Espen Eskås, born on June 24, 1988 in Oslo, Norway, is a football referee who has risen through the ranks to become one of the most prominent in his country. He started his refereeing career in 2005 and, after a decade of dedication, made his debut in the Eliteserien (the highest category of Norwegian football) in 2015. His ascent continued, and in 2017 he was recognized as an international referee by FIFA.
Throughout his career, Eskås has officiated high-profile matches. In 2023, he was appointed to referee the FIFA U-17 World Cup final between France and Germany, a significant milestone in his career. Additionally, in 2024, he was nominated as fourth official for Euro 2024 in Germany and took part in the football tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he officiated three matches, including the bronze medal match between Egypt and Morocco.
His refereeing style is characterized by a strict application of the rules, maintaining a calm yet authoritative attitude on the field. This firmness has earned him the respect of players and coaches in various European competitions.
A highlighted anecdote in his career occurred in the group stage of the 2023/24 Champions League, when he officiated the match between Real Madrid and Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The game remained scoreless until stoppage time, when Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal for the Spanish team, sealing a 1-0 victory. This match was significant for Eskås, as it marked his debut officiating the white team in the top European competition.
Despite his relative youth, Eskås has shown a remarkable ability to handle high-pressure matches, establishing himself as an emerging figure in European refereeing. His commitment to justice and fair play remains his main motivation in every match he officiates.
Norway
