Who is Stephanie Frappart? The trailblazing referee taking charge of the Euro 2025 final

Today, as the football world turns its gaze to St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, for the highly anticipated Euro 2025 final, an equally significant spotlight shines not just on the two competing nations, England and Spain, but on the woman poised to take the whistle: Stephanie Frappart. The French official’s appointment to the showpiece event is a landmark moment, cementing her status as one of football’s most accomplished and barrier-breaking referees, perfectly suited to preside over a final brimming with narrative and historical weight.

Frappart’s journey to the pinnacle of European women’s football officiating has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her career is a testament to unwavering skill, calm authority, and consistent decision-making, which have seen her shatter glass ceilings across the sport. She was the first woman to referee a men’s French Ligue 1 match, the first to officiate a major men’s European club final (the UEFA Super Cup in 2019), and a UEFA Champions League match. Perhaps most notably, she made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup fixture. These groundbreaking appointments were not symbolic gestures but rather endorsements of her undeniable competence and ability to manage the intense pressures of elite-level football, regardless of gender. Her extensive experience in high-stakes environments ensures that she brings not just a rulebook, but a profound understanding of game management and player psychology to Basel.

The final itself promises to be a gripping encounter, laden with a deep-seated desire for redemption. England’s Lionesses, having battled their way through two gruelling extra-time victories to reach this stage, are hunting revenge against a Spanish side that defeated them 1-0 in the World Cup final just two years ago. That painful memory still lingers, adding an emotional layer to what is already a clash of titans. Spain, with their intricate passing and technical prowess, will aim to assert their dominance once more, while England’s resilience and tactical adaptability, honed through their challenging path to the final, will be their key weapons. Frappart’s role will be critical in managing the inevitable ebb and flow of such a high-intensity match, ensuring fair play and allowing the immense talent on the pitch to determine the outcome without undue interference.

As the players take to the field in Basel, Stephanie Frappart’s presence will serve as a powerful reminder of progress within the beautiful game. Her appointment is a clear signal that meritocracy is prevailing in officiating, inspiring a new generation of aspiring referees, both male and female. Beyond the historical significance, fans can anticipate a final officiated with precision, composure, and an understanding of the game's magnitude. It’s set to be a spectacle where footballing excellence, a quest for revenge, and trailblazing achievement converge on one monumental Sunday afternoon.