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{{short description|Uruguayan footballer and manager (born 1976)}}
{{family name hatnote|Pandiani|Urquiza|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Walter Pandiani
| image = Pandiani.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Pandiani in August 2016
| fullname = Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza<ref name=Bio>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/038/4390.html|title=Walter Gerardo PANDIANI Urquiza|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|4|27|df=y}}<ref name=Bio/>
| birth_place = [[Montevideo]], Uruguay<ref name=Bio/>
| height = 1.84 m<ref name=Bio/>
| position = [[Forward (association football)#Striker|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| years1 = 1995–1997 | clubs1 = [[C.A. Progreso|Progreso]] | caps1 = 22 | goals1 = 12
| years2 = 1997–1998 | clubs2 = [[Basáñez]] | caps2 = 0 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 1998–2000 | clubs3 = [[Peñarol]] | caps3 = 71 | goals3 = 29
| years4 = 2000–2005 | clubs4 = [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo La Coruña]] | caps4 = 86 | goals4 = 31
| years5 = 2002–2003 | clubs5 = → [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] (loan) | caps5 = 33 | goals5 = 13
| years6 = 2005 | clubs6 = → [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan) | caps6 = 14 | goals6 = 4
| years7 = 2005–2006 | clubs7 = [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] | caps7 = 17 | goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2006–2007 | clubs8 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps8 = 52 | goals8 = 8
| years9 = 2007–2011 | clubs9 = [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] | caps9 = 92 | goals9 = 27
| years10 = 2011–2012 | clubs10 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps10 = 16 | goals10 = 3
| years11 = 2012–2013 | clubs11 = [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] | caps11 = 17 | goals11 = 2
| years12 = 2013 | clubs12 = [[CD Atlético Baleares|Atlético Baleares]] | caps12 = 9 | goals12 = 1
| years13 = 2013–2014 | clubs13 = [[Miramar Misiones]] | caps13 = 19 | goals13 = 5
| years14 = 2015–2016 | clubs14 = [[FC Lausanne-Sport|Lausanne-Sport]] | caps14 = 15 | goals14 = 1
| totalcaps = 463 | totalgoals = 138
| nationalyears1 = 2001–2004 | nationalteam1 = [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] | nationalcaps1 = 4 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2014–2015 | managerclubs1 = [[CD Masnou|Masnou]] (youth)
| manageryears2 = 2016 | managerclubs2 = [[CD Masnou|Masnou]]
| manageryears3 = 2016–2017 | managerclubs3 = [[CE Europa|Europa]] (youth)
| manageryears4 = 2017–2018 | managerclubs4 = [[CE L'Hospitalet|Hospitalet]] (youth)
| manageryears5 = 2019 | managerclubs5 = [[Lorca FC|Lorca]]
| manageryears6 = 2020–2021 | managerclubs6 = [[Dibba Al-Hisn Sports Club|Dibba Al-Hisn]]
| manageryears7 = 2021–2022 | managerclubs7 = [[C.A. Cerro|Cerro]]
| manageryears8 = 2022 | managerclubs8 = [[Club Sportivo Cerrito|Cerrito]]
| manageryears9 = 2023 | managerclubs9 = [[Albion F.C.|Albion]]
| manageryears10 = 2024–2025 | managerclubs10 = [[Miramar Misiones]]
}}

'''Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza''' (born 27 April 1976) is a Uruguayan [[Association football|football]] [[Manager (association football)|manager]] and former player who played as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]].

His performances for [[Peñarol]] earned him a move to [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo]] in Spain, where he remained for the vast majority of his career, also representing [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]], [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] (twice) and [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]]. He also spent a year with [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] in England.

Over 12 seasons, Pandiani amassed [[La Liga]] totals of 279 games and 82 goals.

