Ranking the Top 10 Best Referees in Football History

Football referees often operate under the radar, tasked with managing matches without drawing undue attention to themselves. It's a demanding role, with immense pressure to make accurate decisions while avoiding controversy. Mistakes are inevitable in such a challenging job, but some referees excel more than others.

The finest officials have officiated some of football's most significant encounters, commanding respect from players and spectators alike. While earning the admiration of players may seem like a distant dream for many referees, a select few have achieved this esteemed status.

Betimate has taken on the task of ranking the top 10 referees of all time, a timely endeavor given the heightened scrutiny faced by modern officials, particularly in elite leagues like the Premier League. While three English referees make the list, none of them currently officiate at the professional level.

Ranking Criteria:

• Matches refereed: Referees who have officiated a higher number of matches are likely to have accumulated more experience and honed their skills over time.
• Importance of matches refereed: Officiating high-profile matches indicates that referees have earned the trust of football associations and governing bodies to handle critical encounters effectively.
• Respect from players: The ability to command respect from players demonstrates strong leadership, impartiality, and consistency in decision-making, contributing to a referee's overall effectiveness and reputation.

10. Pedro Proenca

Portugal

Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca embarked on his officiating journey in 1998 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the finest referees of modern times. His illustrious career reached a remarkable pinnacle when he became the first referee to oversee both the finals of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA European Championship in the same calendar year.

Proenca's stellar achievements were recognized on the global stage, earning him the title of World's Best Referee by the IFFHS in 2012. Additionally, he was honored with the Best Referee of The Year award by the Portuguese Football Federation in 2007 and 2011, underscoring the immense respect he commanded within the football community. His contributions were further highlighted by his involvement in the 2014 World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished figure in the world of refereeing.

9. Viktor Kassai

Slovakia

Viktor Kassai began his journey as a full-time international referee for FIFA in 2003, culminating in an illustrious career spanning 16 years. Hailing from Slovakia, Kassai left an indelible mark on football officiating, renowned for his precise decision-making abilities.

His career reached a pinnacle when he officiated the 2011 UEFA Champions League final clash between Barcelona and Manchester United, demonstrating his adeptness in handling high-pressure encounters with calm and poise. Additionally, Kassai played pivotal roles in prestigious tournaments such as the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, further solidifying his status as one of the top referees in the game.

Notably, Kassai made history at the 2016 Club World Cup by becoming the first referee to award a penalty following a video replay review, showcasing his adaptability to emerging technologies in football officiating. His contributions to the sport stand as a testament to his remarkable career and enduring legacy in the world of refereeing.

8. Sandor Puhl

Hungary

Sandor Puhl rose to prominence as the referee of the final match of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, widely regarded as one of the most memorable editions of the global tournament. His exceptional officiating skills earned him recognition from the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), who crowned him the World’s Best Referee of the Year for four consecutive years from 1994 to 1997.

Known for his linguistic proficiency, Puhl was selected to officiate the 1997 Champions League final clash between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, showcasing his versatility and competence on the international stage. However, his career was not devoid of controversy.

Puhl faced substantial criticism in Spain following his handling of the 1994 World Cup quarter-final match between Italy and Spain. During injury time, Mauro Tassotti of Italy elbowed Luis Enrique of Spain in the face inside the penalty box. Despite the clear infraction, Puhl chose not to award a penalty or issue a card, sparking controversy and scrutiny over his decision-making.

7. Mark Halsey

England

Mark Halsey, the first English referee featured on this list, may not have frequently officiated European matches, but he garnered immense respect from players throughout his career. His tenure primarily focused on refereeing in the Premier League, spanning from 1999 to 2013, during which he was part of the division's Select Group Referees from its inception in 2001 until his retirement.

Over his distinguished career, Halsey officiated in more than 300 matches in the English top flight, including the 2008 League Cup final. Known for his ability to make swift and composed decisions, he established himself as a reliable presence at the pinnacle of English football. His calm and assured demeanor on the field set him apart, earning him the admiration and respect of players, a feat coveted by many English referees.

