Who is the best football referee in the world?
Referees are responsible for ensuring that matches run smoothly under difficult circumstances. They are a vital part of the game, their decisions can change the course of the match. They are arguably one of the most respected figures in the game and act as a commander. While many referees try to control the game, only a few can control the game skillfully. So, Premiumsoccertips will list a comprehensive list of the 5 best football referee in the world today from the top leagues and tournaments.
Top 5 best football referees in the world
5. Daniele Orsato (Italy)
Football fans around the world often struggle to agree on the quality of a referee, as their decisions can have a huge impact on the outcome of a match. However, Daniele Orsato has emerged as an exception over the years thanks to his excellent control of the game and his serious work ethic. He always tries to avoid wasting time and ensures the game is fair, which has earned him the respect of players, coaches and fans.
Orsato was recently tasked with the second leg of the quarter-final between Man City and Real Madrid, and once again he proved his worth with his fair and reasonable decisions. This season, Orsato has officiated 25 matches in major tournaments across Europe. Among them, he has issued a total of 125 yellow cards, awarded 5 penalties and issued 2 red cards. The stability and impartiality in his decisions have helped Orsato affirm his position in the top 5 best referees today, proving his talent and influence in the international refereeing community.
4. Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Another referee who has earned the respect of both players and fans is Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. Although Makkelie has not refereed in any of Europe’s top five leagues, his work in the UEFA Champions League has earned him a great reputation and has established him as one of the best referees in football today. Although he has not been directly involved in major national championships, his excellent performances in European competitions have made him a notable figure.
This season, Makkelie has taken charge of a number of important matches, including the second leg of the quarter-finals between Arsenal and Bayern Munich and the round of 16 clash between Barcelona and Napoli. He is known for his lenient and fair style of work, not being quick to make harsh decisions unless absolutely necessary. Throughout the season, Makkelie issued a total of 114 yellow cards in 34 matches, while also awarding 6 penalties. His decisions were always highly regarded for their fairness and ability to control the game smoothly, helping him affirm his position among the best referees in the world today.
3. Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
Perhaps the most controversial name on this list of the best referees in football is Spain’s Jesus Gil Manzano. Despite criticism from some La Liga clubs and fans for some of his decisions throughout his long career, Manzano has been recognised for his ability to officiate effectively and consistently deliver impressive performances. The Spanish referee is known for his determination to maintain discipline on the pitch, despite some controversial decisions.
The highlight of Manzano’s 23/24 season was his appointment to officiate the first El Clasico of the La Liga campaign in October. This was a game of great importance and required absolute precision from the referee, something Manzano did very well. This season, he has officiated 27 major tournament matches and handed out 117 yellow cards while awarding eight penalties. Although he has not always been popular with all teams, Manzano has maintained a consistent level of performance and continues to establish himself as one of the top referees in Spain and internationally.
2. Clement Turpin (France)
Clement Turpin is known for his sensible style of play and his calm demeanor, which has earned him the respect of players and coaches. Although he is not a referee who shows off cards frequently, Turpin is always balanced and firm when necessary, quickly drawing the line if anyone goes over the edge. His style of work not only demonstrates his ingenuity in managing matches but also ensures that his decisions are always fair and reasonable.
This season, Turpin has officiated several important matches in Ligue 1 and European competitions, affirming his position in the international refereeing community. Although he is not known for his high number of bookings, he has maintained a consistent performance and the ability to manage tense situations. Turpin has officiated 26 games this season and has only handed out 85 yellow cards, but he has also not hesitated to make tough decisions when necessary, with five red cards shown. His ability to spot fouls in the penalty area and the accuracy of his decisions have earned him a place among the best referees in football today. In particular, he has awarded a total of six penalties this season, demonstrating his acumen in handling important situations.
1. Best football referee in the world: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Few referees can control a game as well as Szymon Marciniak. His ability to stand his ground and not be swayed by the reactions of fans or players when making important decisions has made him stand out in the international refereeing world. The Polish referee has proven his talent in big and decisive matches, especially when he was assigned to referee two important finals last season: the 2022 World Cup final and the UEFA Champions League final just a few months later. These achievements have firmly established Marciniak as one of the best referees in the world.
This season, Marciniak has continued to impress, officiating 37 matches in top-flight competitions, issuing a total of 163 yellow cards. This huge number of yellow cards reflects his uncompromising policy in maintaining discipline on the pitch, which has led some to believe that he is a bit harsh in his decisions. However, Marciniak’s ability to control the game with precision and rigor has earned him a great reputation. With his unique style of work and decisiveness in every situation, he is undoubtedly one of the best referees in football today, if not the best.
Conclusion
In the world of football, maintaining fairness and order in matches is an extremely important task that referees undertake. Among them, Szymon Marciniak is considered “the best football referee in the world” thanks to his excellent ability to control the match, without being affected by pressure from players or fans. Referees like Marciniak, along with Daniele Orsato, Danny Makkelie, Jesus Gil Manzano and Clement Turpin, all demonstrate excellence and respect in their profession, contributing significantly to the development and fairness of this sport.
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