==Playing career==
===Early years and Deportivo===
Born in [[Montevideo]], Pandiani started his career with hometown club [[C.A. Progreso|Progreso]], moving on to [[Basáñez]] and [[Peñarol]], the latter also in the country's capital. In December 1999 he agreed terms to join [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo La Coruña]] as a replacement for his compatriot [[Sergio Daniel Martínez|Sergio Martínez]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rcdeportivo.es/noticia/manteca-martinez-por-pandiani|title=Manteca Martínez por Pandiani|trans-title=Manteca Martínez for Pandiani|publisher=Deportivo La Coruña|language=es|date=23 December 1999|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> and the move was officially completed the following January when he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, still remaining with Peñarol until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/520-walter-pandiani-jugara-hasta-junio-en-penarol|title=Walter Pandiani jugará hasta junio en Peñarol|trans-title=Walter Pandiani will play in Peñarol until June|publisher=La Red 21|language=es|date=18 January 2000|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref>

Pandiani made his debut for the Spaniards on 27 August 2000, coming [[Substitute (association football)|from the bench]] for [[Diego Tristán]] in a [[2000 Supercopa de España|2–0 win]] over [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] at [[Estadio Riazor]] in the [[Supercopa de España]] return match.<ref name=SC>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/08/27/deportes/967412498.html|title=El Deportivo se impone al Espanyol (2–0) y gana su segunda Supercopa|trans-title=Deportivo best Espanyol (2–0) and win their second Supercup|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=28 August 2000|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2000/08/29/deportivo-win-spanish-super-cup|title=Deportivo win Spanish Super Cup|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service]]|date=29 August 2000|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> Despite never being an undisputed starter for the [[Galicia (Spain)|Galician]] team he was one of their most important attacking elements, often scoring as a substitute, netting 13 goals during the [[2003–04 La Liga|2003–04 season]].<ref name=LEÓN/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/142424-pandiani-llego-a-trece|title=Pandiani llegó a trece|trans-title=Pandiani made it to thirteen|publisher=La Red 21|language=es|date=24 May 2004|access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/segunda-division/recreativodehuelva/338638-joselu-estoy-contento-por-los-goles-pero-frustrado-por-el-partido.html|title=El Dépor presume de suplentes goleadores|trans-title=Dépor boast of scoring substitutes|publisher=[[Vavel]]|first=Fernando|last=Martínez Duarte|language=es|date=15 April 2014|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref>

Pandiani, who had a successful loan stint at [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] while still at Depor,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaad6d7906f-4afd5a2596b8-1000--pandiani-seeks-magic-seven/|title=Pandiani seeks magic seven|publisher=UEFA|first=Andy|last=Hall|date=7 October 2003|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> moved to [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] in the [[Premier League]], also on loan, in January 2005, after a series of run-ins with coach [[Javier Irureta]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2005/01/18/liga/1106078368.html|title=Pandiani: "Cuando todo va mal Irureta se lava las manos"|trans-title=Pandiani: "When everything goes wrong Irureta washes his hands"|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=18 January 2005|access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11843_2324255,00.html|title=Depor boss blasts Pandiani|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|first=Mark|last=Kendall|date=19 January 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4225423.stm|title=Birmingham complete Pandiani loan|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=1 February 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}}</ref> He scored a goal on his debut against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] in a 2–1 home win,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4221115.stm|title=Birmingham 2–1 Southampton|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}}</ref> and went on to score three more in [[2004–05 FA Premier League|the season]], prompting manager [[Steve Bruce]] to sign him on a permanent contract for a reported fee of [[Pound sterling|£]]3&nbsp;million.<ref name="Espanyol">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4608030.stm|title=Pandiani completes Espanyol move|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 January 2006|access-date=26 October 2008}}</ref>

During his time at Deportivo, Pandiani bought a big red truck which he drove to training, a type of vehicle that he is a fan of, which he kept while at Deportivo, Espanyol and Osasuna. He personalised it with his nickname "El Rifle", a Uruguayan flag, and the emblems of his club and Uruguayan club [[Peñarol]].<ref name=lorry>{{Cite news |title=Can any professional footballers drive a heavy goods vehicle? |author=The Knowledge, Football |work=The Guardian |date=13 October 2021 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/13/can-any-professional-footballers-drive-a-heavy-goods-vehicle}}</ref>

===Espanyol===
Having failed to continue to display his previous form, Pandiani returned to Spain on 13 January 2006, after completing a move to Espanyol for £1&nbsp;million.<ref name="Espanyol"/>

