François Letexier To Referee Arsenal Vs Real Madrid Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg.
French referee François Letexier has been confirmed as the official for Arsenal’s eagerly anticipated Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid. The match, set to take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, promises to be a thrilling encounter as Arsenal carry a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Letexier, 35, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising referees, holding UEFA’s elite category status. His appointment for this high-stakes fixture underscores his growing reputation within the footballing world. This will mark the first time Letexier has officiated an Arsenal match, adding an element of intrigue to an already intense showdown. However, he is no stranger to Real Madrid, having overseen four of their Champions League matches in recent years.
Letexier’s Impressive Portfolio
François Letexier’s rise in refereeing has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on 23 April 1989 in Brittany, France, he began officiating in Ligue 1 in 2016 and was added to FIFA’s international list in 2017. At just 35, he made history as the youngest referee to take charge of a men’s European Championship final, overseeing Spain’s victory over England at Euro 2024. His performance in Berlin earned widespread praise for its composure and decisiveness.
Letexier’s Champions League experience with Real Madrid includes:
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid (Matchday 5, League Phase, 2024/25)
Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City (Quarter-Final First Leg, 2023/24)
Real Madrid 4-2 Napoli (Matchday 5, Group Stage, 2023/24)
Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea (Quarter-Final First Leg, 2022/23)
Beyond club football, Letexier’s CV boasts significant milestones. He refereed the 2023 UEFA Super Cup between Manchester City and Sevilla, the 2024 Coupe de France final, and served as the fourth official in the 2024 Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. His international portfolio also includes matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
In 2024, Letexier was named the world’s best male referee by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), a testament to his skill and authority on the pitch. Known for his balanced approach, he has issued 73 yellow cards and eight red cards across 20 Champions League matches, maintaining control in high-pressure environments.
What to Expect at the Bernabéu
With Arsenal aiming to secure their place in the semi-finals—where they would face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa—Letexier’s role will be pivotal. Real Madrid, trailing by three goals, are banking on a famous ‘remontada’ to overturn the deficit. Letexier’s experience in handling intense fixtures, such as the Euro 2024 final and last season’s thrilling 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and Manchester City, suggests he is well-equipped to manage the occasion.
Joining Letexier will be an all-French officiating team, including assistant referees Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni, with Stéphanie Frappart as the fourth official. Jérôme Brisard and Bastien Dechepy will oversee VAR duties, ensuring a robust setup for this crucial encounter.
Fan and Team Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among supporters. Some Arsenal fans expressed cautious optimism, noting Letexier’s inexperience with their side but acknowledging his credentials. Real Madrid supporters, familiar with his previous performances, remain hopeful that his presence won’t hinder their comeback bid. Both teams will be keenly aware of Letexier’s reputation for fairness and his ability to keep emotions in check during heated moments.
As the football world turns its attention to the Bernabéu, all eyes will be on Letexier to deliver a performance befitting the magnitude of this Champions League showdown. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 pm CEST (8:00 pm BST), with fans across the globe eagerly awaiting the outcome.
