The world of football isn’t just about star players and legendary coaches. Behind every thrilling match are the overlooked heroes: the referees. These guardians of fair play make split-second decisions that can change the course of the game - or even football history. 

Ready to meet the officiating legends who’ve turned refereeing into an art form? These individuals have left their mark on the beautiful game earning respect from players, coaches, and fans alike. Let’s dive into our list of the 10 greatest football referees of all time! 

Rounding out the Top 10 Referees of All Time are five exceptional officials who have left an indelible mark on the sport. 

At number 10 we have England’s Mark Halsey, whose two-decade career included over 300 Premier League matches and FA Cup Finals. Halsey was particularly noted for his calm demeanour and excellent man-management skills in handling contentious  situations. 

Following closely behind Halsey is Italian referee Pierluigi Pairetto, who made significant contributions to football officiating from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, leaving a lasting impact on Serie A and European competitions. His keen understanding of the game and firm but fair approach paved the way for future generations of Italian referees. 

German referee Markus Merk’s illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he officiated three UEFA Champions League finals and the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, alongside more than 300 Bundesliga matches. His longevity and adaptability in the dynamic world of football refereeing earned him respect from players and fans alike. 

Next up is Switzerland’s Massimo Busacca, who refereed over 100 international matches, including the Champions League finals and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Busacca was renowned for his commitment to fair play and consistent application of the rules. His contributions to football officiating have left a lasting impact on the sport. 

Viktor Kassai takes our number 6 spot for the best referees of all time. Hailing from Hungary, Viktor Kassai has left an undeniable mark on football officiating with his precise decision-making and unassuming demeanour. Kassai officiated the 2011 UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United, showcasing his ability to handle high-stakes encounters with composure. Over his career, Kassai officiated in numerous UEFA competitions, gaining recognition for his consistent performance. 

Now, let’s go into more detail as we dive into REFSIX’s picks for the top 5 referees of all time. 

5. Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan) 

Breaking barriers as one of the first Asian referees to officiate in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage match, Ravshan Irmatov from Uzbekistan has earned his place among the football elite. Over his career, Irmatov officiated in multiple AFC Asian Cups and FIFA World Cup tournaments. His exceptional decision-making and unflinching approach on the field have solidified his status as a respected figure in international football officiating. 

4. Mark Clattenburg (England)

At number 4, we have none other than the Gladiator himself, Mark Clattenburg. Clattenburg is known for his exceptional skills, calm demeanour, and deep understanding of the rules of the game.  

His distinguished career saw him rise from refereeing in local and amateur leagues to officiating multiple high-profile competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the 2016 UEFA European Championship Final between Portugal and France. Over his tenure, Clattenburg officiated in more than 250 Premier League matches and earned respect for his lenient yet assertive style, maintaining control in intense situations. 

3. Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

When it comes to refereeing, Italy has produced some true legends. Among them stands Nicola Rizzoli, a man whose whistle commanded respect on pitches from Serie A to the World Cup Final. 

Rizzoli’s career reached its crowning moment in 2014 when he refereed the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina. Picture the scene: the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, packed with passionate fans, as two football giants battled for glory. Amidst all of these emotions, Rizzoli stood as the calm eye of the storm, expertly managing one of the most high-pressure matches in football history. Rizzoli also officiated over 100 Serie A matches and was known for his exceptional game management and calm authority. His expertise in handling high-stakes encounters earned him widespread recognition. 

2. Howard Webb (England)

This Yorkshire-born referee’s journey is a tale of uncompromising composure and expert decision-making. Webb’s career reached its peak in 2010 when he refereed the FIFA World Cup Final between the Netherlands and Spain. This wasn’t just any match - it was a tense and physical game, and would go down in history as the “Battle of Johannesburg”. Webb’s excellence wasn’t limited to just one game. Throughout his career he was a fixture in the English Premier League, officiating an impressive 500 matches!

What set Webb apart was his ability to stay cool under pressure. Whether dealing with fiery players or making split-second decisions, he maintained a composed demeanour that earned respect from all corners of the football world. His consistency and fairness made him a role model for aspiring referees and a reassuring presence for players and fans alike. 

Webb continued to make significant contributions to football officiating after retiring from active refereeing in 2014. In 2017, he was appointed as the General Manager of the Professional Referee Organisation (PRO) in the United States, overseeing the development and performance of match officials in Major League Soccer and other North American leagues. 

His success in the role led to his return to England in 2022, when he was named Chief Refereeing Officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for match officials in English professional football. In this position, Webb has been working to improve the standard of officiating in the Premier League and other top English competitions, focusing on consistency, communication, and the implementation of VAR technology. 

Read more about Webb and his prestigious career in our article here.

1. Pierluigi Collina (Italy)

Ever wondered what it takes to be the world’s most esteemed football referee? Look no further than Pierluigi Collina. Renowned for his commanding presence and iconic bald head, Pierluigi Collina tops our list as one of football's most celebrated referees, and for good reason. 

From 1988 to 2005, Collina’s commanding presence graced pitches across the globe. His career highlights read like a football fanatic’s dream, including the intense 2002 FIFA World Cup Final between Brazil and Germany and numerous high-stake UEFA Champions League matches. What set Collina apart wasn’t just his distinctive appearance, but his razor-sharp decision-making and unwavering authority.

In 2010, Collina was appointed as UEFA’s first ever Chief Refereeing Officer, where he oversaw the development and performance of European match officials. His expertise and leadership led to his appointment as Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee in 2017, a position that allows him to shape refereeing policies and standards on a global level. Additionally, Collina now serves on the International Football Association Board (IFAB). In these roles, he has been instrumental in implementing and refining the use of VAR technology, as well as continually working to improve the quality and consistency of officiating across all levels of international football. 

Interested in learning more about Collina’s celebrated career? REFSIX has created a homage to our hero, check out that article here.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our journey through the Top 10 football referees of all time, it’s essential to recognise the pivotal role each of these individuals played in shaping the narrative of the beautiful game. From the iconic Pierluigi Collina to the composed Howard Webb, and the trailblazing Pierluigi Pairetto to the consistent Mark Halsey, these referees have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their dedication to upholding the spirit of fair play, coupled with their exceptional officiating skills, cements their status as legends in the annals of football history. Is there anyone you’d add to this list?

Do you think you have what it takes to become the next best referee of all time? Download REFSIX today to start or propel your refereeing career.