Football: Catalan Dorian Cresci, hope of French refereeing

At 23 years old, Dorian Cresci is making a name for himself as a rising star in French refereeing, as evidenced by his semi-final appearance in the Gambardella last weekend. Balancing studies in physiotherapy and National 3 football, he is progressing quickly and aiming for higher achievements. Humble, diligent, and insightful, the Boulounenc is building a promising future.

Ten days ago, Dorian Cresci (23 years old) experienced a sense of accomplishment. At Marcel-Saupin, amidst a historically charged atmosphere, he officiated a Gambardella Cup semi-final – the U19 French Cup – between Nantes and Paris SG (2-3). “The same emotional level as the Portugal vs. England semi-final at the Montaigu tournament,” he said. This appointment reflects his growing prominence in the world of refereeing.

Consider this, his first whistle blows date back to barely 2019 in a U15 match between Ille and Prades, when he was 17. Since last September, the Boulounenc has been navigating the National 3 championship. If he passes the “theory” part (laws of the game, video analysis) on May 16 at the French Football Federation headquarters, after having completed the “field” part, he will advance a step, from Federal 5 status to National 2. In his sights already is National 2, which he glimpsed in March during an evaluation (Cannes-Rumilly). “Since I started, it feels like the stars have aligned. Few barriers have hindered my path.”

This total commitment is combined with his first year of studies in physiotherapy in Girona. Between classes, physical preparation (five weekly sessions), video analysis, briefings, and travels to the Paris region, his days are quite full. Having already completed a master’s degree in Staps in Font-Romeu, he sees a logical connection between his two worlds. “For me, physiotherapy and physical preparation are linked. Rehabilitating an injured player after treating them, that makes sense,” he said, sharing his experience of a six-month internship with the Catalans Dragons – a team he still supports and enjoys connecting with some players.

Ahead, the long figure of Eric Wattellier, a Catalan international referee, dances in the horizon, inspiring Cresci to follow in his footsteps. “He’s an obvious role model. Charisma, technique, posture… But he’s 1.96 meters tall, quite imposing, while I’m 1.70 meters. And believe me, that can be important sometimes. So to compensate, I make an effort to be very mobile, always close to the action. Of course, moving up to Ligue 1 is a goal, but I know there are very few chosen ones,” he admits, struggling to accept being considered one of the top ten French refereeing prospects.

Despite his past as a “very modest” forward, playing for clubs like Le Boulou-Vallespir, Le Boulou-Saint-Jean, and FC Thuir, Cresci has found a more fitting platform for his personality in refereeing. “I’ve always liked responsibilities and never tolerated injustice. That’s why I spontaneously enrolled in the FIA (Initial Refereeing Training).”

“Being fair and not influencing the score” would be his mantras. In his short playing career, he admits to getting only one yellow card in six years. Today, he rubs shoulders with young talents and former professionals. “Of course, they all try to influence you. It’s part of the game. As a young referee, they test me. But I prepare by studying the team line-ups of previous matches, making some phone calls to colleagues… A match is prepared in advance. But since I started refereeing, I’ve never felt insecure or hostile. I’ve only abandoned one match, it was due to flares.”

Licensed at FC Thuir, he will officiate the Carnoux – Riviera FC match this weekend in National 3. He acknowledges the financial aspect – earning 150 euros in N3, 282 in N2 – but quickly dismisses it. “That’s not the goal. I still have so much to give back to the trust placed in me.” A simple statement, reflecting his journey: swift, controlled, and already looking towards a future that many predict will be bright.