Anthony Taylor Announces Retirement After 20-Year Refereeing Career

English referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from officiating, bringing to an end a long career that lasted nearly two decades, during which he became one of the most prominent referees on both the domestic and international stages.

Throughout his career, Taylor officiated 831 matches, overseeing all domestic cup finals in England, along with many of the most notable clashes in continental and international tournaments.

The referee's final match in his officiating career was the clash between Portugal and Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, before he decided to hang up his whistle at the age of 47.

Taylor is one of the most present English referees in recent years, having officiated a significant number of major matches, leaving a notable mark in the world of officiating.