Pierluigi Collina
The World's Greatest Football Referee
"The courage to decide, always."
–Pierluigi Collina, the world's greatest referee
One of the most recognized celebrities on the planet. He has refereed at the highest level including the 2002 World Cup Final and the 1999 Champions League Final plus countless World Cup and international matches, as well as in Serie A in his native Italy.
He is uniquely respected by the players, managers and fans where his calm authority and sense of fair play under great pressure made him the best in the world's most popular sport. He continues to be involved in international football working as a member of the UEFA Referees committee.
Pierluigi was educated in Bologna, Italy, where he attained his Degree in Economics, and worked as a financial consultant. In 1995, after he officiated 43 first class matches he finally joined the prestigious FIFA list of international football officials, for whom he has officiated 109 matches.
Pierluigi offers audiences a glimpse of how he has reached the top of his trade and his dedication to the role which has brought him fame and celebrity, as well as being an Ambassador for the International Red Cross and FIFA Ambassador. He explains how he became an official and what it takes to be the best and stay the best.