Football referees are often criticized, while recognition for their work is rarely highlighted.
Despite this, the IFFHS (International Institute for Football History and Statistics) published a list of the ten best referees of today at the end of 2025.
The list includes:
- Clément Turpin (France),
- François Letexier (France),
- Szymon Marciniak (Poland),
- István Kovács (Romania),
- Michael Oliver (England),
- Felix Zwayer (Germany),
- Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia),
- Alireza Faghani (Australia),
- Maurizio Mariani (Italy) and
- Sandro Schärer (Switzerland).
France is the only country with two representatives, and the fact that the French judges are at the very top of the ranking stands out. The most points went to Clément Turpin, who started his career in the French Ligue 1 in 2010 and soon established himself on the biggest European stage. He has refereed at two World Cups so far, and the highlight of his career was the 2022 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The Slovenian Slavko Vinčić is among the top ten. The experienced 46-year-old referee is considered one of the most respected in modern football, and his greatest success was officiating the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. According to expectations, FIFA intends to entrust him with the most important matches at the upcoming World Cup.
(www.jabuka.tv)
