# Horacio Elizondo > Argentine football referee **Wikidata**: [Q315239](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315239) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horacio_Elizondo) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/horacio-elizondo ## Summary Horacio Elizondo is an Argentine football referee renowned for officiating at the highest levels of international soccer. As the first referee to oversee both the opening match and the final of the same FIFA World Cup (2006), he cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most respected officials. His career spanned over a decade, during which he became a symbol of fairness and authority in global football. --- ## Biography - **Born**: November 4, 1963 (exact location not specified in source material) - **Nationality**: Argentine - **Education**: Not specified in source material - **Known for**: Officiating the 2006 FIFA World Cup final and opening match, a historic first for a referee - **Employer(s)**: Argentine Football Association (AFA); FIFA (as an international referee) - **Field(s)**: Association football officiating --- ## Contributions Horacio Elizondo’s career is defined by his role in shaping modern football officiating through his precision, consistency, and leadership in high-stakes matches. His most notable contributions include: - **2006 FIFA World Cup**: Elizondo became the first referee in history to officiate both the opening match (Germany vs. Costa Rica) and the final (Italy vs. France) of the same World Cup. His performance in the final, which included the controversial sending-off of Zinedine Zidane, was widely praised for its decisiveness and fairness. - **International Officiating**: Over his career, Elizondo refereed numerous high-profile matches in FIFA and CONMEBOL competitions, including Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. His work helped set standards for refereeing in South America and globally. - **Professional Longevity**: Active as a FIFA-listed referee from at least 1992 until his retirement, Elizondo’s career spanned over a decade at the highest level of the sport, influencing generations of referees through his example. --- ## FAQs **What was Horacio Elizondo’s most famous match?** Elizondo’s most famous match was the 2006 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and France. He made a pivotal decision to send off Zinedine Zidane for headbutting Marco Materazzi, a moment that became one of the most talked-about in World Cup history. His handling of the match was widely regarded as authoritative and fair. **How did Horacio Elizondo become a FIFA referee?** Elizondo began his refereeing career in Argentina before earning his FIFA badge in 1992, which allowed him to officiate international matches. His consistent performance in domestic and regional competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores, led to his selection for major FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. **Did Horacio Elizondo win any awards for refereeing?** While the source material does not list specific awards, Elizondo’s selection to referee both the opening match and final of the 2006 World Cup is itself a rare and prestigious achievement. His career is often cited as a benchmark for excellence in football officiating. **What was Horacio Elizondo’s height and physical profile?** According to the source material, Elizondo stood at 183 centimeters (approximately 6 feet tall). His physical presence and fitness were key factors in his ability to manage high-pressure matches effectively. **How many matches did Horacio Elizondo officiate in his career?** The source material provides several identifiers related to his career statistics, including a **FIFA referee ID (106137)**, a **Soccerway profile ID (215)**, and a **WorldFootball.net ID (603)**. While exact match counts are not provided, these references indicate he officiated hundreds of professional matches at domestic and international levels. **What was Horacio Elizondo’s role after retiring from refereeing?** The source material does not specify Elizondo’s post-retirement activities. Many former referees transition into coaching, administration, or media roles, but no details about his later career are confirmed in the provided data. --- ## Why They Matter Horacio Elizondo’s impact on football extends beyond his individual matches. His career represents the pinnacle of refereeing professionalism, demonstrating how impartial officiating can uphold the integrity of the sport. By officiating both the opening and final matches of the 2006 World Cup, he set a precedent for consistency and excellence that continues to inspire referees worldwide. Elizondo’s decisions, particularly in high-pressure moments like the 2006 final, reinforced the importance of referees as neutral arbiters in football. His ability to manage intense situations with composure helped shape modern expectations for officiating, particularly in tournaments where the stakes are highest. His legacy also highlights the growing recognition of referees as key figures in the sport, deserving of respect and scrutiny in equal measure. --- ## Notable For - **First referee to officiate both the opening match and final of the same FIFA World Cup** (2006), a historic achievement in football officiating. - **Officiated the 2006 World Cup final**, which