English referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from professional officiating, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned more than two decades.
The 47-year-old bows out after officiating 831 matches, establishing himself as one of England’s most respected referees. Throughout his career, Taylor took charge of every major domestic cup final in English football, underlining his status as one of the game’s elite officials.
Taylor’s final assignment came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he officiated the Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Spain, marking the end of a remarkable journey on the international stage.
Widely recognised for his consistency and experience, Taylor handled numerous high-profile Premier League, UEFA and FIFA fixtures, earning appointments to some of football’s biggest competitions.
His retirement closes the chapter on one of the most accomplished refereeing careers in modern football, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and excellence in the sport.
