Mohammed Culum, Sweden’s most experienced football referee with 479 matches, reflects on a challenging upbringing as a refugee in Malmö. Arriving in 1991 with his mother and six siblings, Culum grew up in a difficult environment marked by crime and hardship. He reveals a heartbreaking reality: many of his childhood friends have died, some victims of violence. Culum specifically recalls a friend murdered while playing cards. Football and the support of his family were crucial in helping him escape a life potentially consumed by the same fate. His story highlights both the promise of opportunity and the enduring scars of a troubled past. Culum’s success stands as a testament to his strength and determination.