Jesús Gil Manzano: Profile of the Spanish Football Referee
In the high-pressure world of professional football, few roles are as demanding as that of the match official. Jesús Gil Manzano has established himself as a prominent figure in Spanish football, climbing the ranks of the domestic league system to become a mainstay in the Primera División, the top flight of Spanish football.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Jesús Gil Manzano
- Date of Birth: February 4, 1984
- Place of Birth: Don Benito, Spain
- Current Status: FIFA listed referee
- La Liga Debut: August 25, 2012
Career Progression and Domestic Rise
Gil Manzano's journey to the top of Spanish officiating was a steady ascent through the various tiers of the domestic league system. He began his professional refereeing career in the Tercera (the fourth tier) and progressively moved upward as his expertise grew.
By 2006, he moved to the Segunda B, followed by a promotion to the Segunda (the second division) in 2009. His consistent performance led to his appointment as a La Liga referee in 2012, marking his entry into the elite level of Spanish football.
He made his official debut in the Primera División on August 25, 2012, officiating a match between Málaga and Mallorca.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]International Recognition and Notable Matches
Beyond the borders of Spain, Gil Manzano achieved international recognition in 2014 when he became a FIFA listed referee. This designation allows him to officiate matches in international competitions sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
His international experience includes officiating high-stakes matches in other countries, such as the intense derby between PAOK and Olympiacos on February 10, 2019, which ended in a 3–1 victory for PAOK.
Domestically, he has been involved in several high-profile and controversial encounters. He officiated the 2013–14 Copa del Rey quarterfinals match between Racing de Santander and Real Sociedad, a game remembered for Racing's decision to refuse to play after just one minute of action.
He also handled the match between Barcelona and Girona on September 23, 2018. Following the 2–2 draw, the match gained attention when Lionel Messi refused to shake the referee's hand at the conclusion of the game.
Career Summary Table
| Period | League/Level | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001–2006 | Tercera | Referee |
| 2006–2009 | Segunda B | Referee |
| 2009–2012 | Segunda | Referee |
| 2012–Present | La Liga | Referee |
| 2014–Present | International (FIFA) | Referee |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jesús Gil Manzano debut in La Liga?
Jesús Gil Manzano made his La Liga debut on August 25, 2012, in a match between Málaga and Mallorca.
Is Jesús Gil Manzano a FIFA-certified referee?
Yes, he has been a FIFA listed referee since 2014.
Which international derby has he officiated?
He officiated the PAOK vs. Olympiacos derby on February 10, 2019, which ended 3–1.
What happened during the Racing de Santander vs. Real Sociedad match he refereed?
During the 2013–14 Copa del Rey quarterfinals, Racing de Santander refused to continue playing after the first minute of the match.
Has he had any notable interactions with high-profile players?
Yes, following a 2–2 draw between Barcelona and Girona on September 23, 2018, Lionel Messi refused to shake his hand after the match.