Pierluigi Collina is widely regarded as the best referee in the history of football. He was known for his fairness, his authority, and his impeccable knowledge of the rules. He was also a fitness fanatic, and his bald head and piercing eyes made him an instantly recognizable figure on the pitch.
Collina began his refereeing career in the Italian lower leagues in the 1980s. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1991 he was appointed to the Italian Serie A. He made his international debut in 1995, and he went on to referee some of the biggest matches in the world, including the Champions League final, the Europa League final, the Olympic Games final, and the World Cup final.
Collina was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to control even the most difficult matches. He was also a master of communication, and he was able to speak four languages fluently. This made him a popular choice for referees, as he was able to communicate effectively with players from all over the world.
Collina retired from refereeing in 2005, but he remains a popular figure in football. He is now a member of the FIFA Referees Committee, and he is also a consultant to the Italian Football Federation.
Here are some of the reasons why Collina is considered the best referee of all time:
- He was fair and impartial in all of his matches.
- He was respected by players and coaches alike.
- He had a deep understanding of the rules of the game.
- He was physically fit and could keep up with the pace of the game.
- He was able to communicate effectively with players from all over the world.
Pierluigi Collina is a true legend of football. He is an inspiration to referees all over the world, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest referees of all time.
Here are some additional details about Collina’s career:
- He was named the “World’s Best Referee” by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics six consecutive times from 1998 to 2003.
- He was the only referee to be featured on the cover of a football video game (PES 3).
- He was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Pierluigi Collina is a true icon of football. He is a role model for referees all over the world, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.