Summary of the best football referee in the world​

Football is a beautiful game where the players are in the spotlight, but the importance of referees cannot be overlooked. Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of a football match. Referees are the ultimate authority as they are the only ones who can blow their whistle to signal the start and end of the match. Furthermore, they can stop the game and give out cards to players who commit fouls. Over the years, many legendary referees have left a lasting impact on football. In this post, Kingsoccertips.com will provide you with a detailed list of the top 5 best football referee in the world​ and honor the best football referees of all time. Buckle up and get ready for an in-depth review of the best football referees in the world!

Top 5 the best football referee in the world​

5. Bjorn Kuipers

The number 5 position in the list of the best football referees in history is held by the Dutch legend Bjorn Kuipers. He received his FIFA badge in 2006 and was an official referee until 2021. Furthermore, Kuipers was also a referee for the UEFA Elite Group from 2006 to 2021. He began his refereeing career in the Dutch second division in 2002, and in 2005, he started refereeing football matches in the top flight of the Netherlands—Eredivisie. The rest is history.

He has officiated many major football matches, such as the 2011 UEFA Super Cup final, the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, and the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. When it comes to officiating World Cup matches, he was the main referee at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup final and the fourth official at the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Bjorn Kuipers is known for being a fair referee, not making many controversial decisions throughout his successful football refereeing career. In addition to refereeing, Kuipers also owns a supermarket.

4. Kim Milton Nielsen

Kim Milton Nielsen, the famous Danish referee, is ranked fourth in the list of the best referees of all time. Standing at an impressive 6’6″ (1m98), he was not only physically imposing on the pitch but also respected for his impartiality and determination in every decision. A FIFA referee from 1988 to 2006, Nielsen had a career that spanned nearly two decades before retiring at the age of 45, the age limit for international referees. During his illustrious career, he officiated 154 international matches and 53 UEFA Champions League matches, in addition to taking part in many important matches in the Danish national championship.

Nielsen also left a deep mark in big matches, including matches at the 1998 World Cup, the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, and the 2004 UEFA Champions League final. He is remembered not only for his professional ability but also for his ability to control the game accurately and fairly. In addition to his career on the pitch, Nielsen also worked in the field of public administration information technology (IT), showing his versatility and influence beyond football. These achievements have made him an icon in the refereeing world, leaving a proud legacy for future generations.

3. Howard Webb

Without a doubt, the best and most famous football referee in England is Howard Webb. Many football fans consider him to be the greatest Premier League referee ever. Webb is mainly known for his calm demeanor and control over tense situations in many football matches that he refereed. His successful refereeing career began in 2003 in the Premier League, where he officiated matches until 2014. In 2005, he was listed as a FIFA referee and in 2014, he retired.

Howard Webb has refereed many prestigious football events in England, such as the 2005 FA Community Shield, the 2007 League Cup Final and the 2009 FA Cup Final. For high-profile international matches, Howard Webb has officiated the 2010 World Cup Final and the 2010 Champions League Final. During his time as a referee, Webb has issued 534 yellow cards and 68 red cards in 1694 matches. In addition to his career as an official, Howard Webb is also a police officer.

2. Markus Merk

Markus Merk is an iconic referee from Germany. During his career, he has set some impressive records. He became the youngest referee in the Bundesliga, the number 1 league in Germany. Furthermore, he has officiated the most matches in that league. Merk is known as one of the most physically fit referees in football history as he regularly runs marathons and even participates in triathlons.

He has had a great refereeing career, refereeing many prestigious football matches, such as the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final, the 2003 Champions League Final and the 2004 UEFA EURO Final. Marcus has won many awards throughout his professional refereeing career, winning the FIFA Referee of the Year and German Referee of the Year awards six times. After 20 years as a referee, Merk retired in 2008 upon reaching the age limit of 45.

1. Pierluigi Collina

Pierluigi Collina is considered one of the greatest referees in football history, with his excellent ability to control the game and his majesty on the pitch. Not only did he stand out for his accuracy in every decision, he also made the players fear him for his serious demeanor. Rarely did anyone dare to argue or raise their voice in front of him. Collina’s career began in 1991 in Serie A, the top league of Italian football. By 1995, he was recognized as a FIFA Referee, opening up opportunities to participate in international tournaments. A year later, he officiated the men’s football final at the 1996 Olympic Games, marking an important turning point in his career.

Collina continued to make his mark in big matches, most notably the 1999 UEFA Champions League final and the 2002 World Cup final. With his professionalism and courage, he was named “World’s Best Referee” by the IFFHS for six consecutive years. After retiring in 2005, Collina did not leave football but became an advisor to the UEFA Referees Committee, continuing to inspire and experience the younger generation of referees. The legacy he left behind is not only an impressive record but also a shining example for referees around the world.

Conclusion

Referees are important figures in the fairness and order of football, and some have become legends with timeless influence. Among the list of the best referees, Pierluigi Collina stands out with the title of the best football referee in the world​. He is admired not only for his professional ability but also for his dignity that makes every player on the field respect him. Along with Collina, names such as Markus Merk, Howard Webb, Kim Milton Nielsen, and Bjorn Kuipers have also contributed to shaping the exemplary image of the refereeing profession. From club matches to major events such as the World Cup and Champions League, they have left their mark with accurate decisions and impartiality, contributing to the beauty of the king of sports.

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