# Pierluigi Collina
Who / What
Pierluigi Collina is an Italian former football referee and current financial advisor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest referees in the history of the sport and remains actively involved in football through various officiating roles and committees.
Background & History
Born on 13 February 1960, Collina began his refereeing career in Italy. His official FIFA referee career spanned from 1995 to 2005, highlighted by overseeing major matches in European and world football. A key milestone was his appointment to referee the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final.
Why Notable
Collina gained global recognition by being named "The World's Best Referee" by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics for six consecutive years from 1998 to 2003. His authoritative presence and distinctive bald appearance made him one of the most recognizable officials in sports. He significantly influenced refereeing standards worldwide through his technical excellence and leadership roles after retirement.
In the News
Collina remains relevant as an active football administrator, serving since 2010 as Head of Referees for the Football Federation of Ukraine. He continues to shape global refereeing policy as Chairman of the FIFA referees committee and a member of the UEFA Referees Committee.