In [[2006–07 La Liga|his first full season]] he scored only seven [[La Liga]] goals,<ref name=0607UEFA>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0254-0d7b9f8b46c3-d7a7d5ea9cd0-1000--pandiani-picks-up-scoring-prize/|title=Pandiani picks up scoring prize|publisher=UEFA|date=17 May 2007|access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> including a first-half [[hat-trick]] against eventual champions [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/13/sports/13iht-CUP.1.5684696.html?_r=0 |title=Soccer: Real Madrid rallies against Espanyol and rises to top of Spanish League|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 May 2007|access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> but was top scorer in the [[2006–07 UEFA Cup]] with eleven as his club reached [[2007 UEFA Cup Final|the final]], which they lost [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|on penalties]] to [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]].<ref name=0607UEFA/>

During his time at Espanyol, Pandiani, and Barcelona's [[José Manuel Pinto]], drove in the 2011 Barcelona "[[Monster Jam]]" [[monster truck]] event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Monster Jam 2011 llega a Barcelona con Pinto y Pandiani |trans-title=Monster Jam 2011 arrives at Barcelona with Pinto and Pandiani |last=Serrano |first=Alejandro |website=AutoBild.es |date=12 November 2011 |url= https://www.autobild.es/reportajes/monster-jam-2011-barcelona-174157 |language=es}}</ref>

===Osasuna===
For [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]], Pandiani joined [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_2621913,00.html|title=Osasuna swoop for Rifle|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Mark|last=Kendall|date=29 July 2007|access-date=26 October 2008}}</ref> Scarcely used in his first year, he was instrumental for the [[Navarre]]se in [[2008–09 La Liga|the following campaign]], especially after the arrival in mid-October of coach [[José Antonio Camacho]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/story?id=765126&s=esp&type=story|title=Mi sueño es jugar en Peñarol con mi hijo |trans-title=I dream of playing in Peñarol with my son|publisher=[[ESPN Deportes]]|language=es|date=14 January 2009|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref> finishing as the club's top scorer.

Osasuna's first goal of the [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11 season]] only came in the fourth matchday, and the 34-year-old Pandiani scored it through a header as the team came from behind to win it 3–1 against [[Real Sociedad]], at home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/825495/la-liga-real-win-fiery-encounter-osasuna-win|title=Real win fiery encounter, Osasuna win|publisher=[[ESPN FC]]|date=21 September 2010|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> On 30 January 2011, during [[half-time]] of a 1–0 home win against Real Madrid, he was involved in a "verbal spat" with [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], suggesting afterwards that "As a footballer he is a phenomenon but to do the things he does, maybe he has a screw loose."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/875252/walter-pandiani-cocky-cristiano-ronaldo-has-a-screw-loose|title=Pandiani: Ronaldo has 'screw loose'|publisher=ESPN FC|date=3 February 2011|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref>

===Later career===
The 35-year-old Pandiani returned to Espanyol for [[2011–12 La Liga|2011–12]], signing a one-year contract<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7144487/|title=Pandiani pens Espanyol deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2 September 2011|access-date=13 November 2011}}</ref> and acting mainly as backup to youth graduate [[Álvaro Vázquez]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/10/27/futbol/1adivision/1319745408.html|title=Pandiani siempre se guarda una bala|trans-title=Pandiani always has one bullet left|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|language=es|first=Ramiro|last=Aldunate|date=27 October 2011|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ligabbva.com/news/2012/01/18/pandiani-y-albin-a-salvar-al-espanyol.html|title=Pandiani y Albín, a salvar al Espanyol|trans-title=Pandiani and Albín, to Espanyol's rescue|publisher=Liga BBVA|language=es|date=18 January 2012|access-date=12 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122001657/http://www.ligabbva.com/news/2012/01/18/pandiani-y-albin-a-salvar-al-espanyol.html|archive-date=22 January 2012}}</ref> On 22 September he came from the bench to score the game's only goal at home against [[Getafe CF|Getafe]], in stoppage time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1514976.html |title=Late Pandiani strike sinks Getafe|publisher=FIFA|date=22 September 2011|access-date=9 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926024516/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid%3D1514976.html|archive-date=26 September 2011}}</ref> On 27 October he repeated the feat, albeit not so late in the game, with a powerful header at home to [[Real Betis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asia.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2009-2010/espanyol-beat-betis_sto3002950/story.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225110352/http://asia.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2009-2010/espanyol-beat-betis_sto3002950/story.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2016|title=Espanyol extend Betis losing streak|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|date=28 October 2011|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref>

