Who is Maria Caciotto?
Maria Caciotto is a former football referee, a football content creator, and an entrepreneur in women’s football. She combines on-field experience with storytelling, media work, and projects aimed at making football more inclusive and modern.
How did your relationship with football begin, and what initially motivated you to become a referee?
My relationship with football started very early, as a deep emotional connection rather than just a sport. I became a referee because I wanted to experience football from the inside, to understand its rules, its pressure, and its sense of responsibility.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in such a male-dominated field?
The biggest challenge was having to prove my credibility every single match. As a woman, mistakes were judged more harshly, and authority was often questioned before being recognized.
Do you remember the most special moment during your career?
The most special moments were not just the big matches, but the times I stepped onto the pitch knowing I truly belonged there, despite doubts, criticism, and fear.
What would be your most important piece of advice to young women who want to become referees today?
Do not ask for permission to take space. Study more than others, be prepared, and never let someone else define your limits.
Do you think the development of women’s football has also led to changes in refereeing standards?
Yes, absolutely. The growth of women’s football has raised expectations, professionalism, and visibility, pushing refereeing to evolve in terms of preparation, communication, and authority.
What was your vision when founding EVA Milano Football Club together with Leonardo Aleotti? How is the feedback for this project in Italy and Europe?
Our vision was to create a club that is not just a team, but a cultural project: modern, recognizable, and deeply connected to women’s identity and empowerment. The feedback has been extremely positive, both in Italy and across Europe, especially for its strong identity and storytelling.
If you had to describe your refereeing career in a single sentence, what would it be ?
A journey of resilience, growth and courage, where football taught me who I am.
