Howard Webb, Pierluigi Collina, Felix Brych

The 15 Greatest Football Referees of All Time – Ranked

May 8, 2025 Oliver Rasmussen

Referees are often expected to remain invisible, but the best among them have stood out for their consistency, authority, and respect from players and coaches. Here’s a countdown of the top 15 football referees in history — the ones who mastered the most thankless job in the game.

15. Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey)

Turkey’s most recognized referee, known for his calm and consistent officiating. He took charge of the 2015 Champions League Final and multiple World Cup and European Championship semifinals.

14. Felix Brych (Germany)

Named FIFA’s Best Referee in 2017, Brych officiated the Champions League Final that same year. Renowned for his control of high-intensity matches and a long list of top-level assignments.

Read the full article

13. Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)

Holds the record for most World Cup matches refereed (11). A five-time AFC Referee of the Year, Irmatov is praised for fairness, calm, and exceptional game management.

12. Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

Led major matches at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and several Champions League semifinals. Known for his composed and balanced approach on the international stage.

11. Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

A supermarket owner turned world-class referee, Kuipers handled the Euro 2020 Final and the 2014 Champions League Final. His physical presence and sharp decision-making earned wide respect.

10. Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

The first referee to officiate both the Champions League and European Championship Finals in the same year (2012). Crowned World’s Best Referee by IFFHS the same year.

9. Viktor Kassai (Slovakia)

Officiated the 2011 Champions League Final and became the first to use VAR in a FIFA tournament. Praised for precise calls and pioneering the use of technology in refereeing.

8. Sandor Puhl (Hungary)

Famous for refereeing the 1994 World Cup Final. Named World’s Best Referee four years in a row (1994–1997), Puhl brought authority and composure to the biggest stages.

7. Mark Halsey (England)

A Premier League mainstay with over 300 matches officiated, including the 2008 League Cup Final. Known for his humanity and player rapport, he earned strong respect in the English game.

6. Kim Milton Nielsen (Denmark)

Towering at 6’6”, Nielsen was hard to miss — and even harder to outclass. He refereed the 2004 Champions League Final and the 2002 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and Turkey.

5. Mark Clattenburg (England)

Handled both the Euro 2016 and Champions League Finals — a rare double in one year. A confident and occasionally controversial figure, he managed some of the most high-pressure matches.

4. Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Trusted with the 2014 World Cup Final and several top-tier European clashes. Awarded Serie A’s Referee of the Year seven times, Rizzoli stood out for elegance and control.

3. Howard Webb (England)

A former police officer who refereed both the World Cup and Champions League Finals in 2010 — the first to do so in the same year. His calm, commanding style made him one of the most respected referees globally.

2. Markus Merk (Germany)

Known for his razor-sharp authority and fitness, Merk officiated the 2003 Champions League Final and Euro 2004 Final. He won FIFA’s Best Referee award three times and was Germany’s youngest-ever top-flight referee.

1. Pierluigi Collina (Italy)

Widely considered the greatest referee of all time. Known for his piercing stare, commanding presence, and flawless decision-making — he officiated the 2002 World Cup Final and became a pop culture icon as the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 3.