In late August 2012, Pandiani signed a one-year contract with [[Segunda División]] club [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]], where his 18-year-old son [[Nico Pandiani|Nico]] was a [[Villarreal CF C|C-team]] player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1144947/pandiani-family-happy-with-villarreal-move|title=Pandianis happy with Villarreal move|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Dermot|last=Corrigan|date=28 August 2012|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> On his debut, at home to [[CD Guadalajara (Spain)|Guadalajara]] on 2 September, he entered the game as a second-half substitute and scored the winning goal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/item/3026-another-comeback-in-el-madrigal-2-1|title=Another comeback in El Madrigal (2–1)|publisher=Villarreal CF|date=2 September 2012|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> and did the same the following week in another narrow win, at [[SD Ponferradina|Ponferradina]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/09/08/futbol/2adivision/1347127995.html|title=Pandiani acaba con las ilusiones de la Ponferradina|trans-title=Pandiani destroys Ponferradina's illusions|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=8 September 2012|access-date=9 September 2012}}</ref>

In late January 2013, Pandiani and Nico left Villarreal and joined [[CD Atlético Baleares|Atlético Baleares]] of the [[Segunda División B]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdatleticobaleares.com/noticias/1067/presentacion-de-nico-y-walter-pandiani/|title=Presentación de Nico y Walter Pandiani|trans-title=Introducing Nico and Walter Pandiani|publisher=CD Atlético Baleares|language=es|date=31 January 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216025035/http://cdatleticobaleares.com/noticias/1067/presentacion-de-nico-y-walter-pandiani/|archive-date=16 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.es/deportes/futbol/20130202/abci-pandiani-hijo-baleares-201302012137.html|title=El Atlético Baleares une a los Pandiani|trans-title=Atlético Baleares unite the Pandianis|newspaper=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]]|first=Jorge A.|last=Moreno|language=es|date=2 February 2013|access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> They both started in Nico's second senior match, and Pandiani scored in the 2–1 defeat away to [[UE Sant Andreu|Sant Andreu]] on 12 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futbolbalear.es/2013/05/12/cronica-2a-division-b-ue-sant-andreu-2-1-at-baleares/|title=Crónica 2ª División B: UE Sant Andreu 2–1 At Baleares|trans-title=2ª División B report: UE Sant Andreu 2–1 At Baleares|publisher=Fútbol Balear|language=es|date=12 May 2013|access-date=5 February 2014}}</ref>

In October 2013, the pair returned to Uruguay and signed for [[Uruguayan Primera División|Primera División]] club [[Miramar Misiones]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://diariouruguay.com.uy/los-pandiani-en-sociedad-vuelven-al-futbol-uruguayo/|title=Walter Pandiani volverá al fútbol uruguayo para defender a Miramar Misiones|trans-title=Walter Pandiani returns to Uruguayan football to play for Miramar Misiones|newspaper=El Diario|first=Gonzalo|last=Basal|language=es|date=29 October 2013|access-date=5 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221220601/http://diariouruguay.com.uy/los-pandiani-en-sociedad-vuelven-al-futbol-uruguayo/|archive-date=21 February 2014}}</ref> Pandiani scored three times in the six remaining matches of the [[2013–14 Uruguayan Primera División season|2013–14 Apertura]], as his team finished next to bottom, and played regularly during the Clausura but scored only twice as they repeated their previous finish, which contributed to relegation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/uru2014.html|title=Uruguay 2013/14|first=Francisco|last=Fernández|date=26 February 2015|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

