Alberola Rojas from dating show to Copa del Rey final, seen as Spain's refereeing future | OneFootball

From a dating show to the Copa del Rey final, Javier Alberola Rojas will take charge of Atlético against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja in Seville on Saturday.

According to AS, the CTA had already chosen the Ciudad Real-born official for the showpiece before Real Madrid-Girona, and senior refereeing figures describe him as the face of Spain’s next generation.

Promoted to the top flight at 26, he was the youngest to officiate in Spain’s elite and has handled the scrutiny since. Observers highlight his calm management, clear communication and authority without seeking the limelight. He tends to let play run, keeps a higher threshold for contact and is not quick with cards.

He arrives after a league storm, having declined to award a penalty when Reis’s arm caught Mbappé in the face last weekend, an incident that caused heavy haemorrhage. The refereeing committee later said the play allowed for different readings, from a natural collision to an imprudent action that could merit a penalty, while accepting why he might not give it.

Away from football, he once appeared on the dating programme Next and had earlier been named Míster Los Yébenes, labels he says were scripted or not reflective of him. Colleagues portray a discreet, helpful figure who avoids conflict.

Around four years ago he suffered venous congestion near the clavicle, a blockage that fortunately flowed to his arm rather than heart or head, and in 2022 he admitted retirement had been on the table. He returned strongly and was named LaLiga’s best referee by the CTA last June. This is his first Copa final, and the next challenge is to establish himself in Europe.

Source: AS