Benoît Millot
He is one of the most experienced faces in Ligue 1, a referee whose calm and diplomacy contrast with the fervor of the stands. Benoît Millot, with nearly 15 seasons at the highest level, has seen it all. For OM, his name is synonymous with a composed refereeing style, and, as the facts show, often positive results. Portrait of a wise man who does well for the Phoceans.
Identity Card — Key Points
Benoît Millot, born on January 13, 1982 (43 years old), is a cornerstone of French refereeing. Promoted to Ligue 1 in 2011, he is entering his 15th season in the elite. A FIFA international referee, he is a respected figure known for his educational approach and extensive experience. Notably, he officiated the Coupe de la Ligue final in 2019, a sign of trust for a high-stakes match. He is a referee who favors dialogue over confrontation.
What the Marseille Fans Say
On social media, Benoît Millot is not the name that stirs the most intense passions, and this is often a sign of respected refereeing. Fans recognize him for his very distinctive style.
The "Diplomat": This is the term that defines him best. He is known for being one of the referees who communicates the most with players. He is often seen explaining his decisions, taking the time to calm tempers with words rather than cards. This approach is generally praised for its intelligence.
Unwavering Consistency: Fans acknowledge his great consistency. His threshold of tolerance is clear, and he sticks to it. He is not one to be swayed by the pressure of the crowd or the stakes of the match. This reliability is an appreciated quality, even if some may occasionally find his style a bit too "scholarly."
OM's Record with This Referee
Benoît Millot has often crossed paths with OM, with a recent record clearly favoring the Olympians. Far from tales of bitter defeats, the statistical reality is one of a referee who suits us quite well.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-18 | Stade Brestois | Away | L 0-1 | A frustrating defeat with a numeric disadvantage. |
| 2023-08-18 | FC Metz | Away | D 2-2 | Logical expulsion of a Metz player (Lô). |
| 2023-01-02 | Montpellier | Away | W 2-1 | Important victory clinched away. |
| 2022-04-24 | Stade de Reims | Away | W 1-0 | A controlled match concluded with a clear win. |
| 2021-11-28 | Stade de Reims | Home | W 1-0 | Solid victory at the Velodrome. |
| 2021-08-15 | Bordeaux | Home | D 2-2 | Frustrating draw, marked by Balerdi's expulsion. |
The record of these last six meetings is positive: three wins, two draws, and only one loss. He has taken responsibility when necessary, such as with the expulsions of Balerdi or the Metz player, strong but fair decisions.
Trends That Matter for OM
Benoît Millot is not a "card-issuer." His statistics place him in the lower average of Ligue 1 in terms of yellow cards. His real tendency is prevention. He prefers a word over a warning, and a warning over an expulsion. He uses the red card only as a last resort or for indisputable fouls.
For OM, his style is an advantage. He doesn't disrupt the pace and allows technical players to express themselves. However, one should not mistake his calm for leniency. He is uncompromising on respect and protests. The key against him is to play with commitment but always with fair play.
VAR & High-Tension Matches
As an experienced international referee, Benoît Millot has a perfect command of VAR. He uses it with judgment, mainly to correct clear factual errors. He trusts his judgment on the field and does not get unsettled by multiple replays. His experience in finals and European matches gives him great composure in managing this tool.
He has officiated countless high-tension matches during his long career. His method is based on anticipation and communication. He "senses" the moments when a match can turn and acts beforehand to defuse conflicts. This is the hallmark of great referees.
What to Expect in the Next Match
When Benoît Millot is designated for an OM match, one can expect intelligent and composed refereeing. The match is unlikely to be disrupted by untimely whistles. The man in black will be a regulator, not an actor.
For our players, this is excellent news. They will have the opportunity to focus on their football, knowing that the refereeing will be consistent and fair. The recent history has shown that this context is favorable for us. It's up to us to prove that the trend can continue!