Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
French referee François Letexier, 37, has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park, where Freiburg will face Aston Villa. Letexier, previously the youngest referee at a UEFA EURO final, has also officiated the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and served as fourth official at the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. He described the appointment as a significant reward for consistent performance.
Letexier stated he will maintain his usual approach in preparing for the match, including tactical analysis of recent games, set pieces, and player profiles in collaboration with UEFA tactical experts. He emphasized the importance of adaptability during the match and noted that, while the final involves additional administrative duties, his preparation habits will not change significantly.
Reflecting on refereeing the UEFA EURO 2024 final at age 35, Letexier said the experience was unexpected and positively influenced his career and personal growth.
Besides refereeing, Letexier works part-time as a court bailiff, which he says helps provide balance outside of football. Refereeing now occupies about 75% of his time, and participating in major matches is an extraordinary experience for him.
The refereeing team for the 2026 UEFA Europa League final includes assistants Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni (France), fourth official Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (Spain), reserve assistant referee José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (Spain), VAR Jérôme Brisard (France), assistant VAR Willy Delajod (France), and VAR support Dennis Higler (Netherlands).