Facundo Tello Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Career, Awards, Controversy

Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa is an Argentine professional football referee widely recognized for his work in both domestic and international competitions.

He became well known after officiating at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where his performances drew global attention.

Before gaining international prominence, he had already established himself as one of the leading referees in Argentina’s Primera División, known for his composure and authority on the pitch.

His rise to global recognition was cemented when he became the first Argentine referee selected to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022.

Profile

• Full name: Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa
• Date of birth: May 4, 1982
• Age: 43 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine
• Profession: Football referee
• Height: 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches)
• Weight: 78 kilograms (172 pounds)
• Eye color: Brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Father – Raúl Tello (retired physical education teacher); Mother – María Figueroa (homemaker)
• Siblings: One younger brother
• Spouse: Married to María José Tello, a fitness and sports instructor
• Children: Two children – a son and a daughter
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
• Ethnicity: Latino (Argentine)
• Net worth: $1.5–2 million

Early Life and Education

Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa (43 years old) was born on May 4, 1982, in Bahía Blanca, a city known for producing several top Argentine athletes.

Growing up in a middle-class family, Tello was passionate about sports from a young age.

His father, a physical education teacher, influenced his early interest in athletic discipline and fair play.

He attended Escuela Normal Superior de Bahía Blanca, completing his primary and secondary education there before pursuing higher studies in Physical Education at the Instituto de Educación Física de Bahía Blanca.

While in university, he became intrigued by refereeing and enrolled in the Argentine Football Association (AFA) refereeing program.

His professional training was later refined under the supervision of top AFA referees in Buenos Aires.

Personal Life

Facundo Tello is married to María José Tello, a professional sports instructor and fitness trainer.

They have two children and reside primarily in Bahía Blanca.

Known for his humility and quiet demeanor, Tello keeps his family life private and rarely appears with them in the media.

Career

Facundo Tello’s refereeing journey began in the early 2000s in Argentina’s regional leagues.

His excellent decision-making and professionalism led to his Primera División debut in 2013.

Over the years, he became one of Argentina’s most trusted referees for major fixtures, including Superclásico matches between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

In 2019, he earned his spot as a FIFA-listed referee, opening the door to international appointments.

His portfolio includes numerous matches in Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and World Cup Qualifiers.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Tello officiated several key matches, earning praise for his composure and control under pressure.

Later that year, he became the first Argentine referee to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco — a historic milestone in his career.

He is also known for his disciplined approach and ability to manage heated encounters, which has gained him respect across Latin America.

In 2023, he received recognition from the Argentine Football Association for his consistent excellence and contribution to referee development programs, mentoring young officials.

Awards

• FIFA-listed International Referee (2019)
• Appointed Referee for FIFA World Cup Qatar (2022)
• First Argentine Referee at FIFA Club World Cup (2022)
• AFA Recognition for Excellence in Officiating (2023)
• CONMEBOL Gold Whistle Nominee (2024)

Net Worth

Facundo Tello’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million USD.

His wealth primarily comes from his FIFA and CONMEBOL referee salaries, match officiating fees for domestic and international tournaments, sponsorship bonuses, television appearances.

Controversy

Tello has faced occasional scrutiny over his strict officiating style.

One of his most talked-about moments occurred during the 2022 Trofeo de Campeones final between Boca Juniors and Racing Club, where he issued 10 red cards in a single match — a record in Argentine football history.

While some fans criticized him for excessive severity, others, including senior referees, praised his commitment to enforcing discipline and rule consistency.

No corruption, match-fixing, or ethical misconduct allegations have ever been raised against him.

Social Media

• Instagram: @facundotelloar
• Twitter (X): @FacundoTello