The 5 World Best Referees in Football 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. So, here is a comprehensive list of the 5 best referees in football currently from across top leagues and tournaments.

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 long as his ability to control the game and restrict the waste of time has earned him the respect of players, fans and managers alike. He was recently in charge of the Man City vs Real Madrid 2nd leg quarter-final and he was yet again impressive with the range of his decisions. This season Orsato has refereed in 25 games across Europe and he has awarded 125 yellow while handing out 5 penalties and 2 red cards. His performances have earned him a place among the 5 best referees in football currently. 

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 referee in any of Europe’s top five leagues, his impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League earn him a spot among the best referees in football right now. This season Makkelie has already been part of some big 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 114 yellow cards in 34 games while awarding 6 penalties. 

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3.) Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)

Perhaps the most controversial name in the list of best referees in football is the name of Spain’s Jesus Gil Manzano. While several La Liga have expressed their displeasure with some decisions of Manzano over the course of his lengthy career, the Spanish referee usually has good performances and manages 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 27 games and he has shown 117 yellow cards while awarding 8 penalties. 

2.) Clement Turpin (France)

Known for his reasonability on the pitch, Clement Turpin has certainly earned respect amongst players through his gracefulness in conducting the game. Turpin isn’t one to flash out cards left, right and center, but also draws the line quickly if somebody oversteps it. This season Turpin has managed several important games in Ligue 1 and Europe and will certainly play a part in the final stages of UEFA tournaments. This season the French coach has managed 26 games and has shown only 85 yellow cards, but has shown 5 red cards. His ability to detect fouls in the penalty area has earned him a place among the best referees in football. This season Turpin has awarded 6 penalties. 

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 fans and players while making decisions has certainly been noticed as 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 some months later.

This season Marciniak has managed 37 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 one of the best referees in football right now, if not the best. 

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