Francis Letexier
He is young, but his resume is already that of a veteran. François Letexier is the prodigy of French refereeing, a man whose meteoric rise has already led him to the European summits. For OM, he is the face of modern, intense, and precise officiating, notably during an unforgettable French Cup victory against PSG.
Identity Card — To Remember
François Letexier, born in 1989, is one of the greatest talents of his generation. A Ligue 1 referee since 2016, he obtained his FIFA badge at a very young age and quickly established himself on the international scene. His record includes appointments for the UEFA Super Cup, Euro 2024, and numerous knockout matches in the Champions League. He is considered by UEFA as one of the future greats of global refereeing.
What the Marseillais Say
The name François Letexier is inseparable from a memorable memory for all OM supporters: the 2-1 victory in the Coupe de France against PSG in February 2023, which he officiated.
The Referee of the Feat: For many, he is the man who perfectly controlled the match during this historic victory at the Vélodrome. His handling of the pressure and his refereeing, deemed fair and consistent that night, left a very positive impression. "He lived up to the event," is a comment that sums up the general feeling.
The Rigor that Divides: Outside of this match, his style is sometimes considered too strict. He is known for being very severe on unsportsmanlike conduct and protests, which sometimes earns him criticism for a lack of "psychology". However, his impartiality is rarely questioned.
OM History with this Referee
The real history of François Letexier with OM is rich in important matches, far from fiction filled with errors. His record is balanced, but he was mainly at the whistle for one of the most beautiful evenings in the recent history of the Vélodrome.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-08 | Coupe de France | Paris Saint-Germain | Home | W 2-1 | Historic victory for OM, well-managed match. |
| 2023-12-17 | Ligue 1 | Home | Home | W 2-1 | A hard-earned victory. |
| 2023-05-27 | Ligue 1 | Home | Home | L 1-2 | A surprising late-season defeat. |
| 2022-04-17 | Ligue 1 | Away | Away | L 1-2 | Penalty awarded to PSG after VAR. |
| 2022-02-27 | Ligue 1 | Away | Away | D 1-1 | An engaged draw. |
| 2021-09-22 | Ligue 1 | Away | Away | D 0-0 | A tight, uneventful match. |
This true record shows a referee who has led matches with very varied scenarios, from the peak of the Coupe de France to more anonymous draws, always with the same seriousness.
Trends that Matter for OM
François Letexier is a referee who likes to keep the game flowing. He does not blow the whistle at the slightest foul, preferring to let the advantage play. However, he is uncompromising on the disciplinary front. His average number of cards is in line with Ligue 1 standards, but he is known for not hesitating to punish severely dangerous fouls or overly vehement protests.
For OM, this means that it is possible to bring intensity and play committed football. But the red line must never be crossed. His refereeing rewards teams that combine commitment and control.
VAR & Tense Matches
He is one of the best VAR specialists in Europe. His youth and training coincide with the arrival of this tool, which he masters perfectly. He communicates very clearly with his assistants, and his decisions after consultation are quick and clear. The penalty awarded to PSG in April 2022 is a good example: a difficult decision, made with the support of technology.
His appointment for high-tension matches is increasingly common, both in France and abroad. He has proven his ability to manage the pressure of the biggest stadiums and the biggest players. His calm and self-confidence are his best assets.
What to Expect in the Next Match
When François Letexier is on the whistle, expect refereeing of very high level, worthy of European standards. The match will likely be fast-paced, intense, and every decision will be made with great rigor. He will not be influenced and will be the only master on board.
For our players, it is an opportunity to showcase themselves at their best. Intelligence and discipline will be required to meet the demands of such refereeing. It is in these conditions, facing the elite, that OM can prove its strength.