Colin Ramirez

Colin Ramirez (born 1 February 1971) is a Gibraltarian firefighter and former footballer who played as a midfielder. He became the chief fire officer of Gibraltar in 2020.

Football career Club career Ramirez started his career at Gibraltar United at the age of 16. In 1989, after the opening of the Gibraltar–Spain border, Ramirez went on trial with CD Málaga, who nearly signed him, but issues regarding citizenship prevented him from joining.

In 1993, he was spotted by former England international footballer Peter Barnes, who recommended him to Northern Irish club Glentoran, In December 1993, he went on a ten-day trial with Notts County, before later being released by Glentoran in March 1994 to return to Gibraltar with Manchester United. In March 1996, he signed for Distillery.

In 1997, Ramirez signed for Spanish club Linense. Shortly after signing, on 28 September 1997, he scored the winning goal of a match in the 67th minute against rivals Algeciras. In 1999, he helped the club achieve promotion to the Segunda División B.

International career Ramirez was first selected for the Gibraltar national team at the age of 16, making his debut against the Norwegian under-21 national team. His first tournament for Gibraltar was the 1995 Island Games, where during a match against Ynys Môn, he suffered a fractured nose. He continued to play for the national team for 19 years, being made the team captain in 1999, before retiring at the age of 35 in 2006.

In 2021, the IFFHS included Ramirez in their men's all-time Gibraltar dream team.

Firefighting career Ramirez initially applied to become a fireman at the age of 18, but was rejected.

Personal life Ramirez is married and has two children. His uncles, Frank, Pepe and Jaime, were also footballers.