Guillaume Paradis

Identity Card — Key Points

Guillaume Paradis, born on September 6, 1993, is the new face of French refereeing at the highest level. After honing his skills and proving his worth for several seasons in Ligue 2, he earned his promotion to officiate in Ligue 1 starting from the 2025-2026 season. Under the aegis of the French Football Federation (FFF), he represents the new generation of referees, those who have climbed the ranks one step at a time.

• Nationality: France
• Association: FFF
• Promotion to Ligue 1: 2025
• FIFA Badge: No

Not yet internationally recognized, but with a solid reputation built in the antechamber of the elite. For OM and its supporters, it's a blank slate. A referee to discover, without preconceptions or disputes. His youth is an asset: he is probably ambitious, eager to excel and establish himself through the quality of his performances, far from controversies. His first steps at the Vélodrome should be watched, a test that all referees, even the most experienced, fear and respect.

His Journey in the Antechamber: What Ligue 2 Teaches Us

As there is no direct history with OM, the most relevant approach is to dive into his statistics and reputation in Ligue 2. This is where he has crafted his style. By analyzing his last seasons, we can sketch the portrait of a referee with a strong character.

A referee who controls his match: the card statistics Guillaume Paradis is not the type to let a game get out of hand. His statistics in Ligue 2 show an average of about 4.5 yellow cards per match. This is a significant number, placing him in the category of rather strict referees. He does not hesitate to warn early to calm minds and set boundaries. For players fully committed like our Phocaean warriors — think Samuel Gigot, Leonardo Balerdi, or Jordan Veretout — the message is clear: intelligence and control will be essential in duels.

On the other hand, his red card ratio is relatively low. He seems to prefer prevention (the yellow) to the ultimate sanction. This reflects a management style aimed at keeping 22 players on the field. He is not "quick on the draw" with direct reds but will logically sanction a second warning if the player does not calm down. He is a referee who gives one chance, but not two.

The penalty spot: decisive but not systematic In Ligue 2, Mr. Paradis awarded penalties at a moderate pace, about one every four matches. He is not known for blowing the whistle at the slightest touch in the box. He needs a clear and evident foul. For our attackers, this means they will really have to provoke the foul to get it. For our defense, it is a safety guarantee: he will not be fooled by simulations. His use of VAR (also very present in L2) will be scrutinized, but his tendency suggests that he trusts his initial judgment and only uses video for obvious errors.

Trends that Matter for OM

By projecting his style from Ligue 2 to the pressure of Ligue 1, and more specifically to OM matches, several trends emerge.

1. Pressure management: He has already officiated crucial matches for promotion or relegation in Ligue 2, in electrically charged atmospheres. He therefore has some experience in tense contexts. However, nothing prepares for the intensity of the Vélodrome. His ability to remain unaffected by popular pressure will be his greatest test. A referee who knows how to command respect from the start, even away from home, is often a good sign.
2. Communication with players: Reports from Ligue 2 describe him as an authoritative referee but open to respectful communication. He is not closed, but he is the boss. For our captain and our leaders, establishing constructive contact rather than entering into confrontation will be crucial. Trying to pressure him could backfire with a slew of cards.
3. Adaptation to OM's game: Our style, often based on intense pressing and constant physical engagement, will be a challenge for him. Will he let play flow and favor the spectacle, or will he quickly disrupt the game to impose his authority? His first minutes during his first OM match will be a key indicator. If he whistles for every minor foul, our players will need to adapt very quickly to not end up at a numerical disadvantage.

What to Expect in the Next Match

For his debut at the Vélodrome or against OM, a lenient refereeing should not be expected. Guillaume Paradis will want to mark his territory and prove that he has the level for Ligue 1.

Expect a referee who:

• Will whistle early in the match to establish his tolerance threshold.
• Will use the yellow card as the main management tool. It is likely that the first slightly overzealous tackle will be immediately sanctioned.
• Will not be swayed by the crowd. This is typical of upcoming referees: they are evaluated on their ability to remain impartial in the hottest stadiums.

For OM, the key will be discipline. The match must be approached with intelligence, avoiding unnecessary fouls and protests that could prove costly. It is an opportunity to build a neutral and healthy relationship with a new referee, before any controversies potentially bias it.

In summary, Guillaume Paradis is a promising referee, with an assertive and strict style. He presents a new challenge for OM, that of adapting to a man in black who will give no favors. Our players must show they can win through play, technique, and commitment, while respecting the set framework.

The Vélodrome will be his testing ground. It's up to us to welcome him with the passion that characterizes us, and up to our players to show him the best side of OM. Go OM!