Gianluigi Buffon suggested making the goal bigger to make it easier for strikers to score

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his opinion regarding football regulations, suggesting that changes should be made. Specifically, he highlighted the need to enlarge goalposts due to anthropometric shifts in footballers since the dimensions were established many years ago.

The standardized goal size was established back in 1875, measuring eight yards in length (7.32 meters) and eight feet in height (2.44 meters).

During a Saturday interview with Tuttosport, Buffon was asked if he considered it necessary to increase the goal size, to which he responded positively, citing the growing stature of goalkeepers.

"It's necessary to start thinking about it. I was discussing this recently with family and my wife. When I began in 1998, I was among the top five tallest players in Serie A [Buffon's height is 192 cm]. Even last season, playing for Parma in Serie B, I was still among the top five tallest players, but out of twenty-two on the pitch!

The goal size was defined in 1875, probably suited to the anthropometric values of that time. Perhaps it was right then. But now, considering some athletes and goalkeepers, it's something we should ponder. Even in volleyball, they're discussing the net height - my sisters play volleyball, so I'm familiar with it. The serve there becomes almost as crucial as in tennis."

When asked if he would be surprised if the goalposts were increased, he replied:

"Well, it's not up to me to decide. There are governing bodies that will certainly consider and study this. Goalkeepers have indeed grown taller, but outfield players have become faster, more unpredictable, and hit harder. The players' technique is getting better.

However, you can see the impact of a goalkeeper's height on long shots. Thirty years ago, for every fifty shots, there were 10 goals. Today, 3 out of 50 is very low. Scoring from a distance against a two-meter-tall goalkeeper is much more challenging."

Gianluigi Buffon played for Juventus, PSG, and Parma, holding records for the most Serie A appearances and the most minutes in the Italian league without conceding goals.

A ten-time Serie A champion, winner of the UEFA Cup, and a World Cup winner with the national team. According to the IFFHS, he was named the best goalkeeper of the 21st century.

Last year, on August 2nd, Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement, concluding his career with Parma at the age of 45.