Pierluigi Collina

Pierluigi Collina is one of the most recognisable faces in sport. For six consecutive years he was voted Best Referee in the World and is considered the best referee ever.

An economics graduate of Bologna University and a former financial advisor by profession, Collina enrolled on a refereeing course when he was 17 and made his debut in Serie A in 1991. He went on to officiate over 240 Serie A games and more than 100 international matches. Chosen to join the elite FIFA referee list he oversaw several memorable and high profile games - from the 1996 Olympic Games final to the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final and the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final.

Pierluigi’s natural authority, sense of fair play and striking presence made him an iconic figure in football and sport more widely, being uniquely respected by players, fans, coaches, officials and commentators alike.

After his retirement in 2005, he chaired the Italian Serie A referees until 2010 when he was appointed as UEFA Chief Refereeing Officer. In 2017 he joined FIFA and he currently serves as Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee , with responsibility for refereeing in FIFA competitions and for its development worldwide.