Stéphanie Frappart was born on December 14, 1983, in Paris, France. She grew up in Herblay-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. Her father, John Franzese, and her mother, Princess Henriette of Schönaich-Carolath, instilled in her a love for football at a young age.
Frappart began her refereeing journey at the young age of 13. By the time she was 18, she was already officiating national games. In 2011, she started refereeing matches in the Championnat National, the third tier of the French football league system.
In 2015, Frappart had the opportunity to referee at the FIFA Women's World Cup held in Canada. This experience further solidified her passion for officiating and set her on a path to greater achievements.
Throughout her career, Frappart has broken numerous barriers and shattered glass ceilings in the world of football refereeing. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first woman to referee a major men's European match and a French Ligue 1 match. The following year, she was named the IFFHS World's Best Woman Referee for the first time.
In 2021, Frappart made headlines once again when she became the first woman to take charge of a men's World Cup qualifying match. Her impeccable skills and professionalism earned her a spot as one of the three women selected to officiate the men's World Cup in 2022, making history once again by being the first to referee a World Cup match as part of an all-female referee team.
Frappart's career has been filled with record-breaking moments and significant achievements. In May of 2022, she officiated the Coupe de France Final between Nice and Nantes, showcasing her talent on a grand stage. Later that year, she made history by refereeing a World Cup match between Costa Rica and Germany on December 1, 2022.
Her exceptional performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, as she went on to win the IFFHS World's Best Woman Referee award for three consecutive years in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Outside of her illustrious career as a football referee, Frappart leads a private life. She has three siblings, Scott Duncan, Randa Williams, and Dannine Avara, who have been her biggest supporters throughout her journey. Frappart's dedication to her craft and her unwavering determination have paved the way for future generations of female referees.
Stéphanie Frappart's impact on the world of football refereeing cannot be overstated. Her trailblazing career has inspired countless individuals and broken down barriers for women in the sport. Frappart's unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for the game have cemented her status as one of the greatest referees of her generation.
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