Pandiani returned to the Barcelona area where he spent the 2014–15 season coaching junior teams at [[CD Masnou|Masnou]], where two of his sons played. He said that although he had always wanted to coach, he still thought of himself as a player and was open to offers;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-catala/futbol-base-del-masnou-manos-del-rifle-pandiani-3739106|title=El fútbol base del Masnou, en manos del 'Rifle' Pandiani|trans-title=The youth setup at Masnou, in the hands of 'Rifle' Pandiani|newspaper=[[Sport (Spanish newspaper)|Sport]]|first=Sergi|last=Capdevila|language=es|date=2 December 2014|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> in June 2015, he signed for [[FC Lausanne-Sport|Lausanne-Sport]] of the [[Swiss Challenge League]], with the remit of supervising and teaching the tricks of the trade to the 15-year-old striker [[Andi Zeqiri]], who had already made his first-team debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lausanne-sport.ch/detailnews.php?id=1068|title=Communiqué de presse|trans-title=Press release|publisher=FC Lausanne-Sport|language=fr|date=2 June 2015|access-date=2 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712201008/http://www.lausanne-sport.ch/detailnews.php?id=1068|archive-date=12 July 2015}}</ref> The club won promotion to the [[Swiss Super League|Super League]] as champions in his [[2015–16 Swiss Challenge League|only season]]; his one goal was an equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with [[FC Aarau|Aarau]] on 4 April, taking [[Walter Samuel]]'s record as oldest person to score in either of the [[Swiss football league system|top two divisions]] of Swiss football, though the Argentine played for [[FC Basel|Basel]] in the top flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lematin.ch/story/pandiani-est-devenu-le-plus-vieux-buteur-de-la-ligue-267798765106|title=Pandiani est devenu le plus vieux buteur de la Ligue|trans-title=Pandiani became the oldest goalscorer in the League|newspaper=[[Le Matin (Switzerland)|Le Matin]]|first=Sergi|last=Capdevila|language=es|date=2 December 2014|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

Pandiani announced his retirement on 16 June 2016 after a 23-year professional career, at the age of 40.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol/pandiani-anuncia-retirada-5210227|title=Pandiani anuncia su retirada|trans-title=Pandiani announces his retirement|newspaper=Sport|language=es|date=16 June 2016|access-date=16 June 2016}}</ref> After he retired, his truck was auctioned in Barcelona with 518,000 miles on the clock.<ref name=lorry/>

==International career==
Despite his relatively successful career in Spain, Pandiani only received four [[Cap (sport)|caps]] for [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navarrasport.com/noticias/pandiani-no-va-con-uruguay|title=Pandiani no va con Uruguay|trans-title=Pandiani does not go with Uruguay|publisher=Navarra Sport|language=es|date=30 October 2009|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> the first coming on 28 March 2001 in a 1–0 home defeat against [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]] in the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2002 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/uru-intres2005.html|title=Uruguay – International Matches 2001–2005|first=Martín|last=Tabeira|date=31 October 2006|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref>

==Managerial career==
Pandiani returned to Masnou after retiring, now as a first-team manager. Sacked on 2 November 2016,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/futbol-catala/20161102/411521312252/walter-pandiani-deja-de-entrenar-al-masnou.html|title=Walter Pandiani deja de entrenar al Masnou|trans-title=Walter Pandiani no longer in charge of Masnou|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|language=es|date=2 November 2016|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref> he was appointed at the helm of [[CE Europa|Europa]]'s ''Juvenil A'' squad on 13 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diariolagrada.com/noticias/espanyol/pandiani-dirigira-juvenil-europa_21016.html|title=Pandiani dirigirá al Juvenil A del Europa|trans-title=Pandiani will manage the ''Juvenil A'' of Europa|publisher=Diario La Grada|language=es|date=13 December 2016|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

