Gianluigi Buffon targets 2026 World Cup as iconic goalkeeper rejects retirement rumours

Gianluigi Buffon believes he can continue playing until he's 50 and is targeting a shock return to the Italian national team.

The goalkeeper, 44, is still playing regularly for boyhood club Parma and isn't planning on retiring anytime soon, despite his advancing years.

Buffon has 18 months remaining on his existing deal and has featured in all 21 league games this term. Parma are currently 13th in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football.

The Juventus icon has enjoyed a fabulous career, winning 11 league titles, six Italian Cups, the World Cup and many more trophies.

Buffon picked up the last of his 176 senior caps for Italy in 2018 but hasn't formerly retired from international duty and would welcome a recall.

"If Italy don’t qualify for the World Cup, I may play the next ones," Buffon told La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Sun.

"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."

On his future with Parma, Buffon added: "Let’s see how Parma and I end the season. I feel the responsibility to represent people from Parma who give me unconditional love."

Italy - the reigning European champions - are yet to qualify for this year's World Cup.

Roberto Mancini's side must beat North Macedonia and Portugal or Turkey to book their place in Qatar. Italy failed to qualify for the last tournament in Russia.

Despite the next World Cup taking place in just nine months' time, Buffon respects Mancini's decision not to select him and won't pressurise the manager.

"I’ve always used the World Cup as an excuse for those who were wondering why I was continuing," revealed Buffon.

"The truth is, I continue because