István Kovács, a 40-year-old Romanian referee, has been entrusted with the prestigious honour of officiating the 2025 UEFA Champions League final.

István Kovács, a 40-year-old Romanian referee, has been entrusted with the prestigious honour of officiating the 2025 UEFA Champions League final.

This appointment is a testament to his exceptional refereeing skills and dedication to the sport. Kovács’s journey to the top has been marked by numerous milestones, including refereeing the UEFA Europa League final last year and two matches at EURO 2024.

What makes Kovács’s achievement even more remarkable is his ability to balance his professional life with his personal one. As a new father, he has demonstrated that it is possible to excel in both his career and family life. Before becoming a renowned referee, Kovács played as a midfielder in Romania’s third division, giving him a deep understanding of the game.

Kovács’s appointment to the Champions League final is not his first major UEFA final. He previously refereed the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure matches. With this latest appointment, Kovács becomes the first referee to have officiated in the finals of all three major UEFA club competitions.

For the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, Kovács will be supported by a team of experienced officials.

His refereeing team includes assistants Mihai Marica and Ferencz Tunyogi from Romania, fourth official João Pedro Silva Pinheiro from Portugal, and VAR Dennis Johan Higler from the Netherlands. Catalin Sorin Popa from Romania will assist Higler with VAR duties, while Paulus van Boekel from the Netherlands will provide VAR support.

With his wealth of experience and a skilled team behind him, Kovács is well-equipped to ensure a fair and smooth-running match.