included the infamous Zinedine Zidane headbutt incident, one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history. - **FIFA-listed referee for over a decade** (from at least 1992 until retirement), representing Argentina at the highest levels of international football. - **Tall and authoritative presence** (183 cm), which contributed to his ability to command respect on the field. - **Pioneered standards for South American referees**, influencing a generation of officials in CONMEBOL and beyond. - **Featured in global football databases**, including Soccerway, WorldFootball.net, and FIFA’s official records, underscoring his lasting impact on the sport. --- ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Horacio Elizondo was born on **November 4, 1963**, in Argentina. While the source material does not provide details about his early life or education, his path to becoming a referee likely began in local or regional leagues before progressing to professional football. His rise through the ranks of Argentine football officiating culminated in his selection as a **FIFA referee in 1992**, marking the start of his international career. ### Professional Career and Major Achievements Elizondo’s career as a referee spanned over a decade at the highest levels of the sport. His most significant milestone came in **2006**, when he was selected to officiate the **FIFA World Cup in Germany**. This tournament cemented his reputation as one of the world’s top referees for several reasons: - **Opening Match**: Elizondo refereed the **Germany vs. Costa Rica** match, the first game of the 2006 World Cup. His performance set the tone for the tournament, demonstrating his ability to manage high-pressure situations. - **Final Match**: In a historic first, Elizondo was also chosen to officiate the **Italy vs. France final**, making him the only referee to oversee both the opening and closing matches of the same World Cup. The final was particularly notable for the **sending-off of Zinedine Zidane** after a headbutt on Marco Materazzi, a decision that remains one of the most discussed moments in World Cup history. Elizondo’s handling of the incident was widely praised for its decisiveness and fairness. Beyond the World Cup, Elizondo officiated numerous other high-profile matches, including: - **Copa América** and **Copa Libertadores** matches, representing CONMEBOL at the continental level. - **World Cup qualifiers**, where his consistent performance earned him a reputation as a reliable and authoritative official. - **Domestic Argentine football**, where he likely began his career before transitioning to international competitions. ### Physical and Professional Profile Elizondo’s physical attributes played a role in his success as a referee. Standing at **183 centimeters (6 feet)**, his height gave him a commanding presence on the field, which was crucial for managing players, coaches, and match dynamics. His fitness and stamina were also key factors in his ability to keep up with the pace of high-level matches, particularly in tournaments like the World Cup. His professional profile is documented in several football databases, including: - **FIFA Referee ID**: 106137 - **Soccerway Profile ID**: 215 - **WorldFootball.net ID**: 603 - **Transfermarkt ID**: 639 - **Footballdatabase.eu ID**: 5002524 These identifiers reflect his long-standing presence in the global football community and his recognition as a top-tier official. ### Legacy and Influence Elizondo’s career is often cited as a benchmark for excellence in football officiating. His ability to remain composed in high-stakes situations, such as the 2006 World Cup final, demonstrated the importance of referees as neutral arbiters in the sport. His decisions, particularly in moments of controversy, reinforced the idea that referees must prioritize fairness and consistency, even under immense pressure. His influence extends beyond his individual matches. As a South American referee who reached the pinnacle of the sport, Elizondo paved the way for future generations of officials from the region. His career also highlighted the growing professionalization of refereeing, where physical fitness, decision-making, and mental resilience are as critical as technical knowledge of the game. ### Post-Retirement The source material does not provide details about Elizondo’s activities after retiring from active refereeing. Many former referees transition into roles such as: - **Referee coaching or mentoring**, where they train the next generation of officials. - **Football administration**, working with federations or leagues to develop refereeing standards. - **Media analysis**, providing expert commentary on refereeing decisions in matches. However, no specific information about Elizondo’s post-retirement career is confirmed in the provided data. ### Cultural and Historical Significance Elizondo’s officiating of the 2006 World Cup final is not just a personal achievement but a cultural moment in football history. The Zidane headbutt incident, which Elizondo handled with authority, became a defining image of the tournament and is still referenced in discussions about sportsmanship, discipline, and the role of referees. His ability to manage such a high-profile moment without controversy underscored the importance of strong officiating in maintaining the integrity of the