Pierluigi Collina Autograph

Profession:
(1960-) football referee

Year of Birth: 1960

Pierluigi Collina is a retired Italian football referee widely regarded as one of the best referees in the history of the sport. Born on February 13, 1960, in Bologna, Italy, Collina's love for football began at a young age. He played as a goalkeeper for several local youth teams before realizing his true passion lay in officiating matches.

In 1977, Collina started his career as a referee in the Italian amateur leagues. His exceptional skill and dedication quickly gained recognition, and he was appointed as a referee in Serie A, the top professional league in Italy, in 1991. Collina's remarkable leadership on the field, ability to make quick and accurate decisions, and unwavering authority earned him immense respect among players, coaches, and fans alike.

Collina's career reached its pinnacle in 2002 when he was selected as the referee for the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Brazil. This high-profile appointment solidified his status as one of the most respected referees in the world. His bald head and intense glare became iconic, and he became known as "The Terminator" due to his commanding presence.

After officiating matches for nearly three decades, Collina retired in 2005. However, his influence on the sport did not end there. He became the Head of Referees for the Italian Football Federation, where he worked to promote fair play, improve referee training programs, and enhance the overall quality of officiating.

Collina's contribution to the world of refereeing has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards, including the FIFA Special Award for his distinguished career, and was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Today, Pierluigi Collina continues to be an influential figure in football, using his expertise to mentor young referees and contribute to the development of the sport.