Gianluigi Buffon: How Cameroon great Thomas Nkono inspired the Italy legend's career

A year after that World Cup, Buffon joined the academy at Italian club Parma, where he honed his newly discovered goalkeeping skills.

He made his Serie A debut for the club in 1995 at the age of 17, keeping a clean sheet against AC Milan, who had that year's Ballon d'Or winner and three-time African Footballer of the Year George Weah in attack.

Buffon soon established himself as the first-choice keeper at Parma, moving on to Juventus in 2001.

During his first spell at Parma, Buffon crossed paths with Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma, who played for Cagliari for two seasons from 1998.

Buffon could not help but discuss his admiration for Nkono, and Mboma put the two goalkeepers in touch with each other, leading to Buffon making the trip to Cameroon for Nkono's testimonial game in 1999.

"I was surprised to hear that Gigi Buffon became a goalkeeper because of me," Nkono admitted.

"I got to know him when he was playing in Parma, with my fellow countryman and 'little brother' Patrick Mboma.

"Patrick told me he was the future Italy national team goalkeeper. I didn’t know he changed his field position thanks to me, but I think he made the right choice."

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