Football: Catalan Dorian Cresci, hope of French refereeing

At 23 years old, Dorian Cresci is emerging as a hopeful in French refereeing, as evidenced by his performance in the Gambardella semi-final last weekend. Balancing his studies in physiotherapy with playing in National 3, he is moving quickly and aiming higher. Humble, diligent, and realistic, the Boulounenc is building a promising future.

Ten days ago, Dorian Cresci (23 years old) experienced a sense of accomplishment. At Marcel-Saupin, in a historically charged setting, he officiated a Gambardella Cup semi-final – the U19 French Cup – between Nantes and Paris SG (2-3). “At the same emotional level as the Portugal-England semi-final at the Montaigu tournament.” This designation is a testament to his rising popularity in the world of refereeing.

His first whistle blows date back to barely 2019, in a U15 match between Ille and Prades. At 17 years old. Since last September, the Boulounenc has been refereeing in the National 3 championship. If he passes the “theory” part (rules of the game, video analysis) on May 16th at the French Football Federation headquarters, after having completed the “on-field” part, he will move up a rung to the Federal level 5 status. In sight, already, is National 2, which he observed in March during an evaluation (Cannes-Rumilly). “Since I started, it seems like everything is falling into place. Few barriers have blocked my path.”

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 traveling to the Paris region, his days are full. Already holding a master’s degree in Staps in Font-Romeu, he sees a logical connection between his two worlds. “For me, physiotherapy and physical preparation go hand in hand. Getting an injured player back in shape after treating them makes sense,” admits the individual who completed a six-month internship with the Catalans Dragons – whom he supported at Brutus as recently as last Saturday against Leigh – “I enjoyed it a lot,” and even formed some friendships, “especially with Matt Ikuvalu who regularly sends me messages.”

A shadow on the horizon is cast by the tall figure of Eric Wattellier, a Catalan international referee, whose footsteps he would like to follow. “He is an obvious role model. Charisma, technique, posture… But he is 1.96m, he has a presence, I’m 1.70m. And believe me, sometimes that matters. So to compensate, I strive to be very mobile, always close to the game. So evolving in Ligue 1 is certainly an objective, but I know there are very few chosen ones,” acknowledges the individual who struggles to accept being considered one of the top ten hopes of French refereeing.

Nevertheless, the former striker advances without getting carried away, almost indifferent to being already considered one of the hopes of French refereeing. A former player, “very modest”, who has played for Le Boulou-Vallespir, Le Boulou-Saint-Jean, and FC Thuir, he found in refereeing a way to express himself more in line with his personality. “I have always liked responsibilities and I have never tolerated injustice. That’s why I spontaneously signed up for the FIA (Initial Referee Training).”

“To be fair and not influence the score,” these would be his mantras, admitting that during his brief playing career he only received one yellow card in six years. Today, he rubs shoulders with young talents or former professionals. “Of course, they all try to influence you. That’s the game. Since I’m young, they test me. But I prepare by studying all the team compositions from previous matches, making some phone calls to colleagues… A match is prepared in advance. But since I started refereeing, I have never felt insecure or hostile. I have only abandoned one match, it was because of smoke.”

Licensed at FC Thuir, the individual who will officiate the Carnoux-Riviera FC match this weekend in N3, does not evade the financial question – 150 euros in N3, 282 in N2 – but quickly dismisses the topic. “That’s not the goal. I still have so much to experience to repay the trust placed in me.” A simple phrase, reflecting his journey: fast, controlled, and already turned towards a future that many predict to be bright.