Referees are the guards of the sport!

Referees are among the most underappreciated figures in the history of football, often facing widespread criticism for their decisions while rarely receiving praise for their exceptional performances. Given the significant responsibility they hold, referees strive to officiate matches according to established rules to ensure a fair outcome. With that in mind, here are the top five best referees in football history:

Mark Clattenburg (England)

Mark Clattenburg's career spanned nearly three decades (1990–2019), making him a controversial figure in football. While some fans admired him, others criticised his performances, yet organisations consistently trusted him with high-stakes matches. One infamous moment occurred during the title-deciding 2016 Premier League clash between Chelsea and Tottenham. In a thrilling 2-2 draw, Clattenburg chose not to issue a red card despite reckless challenges, fearing it would impact Leicester City’s title hopes. Over his career, he officiated over 250 Premier League matches and also had stints in Saudi Arabia and Super League. Clattenburg was the referee for the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.

Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Nicola Rizzoli had a distinguished ten-year career (2007–2017), highlighted by officiating the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, where Germany triumphed. He was also part of the officiating team for the 2016 UEFA European Championships. Rizzoli was primarily known for his role in Serie A, earning a reputation for his exceptional management skills and calm authority during high-stakes matches. His consistent excellence led him to win seven consecutive AIC Serie A Referee of the Year Awards from 2011 to 2017, securing his legacy as one of the top referees in football history.

Howard Webb (England)

Premier League referees' chief Howard Webb announced his retirement in 2014, concluding a remarkable 25-year officiating career (1989–2014). Known for his authoritative and confident style, Webb primarily officiated Premier League matches and was trusted with high-stakes encounters. Notably, he refereed the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and the Netherlands. This achievement made him the first referee to officiate both finals in the same calendar year. For his exceptional performance, Howard Webb was awarded FIFA’s 2010 Referee of the Year.

Markus Merk (Germany)

Markus Merk is regarded as one of the best referees in football history and once held the record for officiating the most Bundesliga matches. Over his illustrious 23-year career (1985–2008), Merk primarily worked in the Bundesliga, becoming the youngest referee to oversee a match at just 25 years old. His exceptional performances earned him the German Referee of the Year award six times and the prestigious FIFA’s Best Referee of the Year award three times, cementing his legacy and ensuring his place in the annals of football history. Merk's influence on the sport continues to be recognised and respected.

Pierluigi Collina (Italy)

Regarded as the greatest referee of all time, Pierluigi Collina transformed the concept of respect among players during his legendary career (1988–2006). His assertive and no-nonsense approach made him a commanding presence on the pitch, handling every situation with confidence and clarity. Primarily officiating Serie A matches, Collina gained global fame during the 2002 World Cup for his unique officiating style. This notoriety led to Konami featuring him as the face of their popular PES 3 (Pro Evolution Soccer) game, further confirming his iconic status in the world of football and proving his impact on the sport beyond the field.

Referees are a central part of the game, as they preserve the integrity and fair play of the sport we love.