The Most Famous Football Referee: An Objective Ranking

Choose the Referee you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 23, 2023 13:23
Whistleblowers unite! It's time to put the spotlight on the unsung heroes of the beautiful game - the referees. At StrawPoll, we're creating the ultimate ranking to determine who the most famous football referee is, and we need your help! From legendary decision-makers to the masters of controversy, we've got them all lined up for you to vote on. And if you think we've missed someone crucial, don't worry, you can suggest a name to be added to our ever-growing list. Join thousands of football fans around the world, make your voice heard, and let's celebrate the icons who keep the game fair and square. Cast your vote now and help us crown the ultimate referee champion!

Who Is the Most Famous Football Referee? (October 2023)

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    Widely considered the best referee of all time, Collina officiated in three World Cups and a Champions League final. He is known for his strict adherence to the rules, calm demeanor, and distinctive bald head.
  2. 2
    27
    votes
    A former police officer, Webb refereed the 2010 World Cup final and the 2009 Champions League final. He is highly respected for his decision-making and ability to communicate with players.
    Howard Webb in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Clattenburg refereed the 2016 Champions League final and the Euro 2016 final, as well as the 2012 Olympic final. He is known for his no-nonsense approach and willingness to make tough decisions.
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    A Dutch referee who has officiated in two World Cups and multiple Champions League finals. Kuipers is known for his fitness, excellent positioning, and clear communication with players.
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    A German referee who has officiated in two World Cups and multiple Champions League finals. Brych is known for his attention to detail, fairness, and ability to handle pressure.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    A Turkish referee who has officiated in multiple Champions League finals and the 2014 World Cup. Cakir is known for his firm but fair approach and clear communication with players.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    An Italian referee who officiated in the 2014 World Cup final and the 2013 Champions League final. Rizzoli is known for his calm demeanor, clear communication, and excellent positioning.
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    An English referee who has officiated in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals. Atkinson is known for his fairness, consistency, and willingness to communicate with players.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    A Slovenian referee who has officiated in multiple Champions League finals and the 2018 World Cup. Skomina is known for his fitness, positioning, and ability to control games.
    Damir Skomina in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    An Uzbekistani referee who has officiated in multiple World Cups and Asian Cups. Irmatov is known for his fairness, clear communication, and ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Missing your favorite Referee?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous football referee

  1. Experience and longevity
    Referees who have been officiating for a long time and have overseen many high-profile matches are more likely to be well-known and highly regarded.
  2. Consistency
    Referees who consistently make accurate and fair decisions, regardless of the teams or players involved, are more likely to gain a positive reputation.
  3. Personality
    Referees who demonstrate good communication skills, a calm demeanor, and a sense of authority on the field are often well-liked and respected.
  4. Controversial decisions
    Referees who have made highly controversial calls, whether they were ultimately deemed correct or not, often gain widespread attention and discussion.
  5. International experience
    Referees who have officiated at major international tournaments, such as the World Cup or UEFA Champions League, are likely to be more famous and respected in the football world.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous football referee. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite Referee is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1686 views
  • 183 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Referee once every 24 hours. The rank of each Referee is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.


More information on most famous football referee

Football referees are the unsung heroes of the game. They enforce the rules, make crucial decisions, and often become the target of fans' frustrations. However, some referees have stood out from the crowd and become household names in the football world. From controversial decisions to iconic moments, these referees have made their mark on the sport. But who is the most famous football referee? Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable figures in the game's history.