On 27 June 2017, Pandiani was named manager of [[CE L'Hospitalet|Hospitalet]]'s youth squad.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-catalan/pandiani-dirigira-juvenil-lhospitalet-6132119|title=Pandiani dirigirá al juvenil de L'Hospitalet|trans-title=Pandiani will manage the ''juvenil'' of L'Hospitalet|newspaper=Sport|language=es|date=27 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref> Two years later, he was given his first senior managerial job at [[Lorca FC|Lorca]] in the [[Tercera División]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2019/07/05/mas_futbol/1562322985_906856.html|title=Walter Pandiani vuelve a España para entrenar al Lorca en Tercera|trans-title=Walter Pandiani returns to Spain to manage Lorca in ''Tercera''|newspaper=Diario AS|language=es|first=Javi|last=González V.|date=5 July 2019|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> He left on 30 December 2019, with the team in seventh place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://murciaplaza.com/ElinternacionaluruguayoPandianidejaelbanquillodelLorcaFCseismesesdespusdellegar|title=El internacional uruguayo Pandiani deja el banquillo del Lorca FC seis meses después de llegar|trans-title=Uruguayan international Pandiani leaves the Lorca FC dugout six months after arriving|publisher=Murcia Plaza|language=es|first=M. G.|last=Tallón|date=30 December 2019|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref>

Following a spell at [[Dibba Al-Hisn Sports Club|Dibba Al-Hisn]] in the United Arab Emirates, where he signed his son Axel,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/internacional/20210125/491748754253/axel-pandiani-se-une-a-su-padre-walter-en-el-dibba-al-hisn-arabe.html|title=Axel Pandiani se une a su padre Walter en el Dibba Al-Hisn árabe|trans-title=Axel Pandiani joins his father Walter at Arab Dibba Al-Hisn|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|first=Javier|last=Alfaro|date=25 January 2021|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> Pandiani was hired at [[C.A. Cerro|Cerro]] in the [[Uruguayan Segunda División]] in June 2021. He lost in the promotion playoffs to [[Defensor Sporting|Defensor]] in his [[2021 Uruguayan Primera División season|first season]] and was sacked in July 2022 with the team in fourth.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/cerro-quedo-entrenador-walter-pandiani-continua-club.html|title=Walter Pandiani no sigue en Cerro y ya tiene nuevo entrenador|trans-title=Walter Pandiani does not continue in Cerro and they now have a new manager|newspaper=El País|language=es|date=6 July 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> 

On 27 July 2022, Pandiani signed for [[Club Sportivo Cerrito|Cerrito]], in last place in the top flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/cerrito-arranca-torneo-clausura-nuevo-tecnico-asumio-walter-rifle-pandiani.html|title=Cerrito arranca el Torneo Clausura con nuevo técnico: asumió Walter "Rifle" Pandiani|trans-title=Cerrito begin the Torneo Clausura with new manager: Walter "Rifle" Pandiani signed|newspaper=El País|language=es|date=27 July 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> He was fired on 30 August after taking two points from five games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.pa/futbol/uruguay/nota/_/id/10846870/pandiani-salida-cerrito-vuelve-marcenaro|title=Pandiani se fue de Cerrito tras un mes en el cargo y vuelve Marcenaro
|trans-title=Pandiani left Cerrito after a month in the role and Marcenaro returns|publisher=ESPN|language=es|date=30 August 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref>

