Football is a game of passion, skill, and dramatic moments, but behind every great match lies the watchful eye of the referee.
These guardians of the game ensure that the rules are upheld, the spirit of competition remains fair, and every player gets a fair shake.
While players often bask in the limelight, referees are the unsung heroes who ensure the show goes on without a hitch – or at least, with as few hitches as possible.
Imagine the roar of the crowd, the pressure of the final whistle, the intensity of split-second decisions that can make or break a game.
Some referees thrive in this high-stakes environment, becoming legends in their own right. From Pierluigi Collina’s famous look to Howard Webb’s calm authority, these referees have become majors to the history of football.
Today, we take a look at 10 of the best referees who have left a solid footprint on the beautiful game.
These referees have officiated the biggest matches, earned the respect (and sometimes rage) of players and fans, and have stories that rival those of the most celebrated footballers.
1. Pierluigi Collina
Pierluigi Collina is widely regarded as the greatest referee of all time. Known for commanding respect from players, he officiated some of the most important matches, including the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany.
Players rarely argued with him on the pitch, and those who did were handled discreetly.
Collina became a prominent figure when Konami featured him on the cover of Pro Evolution Soccer 3 after his standout performances in the 2002 World Cup, highlighting his fame and influence in football.
His legacy remains unmatched in the refereeing world.
Career
- Years: 1988 – 2006
- Domestic competition: Serie A
- Major international tournaments: Euro 1996, 1998 World Cup, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004
- Major finals: 1999 Champions League, 2002 World Cup
2. Nicola Rizzoli
Nicola Rizzoli is known for officiating the 2014 World Cup final where Germany defeated Argentina.
He also participated in Euro 2016 and won the AIC Serie A Referee of the Year award seven consecutive times from 2011 to 2017.
Rizzoli’s calm and effective game management in Serie A over nearly a decade earned him widespread respect and recognition on the international stage.
Career
- Years: 2007 – 2017
- Domestic competition: Serie A
- Major international tournaments: Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup
- Major finals: 2010 Europa League, 2013 Champions League, 2014 World Cup
3. Howard Webb
Howard Webb retired from refereeing in 2014 to become the Technical Director of the Professional Game Match Officials Board. Known for his authoritative style, Webb received praise from various football circles.
In 2010, he made history by refereeing both the Champions League final and the World Cup final in the same year, earning the title of FIFA’s Referee of the Year. He also officiated FA Cup and League Cup finals.
Career
- Years: 1989 – 2014
- Domestic competition: Premier League
- Major international tournaments: Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup
- Major finals: 2010 Champions League, 2010 World Cup
4. Markus Merk
Markus Merk, a German referee, held the record for the most Bundesliga matches officiated.
He was named German Referee of the Year six times and won FIFA’s Best Referee of the Year award three times. Merk was Germany’s youngest-ever referee at 25 in 1988.
He participated in the first four major international tournaments of the 21st century, solidifying his place as a top referee in European football.
Career
- Years: 1985 – 2008
- Domestic competition: Bundesliga
- Major international tournaments: Euro 2000, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup
- Major finals: 1997 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, 2003 Champions League, Euro 2004
5. Mark Clattenburg
Mark Clattenburg was a polarizing figure in refereeing, known for his handling of high-profile matches. Particularly, during the 2016 Battle of Stamford Bridge, he allowed Chelsea and Tottenham to play without issuing red cards, indirectly influencing Leicester City’s title win.
He also officiated the 2016 UEFA European Championship final and the Champions League final the same year. Later, he worked in Saudi Arabia and China, overseeing major matches.
Career
- Years: 1990 – 2019
- Domestic competition: Premier League
- Major international tournaments: Euro 2016
- Major finals: 2016 Champions League, Euro 2016
6. Sandor Puhl
Sandor Puhl gained fame for refereeing the 1994 FIFA World Cup final and was named World’s Best Referee of the Year four times from 1994 to 1997.
He officiated the 1997 Champions League final but faced criticism for his decisions during the 1994 World Cup quarter-final between Italy and Spain.
Career
- Years: 1988 – 2000
- Domestic competition: Nemzeti Bajnokság
- Major international tournaments: Euro 1992, 1994 World Cup, Euro 1996
- Major finals: 1993 UEFA Cup, 1994 World Cup, 1997 Champions League
7. Mark Halsey
Mark Halsey, a respected English referee, majorly officiated in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013.
He was known for his quick and calm decision-making and officiated over 300 matches, including the 2008 League Cup final.
Career
- Years: 1989 – 2013
- Domestic competition: Premier League
- Major international tournaments: N/A
- Major finals: 2008 League Cup
8. Kim Milton Nielsen
Standing at 6ft 6in, Kim Milton Nielsen was a noticeable presence on the pitch.
He officiated 154 international and 53 UEFA Champions League matches from 1988 to 2005, including two World Cups and the Euro 2000 and 2004 tournaments.
Career
- Years: 1976 – 2006
- Domestic competition: Danish Superliga
- Major international tournaments: Euro 1996, 1998 AFCON, 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, 2002 World Cup
- Major finals: 1994 UEFA Cup, 2004 Champions League
9. Pedro Proenca
Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca began his career in 1998 and is known for officiating the finals of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA European Championship in the same year.
He was named World’s Best Referee by IFFHS in 2012 and Best Referee of the Year in 2007 and 2011 by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Career
- Years: 1998 – 2015
- Domestic competition: Primeira Liga
- Major international tournaments: Euro 2012
- Major finals: 2012 Champions League, Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup
10. Viktor Kassai
Viktor Kassai, a Slovakian referee, began his FIFA career in 2003 and retired in 2019.
Known for his precise decision-making, Kassai officiated the 2011 UEFA Champions League final and became the first referee to award a penalty using video replay during the 2016 Club World Cup.
Career
- Years: 1990 – 2019
- Domestic competition: Slovak First Football League
- Major international tournaments: 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, Euro 2016
- Major finals: 2011 Champions League
Best Football Referees In History
| Rank | Name | Nationality |
| 1. | Pierluigi Collina | Italy |
| 2. | Nicola Rizzoli | Italy |
| 3. | Howard Webb | England |
| 4. | Markus Merk | Germany |
| 5. | Mark Clattenburg | England |
| 6. | Sandor Puhl | Hungary |
| 7. | Mark Halsey | England |
| 8. | Kim Milton Nielsen | Denmark |
| 9. | Pedro Proenca | Portugal |
| 10. | Viktor Kassai | Slovakia |
