, how beautiful this is!’” Buffon recalled in an interview with TuttoJuve.
“It was one of those rare times in my life when I saw myself differently, not feeling uncomfortable but rather appreciating the moment. We exchanged shirts, and it meant a lot to me.”
For Messi, that night marked his last appearance in a Champions League final, while for Buffon, it was a memory that remained just as significant as any trophy he had won.
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has shared his thoughts on Victor Osimhen’s next career move, saying the final decision belongs to the striker alone. Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he won the league, League Cup, and the Golden Boot.
Osimhen has already rejected offers from Saudi side Al-Hilal, making it clear he wants to continue playing in Europe. Speaking to Sport 247, Okocha stressed that Osimhen must make the choice himself.
“The decision is his to make. Whether it works out or not, he has to own it,” Okocha said. He added that no one else should dictate Osimhen’s future, saying the striker should do what is best for himself and his family.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed his top picks for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, naming four players he believes could take home the prestigious award. Deco mentioned Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, alongside PSG duo Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, as his favourites for the prize.
“Lamine has a real chance, just like Pedri, Dembele, and Vitinha,” Deco said in a chat with La Vanguardia, as reported by Barca Universal. He added that it’s exciting to see Barcelona players back in the conversation for one of football’s biggest honours.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September. Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the award last year, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has picked Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the two greatest players he’s shared the pitch with. Leao, who plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal, also had the chance to team up with Ibrahimovic during the Swede’s final years at AC Milan.
Speaking in an interview with fashion outlet L’Officiel, Leao said, “It’s not just one, but two — Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo, now 40, is still active with Saudi club Al Nassr, though his contract is set to run out at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, 43, has retired and currently works as an advisor for AC Milan under the club’s American ownership.
-
Entertainment23 hours agoTiwa Savage Opens Up About Her Pre-Fame Style and Journey to Bold Fashion
-
Entertainment22 hours agoFuji Artist, K1 De Ultimate Breaks Silence on Rumored Split with Wife Emmanuella
-
Entertainment21 hours ago“Music Won’t Pay All the Bills” – Illbliss Urges New Artists to Learn A Skill
-
Sport2 hours agoRafael Leao Says Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic Are the Best Players He Ever Played With
-
Politics2 hours agoKenneth Okonkwo Asks Peter Obi to Say How He Betrayed Him After Leaving LP
-
Entertainment23 hours ago“Pray For VeryDarkMan”: Activist’s Brother Sparks Concern with Emotional Plea
-
Entertainment20 hours agoHollywood Mourns the Passing of Popular Actor Jack Betts At The Age 96
-
Entertainment22 hours agoMichelle Obama Expresses Gladness To Not Having A Son; Explains Why