Jamesty
Women who referee football have never been more visible. They have broken down barriers and consistently shown great skill, calmness, and a deep understanding of the game. Several female referees are at the top of their field as of 2025, earning respect on the biggest stages of both international and domestic football. Their hard work and dedication are not only making sure that everyone plays fair, but they are also inspiring a new generation. Here are 10 of the best-known and most respected female soccer referees in the world as of 2025. These referees have been consistently chosen to work at major tournaments, have made groundbreaking contributions to the sport, and have a good reputation overall.
List Of Top 10 Best Female Soccer Referees In The World 2025
1. Rebecca WELCH
In the history of English football, Rebecca Welch has been a pioneer who has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport. In the month of December 2023, she made history by becoming the first woman to referee a Premier League match. The match that she officiated was between Fulham and Burnley. It is because of her composed demeanor and authoritative presence that she has garnered a great deal of respect, and she continues to be a leading figure in the advancement of female referees in England.
2. Stephanie FRAPPART
Stéphanie Frappart has consistently broken glass ceilings, making her name one of the most recognizable names in the field of female officiating. Her impressive resume includes assignments as a referee at the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the men’s FIFA World Cup, where she was the first woman to ever participate in the role. The self-assured decisions that Frappart makes and the meticulous way in which she approaches the game have helped to solidify her reputation as one of the most accomplished referees in the world.
3. Tess OLOFSSON
Tess Olofsson, a prominent figure in Swedish football, has been steadily climbing through the ranks despite her relatively young age. In addition to gaining experience in international competitions through UEFA, she has worked as a referee in the highest levels of both men’s and women’s football playing in Sweden. Olofsson is well-known for performing exceptionally well in game management and for her capacity to keep her composure even when under intense pressure.
4. Tori PENSO
Throughout her career in American soccer, Tori Penso has established herself as a prominent referee. She has worked in both the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). As a result of her outstanding performances, she was selected to serve as a member of the officiating team for major international competitions, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup. During this competition, she distinguished herself by making decisions that were both calm and straightforward.
5. Bouchra KARBOUBI
As a pioneering figure for female referees in Africa and the Arab world, Bouchra Karboubi is a figure of great significance. As the first Moroccan woman to ever officiate a match in the top division of men’s football in her country, she made history by holding the position of referee. Because of her unwavering commitment and remarkable achievements, she is paving the way for a greater number of women to pursue careers as referees in a region where such roles have traditionally been restricted.
6. Katia GARCIA MENDOZA
Over the course of her career, Katia Garcia Mendoza has maintained a consistent presence in the Mexican football scene. She has worked as a referee in Liga MX Femenil and has also gained experience in men’s professional leagues. Recognition on a national as well as an international level has been bestowed upon her as a result of her profound understanding of the game and her capacity to make crucial decisions and choices under pressure.
7. Edina ALVES BATISTA
Edina Alves Batista is a referee from Brazil who is known for her strong command of the game and her fair approach. She is highly respected for her professional abilities. She has been a referee for a number of FIFA Women’s World Cups, and she has also been in charge of men’s matches throughout Brazil’s highest level of competition. An aspiring referee in South America can look up to her as a role model because of her extensive experience and professional demeanor.
8. Yoshimi YAMASHITA
There is a prominent referee from Asia named Yoshimi Yamashita who has made significant strides in breaking down barriers that are associated with gender. Having the distinction of being one of the first female referees to officiate at the men’s FIFA World Cup was a significant accomplishment for her. Because of her composed demeanor and her ability to officiate with precision, Yamashita has garnered international acclaim.
9. Salima MUKANSANGA
Through his extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment, Salima Mukansanga has established himself as one of the most prominent referees from Africa. Not only was she the first African woman to ever serve as a referee at the men’s FIFA World Cup, but she also made history in the process. The journey that Mukansanga has taken is an illuminating example of tenacity and talent, and it has opened doors for a great number of other African women who are involved in sports.
10. Marta Huerta DA AZA
Marta Huerta de Aza is a referee who is highly regarded in Spain. She is currently performing her duties in the top women’s league on a regular basis, and she is also gaining increasing experience in men’s competitions. Because of her keen understanding of the game and her self-assured decision-making, she has established herself as one of the most promising officiating talents in Spain, with a bright future potential on the international stage.
