Walter Pandiani

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Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza (born 27 April 1976) is a Uruguayan football manager and former striker. Known as El Rifle for his strength and aerial ability, he spent most of his playing career in Spain, with a spell in England, and earned four caps for Uruguay.

He began his career in Uruguay with Basañez and Peñarol before moving to Deportivo La Coruña in 2000, where he spent the bulk of his career. He also had a productive loan at Mallorca in 2002–03 and later played for Birmingham City (initial loan then permanent), Espanyol, Osasuna, Villarreal, Atlético Baleares, Miramar Misiones, and Lausanne-Sport. Across club football, Pandiani accumulated 463 appearances and 138 goals.

Internationally, Pandiani represented Uruguay four times between 2001 and 2004.

After retiring in 2016 at the age of 40, Pandiani moved into coaching. He started with youth teams in Spain (Masnou and Europa), then worked with Hospitalet’s youth, Lorca, and Dibba Al-Hisn in the United Arab Emirates. He later managed Cerro, Cerrito, and Albion in Uruguay, and in 2024 took charge of Miramar Misiones.

Notable moments in his career include helping Espanyol reach the 2007 UEFA Cup final and finishing as the UEFA Cup top scorer that season with 11 goals. He also had a memorable moment scoring a first-half hat-trick against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Pandiani was known for driving a red truck to training, a habit he kept through several of his clubs. He retired with a record of longevity and remained active in coaching after his playing days.