François Letexier, born on April 23, 1989 in Bédée, France, is a football referee known for his rising career in the international arena. He made his debut in Ligue 1 in January 2016 and has been part of the FIFA referees list since 2017.
In 2024, Letexier achieved significant milestones in his career. On July 14, he was appointed to officiate the Euro Cup final between Spain and England at Olympiastadion in Berlin, becoming the youngest referee at 35 years old to lead a Euro Cup final.
Furthermore, in December 2024, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee in the world, making him the first Frenchman to receive this recognition since Michel Vautrot in 1989.
Letexier is known for his firm refereeing style and willingness to make courageous decisions at crucial moments. A notable example occurred in April 2023, during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals between Chelsea and Real Madrid, where he sent off defender Ben Chilwell for a foul on Rodrygo, sparking various opinions among fans and analysts.
In the 2024/2025 season, Letexier has continued to officiate high-profile matches. On January 21, 2025, he was appointed to referee the UEFA Champions League match between Feyenoord and Bayern Munich, demonstrating UEFA's confidence in his ability to handle high-stakes encounters.
Off the field, Letexier balances his refereeing career with his profession as a judicial officer and is a father to a son born around 2021.
His dedication and professionalism keep solidifying his standing as a prominent figure in international refereeing, serving as a role model for future generations of referees.
France
