About
Pierluigi Collina is a retired Italian football referee widely regarded as one of the best referees of all time. Known for his stern demeanor and distinctive bald head, Collina officiated some of the most important matches in football history, including the 1999 Champions League Final and the 2002 World Cup Final. He was named "The World's Best Referee" by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics six consecutive times. Collina's authority and fair officiating made him a respected figure in the sport.
Career Timeline
Serie A Referee Debut
Marked entry into top-tier Italian football.
Champions League Final Referee
Reached peak of European football officiating.
World Cup Final Referee
Officiating the World Cup Final was his career highlight.
Retires From Refereeing
Ended active refereeing career at the top.
Head of Referees for UEFA
Took on leadership role in referee administration.
Football Administration Roles
Collina remains active in football administration, advising on refereeing standards and practices.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 25, 2026