Ivana Martinčić shares her excitement as she prepares to take charge of Saturday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League final is one of the most anticipated nights in the football calendar – and for referee Ivana Martinčić, being part of it is a moment of immense pride.
Delighted to be entrusted with the whistle, the Croatian official is ready to play her role in a match that means so much to so many.
Having served as fourth official in last year’s final, the 39-year-old now takes centre stage as Arsenal meet Barcelona in Lisbon.
As she prepares for the biggest assignment of her career so far, Martinčić reflects on her journey, the growth of the women’s game, and the responsibility of leading the officiating team on one of the sport’s grandest nights.
Ivana, congratulations on the appointment. How did you feel when you were told you would referee the final?
I was speechless. I really didn’t know what to say. I took some time to process it but of course, I was very happy. It’s the biggest moment in my career so far, and it’s a dream come true.
Afterwards, I called my parents, and then some of my mentors who have helped me and believed in me along the way. It’s so important to have the support of these people behind me and I really want to thank them for their support.
I also want to say thank you to the UEFA Referees Committee for giving me this opportunity, it’s a big honour and a privilege for me.
Lisbon has been an important city for you down the years…
Everything seems to start in Lisbon for me. My UEFA journey started with an introductory course in Lisbon, and when I was promoted to the elite category, the first seminar was also here. Then, when I was selected to referee at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the preparations took place in Lisbon, and now the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
I don’t know what it means, but I seem to have a very strong connection with Lisbon!
How much does it help having the experience of being fourth official at last season’s final in Bilbao?
It really prepared me very well and I was very happy to support Rebecca Welch and her team last year, it was a nice experience.
Us referees are like one big family. Of course, we are competitive and we all want to be at the big matches, but we also support each other and always want each other to do well. We are all proud of each other and it has been very nice to receive a lot of messages from my colleagues about this appointment.
2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final refereeing team
Referee: Ivana Martinčić (Croatia)
Assistants: Sanja Rođak-Karšić & Maja Petravić (Croatia)
Fourth Official: Ivana Projkovska (North Macedonia)
Reserve AR: Staša Špur (Slovenia)
VAR: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins (Portugal)
Assistant VAR: Momčilo Marković (Serbia)
VAR Support: Alen Borošak (Slovenia)
You were also a player in Croatia’s top division. How does refereeing compare to playing?
I loved playing football. When I was young, I would play in the yard with my neighbours, and it didn’t matter to me that I was the only girl.
I was a striker and I loved to be on the pitch, but I was always causing problems for the referees.
My father was an assistant referee, and eventually persuaded me to give it a go. He was a tough mentor, and very strict with me, but now I am grateful for this.
Refereeing helped me to grow up. It gave me important skills and made me a better person, so I’m very thankful that I decided to try it!
What is your advice for girls or women who might be interested in becoming a referee?
I’m really happy that there are more roles for women in football now and there are more and more female referees, but we still need more.
My advice to anybody is just to try it and believe in yourself. Don’t be scared and don’t worry about making mistakes. We all have bad days and at first, you need to be patient.
