Enough About Players, Let’s Talk Referees!

When people talk football, the spotlight usually falls on players and coaches. But there’s another figure running just as hard, sometimes under more pressure, THE REFEREE. 
Often overlooked, referees can define a match with a single whistle. So, let’s flip the script: enough about players, let’s talk refs!

The Most Controversial: Byron Moreno

If you’ve ever seen a list of “worst refereeing decisions,” Byron Moreno’s name is bound to pop up. The Ecuadorian referee infamously officiated Italy vs. South Korea in the 2002 World Cup, handing South Korea questionable advantages, disallowed goals, dubious penalties, and strange red cards. Italy’s elimination was so controversial that Moreno became football’s most infamous whistle-blower.

The Most Respected: Pierluigi Collina

On the other end of the spectrum stands Pierluigi Collina, the Italian ref with the piercing eyes and bald head who looked like he could see through players’ souls. FIFA named him “Best Referee of the Year” SIX times in a row, and players genuinely respected him. Collina had an aura that kept games under control, not with arrogance, but authority. Many still argue he’s the gold standard of refereeing.

Referee Jerseys: Collectible or Forgettable?

While fans go crazy for player kits, referee jerseys sit in a weirdly ignored corner of football memorabilia. Yet, some collectors actually hunt for them. Adidas’ neon referee shirts from the 1998 World Cup or the minimalist black classics from the ‘70s have a niche fanbase. They’re rare because fewer were produced compared to player kits, making them low-key gems for hardcore collectors.
 

Fun Fact: The Whistle Legacy

Did you know referees at the World Cup often use special whistles? One of the most iconic is the “Valkeen,” made by Molten in Japan, known for its sharp, loud blast. Some referees even keep their World Cup whistles as prized souvenirs, small objects, big history. 

Unpopular Opinion: Referees Deserve More Credit

We roast them for wrong calls and forget them when they get it right. But think about it: a referee runs around 10–12 km per game, manages 22 players’ egos, and has the weight of a nation’s hopes on every call. Without them, the “beautiful game” would collapse into chaos. 
 
So, maybe it’s time we respect the ones in the middle. Because sometimes, the most unforgettable part of a match isn’t the player in number 10, it’s the one holding the whis