UEFA has announced the referee for the semi-final second leg between FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain – and the Munich side should be delighted with their choice
Portugal’s João Pinheiro will referee the decisive clash at the Allianz Arena. Although it is another highlight of the 38-year-old’s relatively young Champions League career, he is now familiar with matches at the highest level
Pinheiro has been officiating in the top flight since 2022 and has officiated in 14 matches so far, meaning he is not yet one of the most established top referees in Europe – but he is increasingly being entrusted with big matches
Good memories for FC Bayern
From FC Bayern’s point of view, the record speaks in favor of the referee: Pinheiro has refereed the Munich team twice so far – and the record champions won both games
Last season, FCB beat Slovan Bratislava 3:1 in the league phase. The Portuguese has also refereed a Bayern match this season: the 2:1 win against PSV Eindhoven at the start of the year
Bayern are not the only team to have had experience with Pinheiro: he has also managed Paris Saint-Germain – and in a particularly memorable match
In the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, PSG beat Tottenham 6-5 on penalties in a spectacular final under his guidance
Style of play could be decisive
Pinheiro’s refereeing style is likely to be particularly interesting. The 38-year-old is regarded as a referee who allows a lot to happen and does not immediately stop every duel. His approach: as few interruptions as possible and a fluid flow of play
Especially in a duel like Bayern v PSG, which was already characterized by speed and intensity in the first leg, this could play a decisive role
And with João Pinheiro at the whistle, at least one thing is guaranteed: the match is once again likely to be played with high intensity and as few interruptions as possible – a factor that could further enhance the already spectacular nature of this clash.