Sergio Enrique Cabrera Acosta, a Cuban referee, is set to serve as the first assistant referee this Saturday at the legends match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, famously known as "The Legends Cup." The event will take place tonight at the Inter Miami CF Stadium (Chase Stadium) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Hailing from Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cabrera will join the officiating team alongside main referee Hayden Oscanoa and second assistant Michael Jarvis. All three officials are part of a collegiate association in South Florida, as reported by Swing Completo.
Pressure of a Legendary Clash
Discussing the stress of managing one of the most renowned football classics globally, even in its version with former players, Cabrera was clear: "You can't make mistakes."
The match will feature the Barça Legends, led by former player Albert Ferrer, with stars like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Javier Saviola, Rafa Márquez, Gaizka Mendieta, Adriano, Claudio Bravo, and Paulinho. This will be the tenth game of the 2025/26 season for the Barcelona team, marking a record since the group's inception in 2016. The game will be broadcast live on FC Barcelona's YouTube channel.
A Career Beyond Borders
Both teams had previously met this season in Los Angeles, where they drew 1-1, with Saviola scoring.
Cabrera's appointment has deeper implications beyond sports. Trained in Cuba, he served as a FIFA referee in two Futsal World Cups: the 2012 edition in Thailand, officiating nine matches, including the final between Brazil and Spain as the third referee, and the 2016 edition in Colombia, being one of the six referees from CONCACAF among 44 selected.
He also refereed the final of the Women's Futsal World Championship in Costa Rica 2014, between Portugal and Brazil, possibly making him the only Cuban referee to officiate two futsal world finals of both genders.
Challenges and Recognition
In 2012, he was named the best referee in Cuba across all sports. As recognition, he received a framed serigraphy and a trophy.
Despite his achievements, Cabrera emigrated to the United States in 2016, without receiving the institutional recognition he deserved. Reflecting on his future in the island, Cabrera encapsulated the reality of sports under Cuba's regime: "Being an active FIFA referee with positive results in Cuba doesn't guarantee anything; only oblivion awaited me once I retired."
Since 2017, he has been working in competitions for organizations like the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), MLS Next, and the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), the highest-level professional futsal league in the U.S., where he has been since 2021. He has officiated in various states: Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Texas, and Florida.
A previous experience paved the way for this appointment: Cabrera had already officiated a match featuring Ronaldinho and friends at the Inter Miami field, which put him on the radar for the legends' classic.
Before Cabrera, Cuban referees Vladimir Masó and Antonio Álvarez also participated in Futsal World Cups, in Taipei 2004 and Brazil 2008 respectively, during a period when Cuba was a regional futsal powerhouse and qualified for four consecutive world championships.
Tonight, in Fort Lauderdale, Cabrera will officiate a match that Cuba never knew how to appreciate.
Insights into Sergio Cabrera's Refereeing Journey
What is "The Legends Cup"?
"The Legends Cup" is a football match featuring former stars from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, showcasing legendary talents from both clubs.
Who are some of the notable players in the Barça Legends team?
The Barça Legends team includes renowned players such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Javier Saviola, Rafa Márquez, and Gaizka Mendieta, among others.
What was Cabrera's role in the 2012 Futsal World Cup?
In the 2012 Futsal World Cup in Thailand, Cabrera officiated nine matches, including the final between Brazil and Spain as the third referee.
Why did Cabrera emigrate to the United States?
Cabrera emigrated to the United States in 2016 due to the lack of institutional recognition for his achievements as a FIFA referee in Cuba.