Stephanie Frappart is a name deeply etched in the annals of football history, a trailblazer who continues to redefine the game’s boundaries.

Her historic journey began in December when she broke new ground as the referee for Germany’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Costa Rica during the group stage of the men’s FIFA World Cup. This momentous occasion marked the very first instance of a woman taking the center stage as a referee in the tournament’s storied history.

But Frappart’s remarkable feats didn’t stop there. Before her landmark World Cup appearance, she had already created history by becoming the first woman to officiate as a fourth official in a men’s World Cup match, presiding over the goalless draw between Mexico and Poland.

She further solidified her place in football history by assembling an all-female officiating team, consisting of assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico. Together, they oversaw a gripping six-goal spectacle that saw Germany triumph at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Frappart is poised to etch her name in the history books once again. She is set to become the first female official to oversee a men’s international match at the iconic Wembley Stadium when England squares off against Australia in a friendly clash. This groundbreaking moment is a testament to her trailblazing spirit.

The England vs. Australia friendly is a precursor to a highly-anticipated showdown between England and reigning European champions Italy in the Euro 2024 qualification, scheduled for next Tuesday at Wembley Stadium.

Frappart’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. She embarked on her career as a referee at the tender age of 13 and has been recognized by FIFA since 2009. Her ascent through the ranks has been swift, with notable milestones along the way.

In 2011, she officiated matches in the third division of men’s football in France. By 2014, she had become the first woman to referee in Ligue 2, and in April 2019, she achieved the historic feat of becoming the first female referee in Ligue 1, taking charge of the match between SC Amiens and RC Strasbourg.

Frappart’s list of groundbreaking achievements continued to grow. She was selected as the referee for the 2019 UEFA Super Cup clash between Liverpool and Chelsea, marking her as the first woman to officiate a major men’s European match. Soon after, she oversaw the second leg of the inaugural Champions Cup competition, a battle between the league winners of the League of Ireland Premier Division and the NIFL Premiership.

Adding to her illustrious career, in December 2020, Frappart became the first woman to officiate a Champions League match when she presided over Juventus vs. Dynamo Kyiv. The following year, she further solidified her legacy by refereeing a FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Latvia and the Netherlands.

Stephanie Frappart’s journey serves as an inspiration to female officials worldwide who aspire to break into the men’s game. Her remarkable achievements are a testament to her dedication and skill, paving the way for more women to make their mark in the world of football.