Razeek, a Sri Lankan footballer who grew up in Germany, was a declared France supporter. In his recollection, being chosen to work at the final felt like a dream opportunity for a child immersed in football.
The occasion delivered drama from the opening whistle. France and Italy were level after extra time, with Zinedine Zidane’s penalty and Marco Materazzi’s equaliser setting the stage for a tense finish. The most infamous moment came in extra time, when Zidane was sent off after headbutting Materazzi.
Razeek says he did not notice the incident as it happened.
“I didn't know he had done something wrong,” he said. “We saw him being chased by cameramen after the sending-off.”
That detail gives the final a different perspective. While millions watched the confrontation unfold, Razeek was focused on his job: tracking the ball and helping keep the match moving.
The shootout, however, became impossible to miss. He recalls the Berlin evening as hot, yet says the tension of extra time made him feel cold before the decisive kicks.
“It was a hot night, but I felt cold in extra time because I was very nervous,” Razeek said.
Italy eventually prevailed on penalties, leaving France supporters devastated and giving Razeek a personal football grievance that has lasted well beyond the final whistle.
His connection to football also reflects his family story. His father, Jamal, was a Sri Lankan hockey player who moved to Germany while pursuing his own sporting ambitions. That journey helped shape Razeek’s identity across Sri Lanka and Germany.
The next chapter will be whether Razeek’s own career creates memories powerful enough to replace Berlin-or whether Italy will remain the opponent he can never quite forgive.