6. Kim Milton Nielsen

Denmark

Referees typically aim to blend into the background, but for Kim Milton Nielsen, his towering 6ft 6in stature made that a challenge. His physical presence ensured he was always noticeable on the pitch. Over his career spanning from 1988 to 2005, Nielsen officiated in 154 international matches and 53 UEFA Champions League games, establishing himself as a prominent figure on the global stage.

Nielsen notably oversaw two matches at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and refereed the semi-final clash between Brazil and Turkey at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan. Renowned for his consistent performances in Europe's premier competition, Nielsen's imposing figure made him one of the most memorable referees of his era.

5. Mark Clattenburg

England

Mark Clattenburg was a polarizing figure in football, with opinions divided on his refereeing style. While some admired him, others criticized him, yet he was entrusted with officiating some of the most significant matches in the sport. Notably, during the infamous 2016 Battle of Stamford Bridge clash between Chelsea and Tottenham, a pivotal game in Premier League history, Clattenburg admitted to allowing Tottenham to "self-destruct" rather than intervening with cards, a decision influenced by not wanting to alter the title race. This match ultimately crowned Leicester City as champions.

In addition to his controversial moments, Clattenburg officiated the 2016 UEFA European Championship final between Portugal and France. Beyond his contributions to over 250 Premier League matches, Clattenburg extended his refereeing career internationally, working in Saudi Arabia and China before retiring. His tenure in football, marked by both acclaim and criticism, left an indelible mark on the game.

4. Nicola Rizzoli

Italy

The 2014 World Cup final left an enduring memory of Mario Gotze and Germany triumphing over Lionel Messi's Argentina, with Nicola Rizzoli officiating the crucial match. Rizzoli's presence underscored his status as a trusted figure on football's grandest stage. Additionally, he played a key role in Euro 2016.

Rizzoli's remarkable tenure extended to Serie A, where he garnered acclaim, winning seven consecutive AIC Serie A Referee of the Year Awards from 2011 to 2017. Renowned for his adept game management and composed demeanor, Rizzoli's expertise in handling high-pressure encounters earned him widespread recognition and respect in the football world.

3. Howard Webb

England

Howard Webb retired from officiating in 2014 to take on the role of Technical Director at the Professional Game Match Officials Board. However, prior to his retirement, Webb was consistently lauded for his authoritative and respected approach by various football stakeholders, pundits, colleagues, players, and managers.

He presided over numerous high-profile matches, including the historic milestone in 2010 when he became the first referee to officiate both the Champions League and World Cup finals in the same calendar year. This achievement led to him being honored as FIFA's Referee of the Year. As a former police officer who married the esteemed German referee Bibiana Steinhaus, Webb also oversaw the finals of the FA Cup and League Cup during his illustrious career.

2. Markus Merk

Germany

Ranked second on this list is German referee Markus Merk, who held the record for officiating the highest number of Bundesliga matches at one point. Merk, a six-time recipient of the German Referee of the Year Award, demonstrated impressive control over matches in Germany, notably becoming the youngest-ever referee in the Bundesliga in 1988 at the age of just 25.

However, Merk's accolades extend beyond national recognition. He was honored with FIFA’s Best Referee of the Year award on three occasions, highlighting his exceptional career in Europe. Merk's officiating prowess was evident in his involvement in the first four major international tournaments of the 21st century.

1. Pierluigi Collina

Italy

Pierluigi Collina is widely considered the greatest referee of all time, embodying the ideal of player respect in the most crucial matches, such as the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany. Rarely did footballers raise their voices or swear at the Italian on the field.

Any instances of dissent were handled discreetly, preventing unnecessary disruptions. While referees typically operate under the radar, Collina's impact extended beyond the pitch. Following his notable performances at the 2002 World Cup, Konami introduced a major feature in their Pro Evolution Soccer 3 game: Collina became the face of the immensely popular video game. This recognition underscores his widespread fame and significance in the world of football officiating. It's improbable that another referee will match his level of distinction.