Pandiani was announced as the new manager of [[Albion F.C.|Albion]] on 20 December 2022, ahead of the [[2023 Uruguayan Segunda División season|2023 season]] in the second division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://albionfc.uy/bienvenido-rifle/|title=Bienvenido, ¡Rifle!|trans-title=Welcome, Rifle!|publisher=Albion F.C.|language=es|date=20 December 2022|accessdate=8 January 2023}}</ref> He left the club at the end of the campaign, and took over [[Miramar Misiones]] in the top tier on 27 May 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.montevideo.com.uy/Deportes/Walter-Rifle-Pandiani-fue-anunciado-como-nuevo-director-tecnico-de-Miramar-Misiones-uc889554|title=Walter "Rifle" Pandiani fue anunciado como nuevo director técnico de Miramar Misiones|trans-title=Walter ''Rifle'' Pandiani was announced as new manager of Miramar Misiones|publisher=Fútbol.uy|language=es|date=27 May 2024|access-date=27 May 2024}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Nicknamed ''El Rifle'' (The [[Rifle]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/deportes/el-rifle-pandiani-podria-debutar-frente-a-deportiva_720307.html |title="El Rifle" Pandiani podría debutar frente a la Deportiva|trans-title='The Rifle' Pandiani could make debut against Deportiva|newspaper=[[Diario de León]]|language=es|date=28 August 2012|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/deportes/el-rifle-rsquo-de-pandiani-caza-otra-remontada_763561.html|title=El 'rifle' de Pandiani caza otra remontada|trans-title=Pandiani's 'rifle' hunts another comeback|newspaper=El Periódico Mediterráneo|first=Raül|last=Badenes|language=es|date=2 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref> Pandiani's best assets were his strength and aerial ability.<ref name=LEÓN>{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/deportes/walter-pandiani-paso-superar-record-roy-makaay-deportivo_99804.html|title=Walter Pandiani, a un paso de superar el récord de Roy Makaay en el Deportivo|trans-title=Walter Pandiani, about to surpass Roy Makaay's record at Deportivo|newspaper=[[Diario de León]]|first=Ignacio|last=Tylko|language=es|date=23 September 2003|access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===International===
:Source:<ref>{{NFT|7020|name=Pandiani, Walter|access-date=11 November 2011}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|colspan="3"|[[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]]
|-
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|2001||1||0
|-
|2002||0||0
|-
|2003||1||0
|-
|2004||2||0
|-
!Total!!4!!0
|}

==Honours==
'''Peñarol'''
*[[Uruguayan Primera División]]: [[1999 Uruguayan Primera División|1999]]

'''Deportivo'''
*{{lang|es|[[Copa del Rey]]|italic=no}}: [[2001–02 Copa del Rey|2001–02]]
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[2000 Supercopa de España|2000]],<ref name=SC/> [[2002 Supercopa de España|2002]]

'''Mallorca'''
*Copa del Rey: [[2002–03 Copa del Rey|2002–03]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/2003/06/29/deportes/1056837603_850215.html|title=Eto'o pone Mallorca a brindar|trans-title=Eto'o has Mallorca toasting|newspaper=[[El País]]|first=José|last=Miguelez|language=es|date=29 June 2003|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref>

'''Espanyol'''
*Copa del Rey: [[2005–06 Copa del Rey|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2006/04/13/pagina-14/813719/pdf.html|title=¡Increíble Espanyol!|trans-title=Incredible Espanyol!|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Andrés|last=Astruells|language=es|date=13 April 2006|access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] runner-up: [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|2006–07]]<ref name=0607UEFA/>

'''Lausanne'''
* [[Swiss Challenge League]]: [[2015–16 Swiss Challenge League|2015–16]]

'''Individual'''
* [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup Top Scorer]]: [[2006–07 UEFA Cup#Top goalscorers|2006–07]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{BDFutbol|2627}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071104004053/http://deportivo-la-coruna.com/profiles/pastplayers/pandiani.html Deportivo archives]
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{NFT|7020}}
*{{soccerway|walter-pandiani/3749}}

{{UEFA Europa League top scorers}}
{{Navboxes top|title=Managerial positions}}
{{Lorca FC managers}}
{{C.A. Cerro managers}}
{{Navboxes bottom}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pandiani, Walter}}
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Montevideo]]
[[Category:Uruguayan men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Uruguayan Primera División players]]
[[Category:C.A. Progreso players]]
[[Category:Peñarol players]]
[[Category:Miramar Misiones players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Segunda División players]]
[[Category:Segunda División B players]]
[[Category:Deportivo de La Coruña players]]
[[Category:RCD Mallorca players]]
[[Category:RCD Espanyol footballers]]
[[Category:CA Osasuna players]]
[[Category:Villarreal CF players]]
[[Category:CD Atlético Baleares footballers]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Swiss Challenge League players]]
[[Category:FC Lausanne-Sport players]]
[[Category:Uruguay men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Uruguayan football managers]]
[[Category:C.A. Cerro managers]]
[[Category:Club Sportivo Cerrito managers]]
[[Category:Miramar Misiones managers]]
[[Category:Tercera División managers]]
[[Category:Lorca FC managers]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]]