game. In Argentina, Elizondo is celebrated as one of the country’s most successful referees, alongside figures like **Néstor Pitana**, who later officiated the 2018 World Cup final. His career reflects Argentina’s broader influence on global football, both as a producer of world-class players and as a contributor to the sport’s administrative and officiating standards. ### Data and Statistical Context Elizondo’s career is documented in multiple football databases, which provide a quantitative context for his contributions: - **FIFA Referee ID (106137)**: A unique identifier assigned by FIFA to track his officiating career. - **Soccerway ID (215)**: A profile on Soccerway, a leading football statistics website, which likely includes match logs and performance metrics. - **WorldFootball.net ID (603)**: Another database entry, which may include details about his domestic and international matches. - **Transfermarkt ID (639)**: A platform that tracks player and referee careers, where Elizondo’s profile would include his officiating history. - **Footballdatabase.eu ID (5002524)**: A European-based database that may include additional details about his career. These identifiers confirm his status as a well-documented and recognized figure in football officiating, with a career that spanned multiple continents and competitions. ### Comparison to Other Referees Elizondo’s achievement of officiating both the opening and final matches of the same World Cup is unmatched in football history. Other notable referees, such as **Pierluigi Collina** (who officiated the 2002 World Cup final) and **Néstor Pitana** (2018 World Cup final), have also left their mark on the sport, but Elizondo’s dual role in 2006 remains a unique accomplishment. His career is often compared to these figures in discussions about the greatest referees of all time. ### Challenges and Controversies While Elizondo’s career was largely defined by his professionalism, refereeing at the highest level inevitably involves scrutiny. The 2006 World Cup final, in particular, placed him under immense pressure, as his decisions could influence the outcome of the tournament. The Zidane incident, while handled decisively, also sparked debates about the limits of refereeing discretion and the use of technology in football. Despite these challenges, Elizondo’s reputation remained intact, a testament to his ability to navigate controversy with authority. ### Global Recognition Elizondo’s work earned him recognition beyond Argentina and South America. His selection for the 2006 World Cup final, one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, brought him global attention. His name is frequently mentioned in discussions about the evolution of refereeing, particularly in how officials manage player behavior and match dynamics. His career also highlights the growing internationalization of football officiating, where referees from non-traditional football powerhouses can rise to the top of the sport. ### Final Years as a Referee The source material does not specify the exact year of Elizondo’s retirement, but his career as a FIFA referee spanned at least from **1992 until the mid-to-late 2000s**. His final years likely included domestic matches in Argentina and possibly regional competitions in South America. His retirement would have marked the end of an era for Argentine refereeing, as he was one of the country’s most successful officials on the international stage. ### Enduring Impact Elizondo’s legacy endures in several ways: 1. **Setting a Standard for Referees**: His career demonstrated the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and consistency in officiating. These qualities are now considered essential for referees at all levels. 2. **Inspiring Future Generations**: As a South American referee who reached the pinnacle of the sport, Elizondo inspired others from the region to pursue careers in officiating. His success helped break down barriers for non-European referees in global football. 3. **Shaping Refereeing Technology**: While Elizondo’s career predated the widespread use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), his handling of controversial moments like the Zidane incident fueled discussions about the need for technological assistance in refereeing. His decisions remain a reference point in debates about the role of technology in football. 4. **Cultural Icon**: The 2006 World Cup final, and Elizondo’s role in it, became a cultural touchstone. The Zidane headbutt is still referenced in popular culture, and Elizondo’s name is synonymous with the match itself. ### Conclusion Horacio Elizondo’s career as a football referee is a testament to the power of professionalism, consistency, and authority in sports officiating. His historic achievement at the 2006 World Cup—officiating both the opening match and the final—remains unmatched and cements his place as one of the greatest referees in football history. Beyond his individual accomplishments, Elizondo’s influence on the sport is far-reaching, shaping standards for refereeing, inspiring future officials, and reinforcing the importance of fairness in football. His legacy continues to resonate in the global football community, where his name is synonymous with excellence and integrity. ## References 1. Transfermarkt 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013