François Letexier has made history by being named the world's best football referee for 2024, according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). Announced on December 25, 2024, this prestigious title is especially significant as Letexier is the first French referee to earn such recognition this century.
At just 35 years old, Letexier has quickly risen through the ranks, officiated remarkable matches, and commanded respect on pitches around the world, particularly within the realms of Ligue 1 and UEFA competitions. His career has included officiation at high-stakes events such as the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, held on July 14, and multiple UEFA Champions League fixtures, underscoring his capability to handle intense and pivotal matches.
"À 35 ans, François Letexier est devenu le meilleur arbitre mondial 2024 de l’IFFHS en raison de sa figure dans l’arbitrage mondial, chargé d’arbitrer des matchs prestigieux au niveau national et européen," stated the IFFHS, highlighting the high regard for his officiation skills and overall presence within the sport.
This recognition has come as Letexier's achievements are juxtaposed against significant criticism he has faced locally. His decisions to issue red cards and penalize players have come under fire, particularly during his officiation of matches like the one between Montercarlo and Paris Saint-Germain on December 18, where decisions surrounding player conduct ignited debate among fans and analysts alike.
Despite these challenges, Letexier's performances often shine through such controversies. IFFHS noted, "Il a bien contrôlé des matchs de haute intensité avec des performances exceptionnelles," recognizing his adept handling of difficult scenarios and games of high pressure. His excellent management of the Euro 2024 final and other notable matches reflect his capability and expertise.
Letexier's ascent to the top spot includes outperforming several of his contemporaries. The 2024 IFFHS rankings place him with 129 points, well above fellow referees Slavko Vincic from Slovenia who received 86 points, and Italian Daniele Orsato, who garnered 74 points. Letexier’s position marks not only personal achievement but also elevates the perception of French officiation on the global stage.
The last French referee to be recognized with such acclaim was Michel Vautrot, who won the award twice back in 1988 and 1989. This recent success not only revives hope for the future of French referees but also sets high expectations for Letexier's continued performance moving forward.
On the ground, local sentiment remains mixed as Letexier has built his reputation on both brilliant officiation and controversial calls. Critics noted the incident where he chose not to sanction Wilfried Singo during the same match against PSG, raising questions about his decision-making process. Such incidents highlight the reality of officiation where scrutiny can overshadow accomplishments.
Still, Letexier’s international recognition serves as validation for his hard work and diligence throughout the past year. His ability to officiate at the highest levels of competition speaks volumes about his prowess and commitment. The IFFHS award solidifies his status as one of the sport's most respected referees.
With Letexier now standing as the preeminent referee worldwide, the footballing world watches eagerly to see how he will navigate through future challenges as one of the sport's leading figures. His blend of recognition and responsibility brings new dimensions to the role of referees, emphasizing their integral part within the game.
François Letexier's triumph is more than just personal success; it reshapes the dialogue surrounding football officiation, highlighting the skill and scrutiny referees face. For many, his title signifies not just individual excellence but also renewed optimism for the future of French refereeing on the world stage.
