Daniel del Castillo González
During the France-Spain World Cup match, cameras caught a small crucifix hanging from the whistle referee Iván Barton uses on the field.
Iván says the crucifix reflects his personal relationship with his faith which has accompanied his career.
With the eyes of the world watching, the World Cup is stressful and a tremendous responsibility. But for this referee, the first part of game-day prep wasn't phyical exercise.
IVÁN BARTON
FIFA Referee
I was in my hotel room. We were staying at a hotel in Miami, and my room overlooked the beach. The very first thing I did everyday, before anything else, was step out onto the balcony. We referees had to complete a daily physical assessment, but before I did that, I would look at the beach, look up to the sky, and pray. I would entrust my day to God.
Behind the crucifix is a family story. Barton used to wear an especially meaningful one, a cross that had belonged to his grandfather.
It traveled with him from one field to another until it disappeared during a match. He later received another cross that became just as special.
IVÁN BARTON
FIFA Referee
Later on, I found the crucifix I use today. I'd always been drawn to that particular design because the first time I saw it, it was on the staff carried by Pope John Paul II. I think other popes used it too, and now Pope Leo XIV has brought it back. It's a very distinctive style of crucifix. When I saw one on a rosary, I took it off and said 'this is going to stay with me forever.'
Iván carries another symbol of his faith during matches: a St. Benedict medal tucked into his shorts pocket. After working the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, he knows how much influence the sport has on younger generations.
IVÁN BARTON
FIFA Referee
For those of us who, in our own roles, have reached the highest level of soccer, the message we want to pass on to the next generation is this: without God, we are nothing.
My faith has brought me to this World Cup. It has given me the opportunity to work at two World Cups. It has given me success, so once again I thank God for everything.
Barton shares the field with players, coaches and referees from around the world. The World Cup is a team effort, and for Iván Barton, every match is accompanied by faith.
