Angel Samuel Ziani Bailetti He is one of the most recognizable characters in Peruvian football in recent decades. The little ex-referee surprised with the personality and strong character he showed on the pitches. His short stature has never been a reason to quit his job in his 25-year career as a referee.
A few years ago, he made headlines again for joining an open-signal reality program, a decision he says he made because he’s a challenge-minded person. A decade later, we remember the aforementioned arbitrator and tell you little-known details about his life, like his foray into arbitration and what he does after his retirement from the courts and screens.
Ángel Ziani in a match between Universitario and Sport Boys. Photo: GLR
Who was Angel Ziani?
Ángel Ziani was born in Callao on February 15, 1959, but lived by the window from an early age; exactly 5 years old. He entered arbitration in 1979, retired in 2004 and received the FIFA Referee Badge. During his long career as a justice advocate, he officiated neighborhood championships, Copa Perú, Primera División and Copa Libertadores.
Like any human being, he sometimes missed his work. Something that cannot be debated, however, is his directing impartiality, as he knew how to hide his fan base. If he hadn’t revealed it himself in an interview with the Municipality of Ventanilla, nobody would have discovered it until now.
Already during his many years there was speculation about a sympathy for the Universitario de Deportes, which he would deny in 2016 by admitting to be a fan of Alianza Lima. In Ziani’s own words, he was the favorite of former Cream president Alfredo Gonzáles to run the meringues.
What happened to Angel Ziani?
During his final years in arbitration, Ziani began his studies as a teacher. After his retirement, he worked as a physical education teacher at various schools: IE 4020 José Santos Chocano, Carlos Pareja Paz Soldán del Rímac, María Montessori and Ventanilla Polytechnic. In the latter institution he taught until 2021 as a teacher appointed by the Ministry of Education.
Ángel Ziani was the referee of Combat. Photo: GLR
In 2013 he was invited to participate in the ATV show Combat as a referee for the competitions. His television adventure lasted a few years, but the charisma he displayed was enough to win viewers’ hearts. Since this year he is sports manager of the municipality of Ventanilla.