La Liga Referees 2025/26 Review: Best Officials, Biggest Disappointments and New Faces for 2026/27

Spanish football has always been one of the most demanding environments for referees. Every weekend brings enormous pressure, intense media attention and constant scrutiny from clubs and supporters. The 2025/26 season was no different.

With a renewed CTA placing greater emphasis on merit based appointments and performance reviews, every match carried extra importance. Several experienced referees strengthened their reputations, while others struggled to convince the evaluators.

Here is our complete referee review before the start of the new La Liga season.

Best referee of the season

If one referee consistently delivered calm, confident and technically accurate performances, it was Jesús Gil Manzano.

The FIFA referee once again demonstrated why he remains among Spain’s elite officials. His disciplinary control improved throughout the season and he handled several high pressure fixtures with authority.

Gil Manzano continues to be one of UEFA’s most trusted referees and enters the new campaign as one of the leading candidates for the biggest domestic matches.

Close behind him were:

• José María Sánchez Martínez
• Alejandro Hernández Hernández
• César Soto Grado
• Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea

These officials maintained a strong level across the campaign and rarely produced major controversial performances.

Biggest disappointments

Not every referee enjoyed a successful season. Several officials struggled with consistency, particularly regarding VAR interventions and disciplinary management. Among those receiving the lowest internal evaluations were:

• José Guzmán Mansilla
• Josu Galech Apezteguia

Both referees failed to establish themselves consistently at La Liga level and were ultimately relegated from the First Division list ahead of the new season.

Which referees leave La Liga?

The CTA confirmed several important changes for the new campaign. The officials leaving the First Division referee list are:

• José Guzmán Mansilla
• Josu Galech Apezteguia

In addition, Guillermo Cuadra Fernández and Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz will continue working as specialist VAR officials rather than on field referees.

New referees promoted to La Liga

Every season brings fresh opportunities.

The referees promoted to Spain’s top division are:

• Luis Bestard
• Jon Ander González
• Carlos Muñiz
• Manuel Jesús Orellana

These officials impressed throughout Segunda División and now face the challenge of adapting to the speed and pressure of La Liga football.

VAR continues to evolve

The biggest story is not only the names.

The CTA continues to modernise Spanish refereeing with stronger performance analysis, increased transparency and reduced unnecessary VAR interventions. Reports from Spain also indicate that further technological improvements, including wider implementation of semi automated offside technology, remain a priority.

The focus for 2026/27 will be quicker reviews, greater consistency and clearer communication between on field referees and VAR officials.

Players to watch among the referees

Several officials could take another step forward this season.

Mateo Busquets Ferrer continues to develop rapidly and is becoming one of Spain’s most promising young referees.

Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos finished last season strongly and could receive more high profile appointments.

Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea remains one of the strongest candidates for major domestic finals and UEFA knockout matches.

Final Verdict

Spanish refereeing enters the new season with more accountability than ever before. The CTA has shown that reputation alone no longer guarantees appointments. Strong performances are rewarded, while inconsistent seasons now carry real consequences through relegation or changes of role.

Gil Manzano remains our standout referee from the 2025/26 campaign thanks to his consistency, authority and decision making in high pressure matches.

The arrival of four new referees also brings fresh competition, which should help maintain high standards across La Liga.

If the CTA continues its current direction, the 2026/27 season could be one of the most competitive and transparent eras for Spanish officiating in recent years.