Anthony Taylor, a referee for 16 years and 660 professional games in the Premier League, is retiring
Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement following 16 seasons in the Premier League, concluding a remarkable refereeing career that includes over 660 professional matches.
Anthony Taylor has declared his retirement from refereeing, marking the conclusion of a remarkable career that lasted 16 seasons in the Premier League and encompassed over 660 professional matches.
The 47-year-old’s last assignment took place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he officiated Spain’s 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 16. Taylor retires after overseeing 432 Premier League matches, in addition to participating in two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.
Taylor started his refereeing journey in the Football League in 2006, and he made his Premier League debut in 2010. He swiftly made a name for himself as one of England’s top officials and secured a spot on FIFA’s international referees list in 2013.
Throughout his career, Taylor officiated numerous significant finals, such as the 2015 League Cup final, the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the 2021 UEFA Nations League final featuring France and Spain, and the 2023 UEFA Europa League final, where Sevilla triumphed over Roma in a penalty shootout.
One of the pivotal moments of his career occurred during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland, when Christian Eriksen experienced a cardiac arrest on the field. Taylor promptly stopped the game, enabling medical staff to deliver critical care, a decision that received widespread acclaim throughout the football community.
Reflecting on his retirement, Taylor expressed that officiating at the highest level had been “an immense privilege,” while also recognizing the ongoing pressure and scrutiny associated with the role.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation to my two assistants, Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, my fellow referees, and everyone associated with the game for their unwavering support throughout the years,” Taylor stated. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends for their steadfast support during the significant sacrifices this career has required.”
Howard Webb, head of the refereeing body ProRef, honored Taylor’s career, calling him one of English football’s top officials.
“Anthony has been an exceptional contributor to the game for many years, both at the domestic level and on the international stage,” Webb stated. “He has consistently shown why he ranks among the finest and most accomplished officials in the history of English football while also acting as an inspiration for the upcoming generation of referees.”
