The 5 Best Referees in the World Right Now (RANKED)

Referees bear the load of ensuring the smooth flow of games under tough circumstances. They are a vital part of the game, their decisions can change the course of the match. Arguably, they are amongst the most respected figures in the game and play a commanding role. While many referees attempt to control the game, only a few manage to control the game skillfully. From Daniele Orstao’s decision-making skills to Szymon Marciniak’s calm demeanor while making calls. So, here is a comprehensive list of the 5 best referee in the World currently from across top leagues and tournaments.

Ranking Factors

Consistency: How consistent the referee has been throughout his career and how well he handles situations.

Controversy: During big and crucial games, how many controversial decisions has the referee given.

Top 5 Best Referees in the World Currently

5. Daniele Orsato (Italy)

It’s usually hard for fans across the spectrum to agree on the quality of a referee. However, Daniele Orsato has served as an exception for a long time as his ability to control the game and restrict the waste of time has earned him the respect of players & managers alike. He was in charge of the Man City vs Real Madrid 2nd leg quarter-final, and he was yet again impressive with the range of his decision-making skills and calm demeanor. This season, Orsato has refereed in 34 games across Europe, and he has awarded 151 yellow cards while handing out 5 penalties and 9 red cards. His performances have earned him a place among the 5 best referees in football currently. 

DOB	Top-flight Debut	FIFA Appointment	Biggest Matches
23rd November 1975	17th December 2006	2010	UEFA Champions League Final 2020

4. Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)

Another referee who has earned the respect of players and fans alike is Danny Makkelie of the Netherlands. While the Dutchman doesn’t officiate in any of Europe’s top five leagues, his impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League earned him a spot among the best referees in the world in 2025. This season, Makkelie has already been part of some big & crucial games, like the 2nd leg of the Arsenal vs Bayern Munich quarter-finals and a round-of-16 battle between Barcelona and Napoli.  Makkelie is known to tolerate no-nonsense and has shown 94 yellow cards in 30 games while awarding 6 penalties. 

DOB	Top-flight Debut	FIFA Appointment	Biggest Matches
28th January 1983	19th September 2009	2011	Europa League final 2020

3. Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)

Perhaps the most controversial name in the list of best football referees is the Spaniard, Jesus Gil Manzano. Several La Liga teams have expressed their displeasure with some of Manzano’s controversial decisions throughout his career. But he didn’t let these things affect his decision-making ability and continued to showcase good performances and managed to command games pretty well. The highlight of his 23/24 season has been the first El Clasico of the La Liga campaign in October. This season, Manzano has been the referee in 24 games, and he has shown 138 yellow cards while awarding 8 penalties. 

DOB	Top-flight Debut	FIFA Appointment	Biggest Matches
4th February 1984	15th August 2012	2014	UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2022

Also Read: Let’s take a look at the 15 worst referee decisions in football

2. Clement Turpin (France)

Known for his reasonability on the pitch, Clement Turpin has certainly earned respect amongst players through his gracefulness in handling situations and conducting the game. Turpin isn’t like other referees who flash cards left, right, and center, but he also draws the line quickly if somebody oversteps it. This season, Turpin has managed several important games in Ligue 1, Europe, and will certainly play a part in the final stages of UEFA tournaments. This season, the French referee has managed 28 games and has shown only 83 yellow cards while only handing out 2 red cards. His ability to detect fouls in the penalty area has earned him a place among the best football officials.

DOB	Top-flight Debut	FIFA Appointment	Biggest Matches
16th May 1982	16th August 2008	2010	Champions League final 2022 & Europa League final 2021

1. Szymon Marciniak (Poland) 

Few referees manage to display control over the game as much as Szymon Marciniak does. His ability to remain uninfluenced by players and coaches while making decisions hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Polish referee went on to manage perhaps the two biggest games last season: the World Cup 2022 final and the UEFA Champions League final.

This season, Marciniak has managed 29 games across tournaments and handed out a whopping 163 yellow cards. The astonishing amount of cards ushered out by Marciniak further highlights the referee’s no-tolerance policy on the pitch. While many consider him to be too harsh, his ability to control games certainly makes him the best referee in the world 2025. 

DOB	Top-flight Debut	FIFA Appointment	Biggest Matches
7th January 1981	18th April 2009	2011	World Cup final 2022 & Champions League final 2023

List of 5 Best Referees in the World

Rank	Referee	Nationality
1	Szymon Marciniak	Poland
2	Clement Turpin	France
3	Jesus Gil Manzano	Spain
4	Danny Makkelie	Netherlands
5	Daniele Orsato	Italy

Also Read: How much do referees earn in Europe’s Top 5 leagues?

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