One of England’s most accomplished football referees, Anthony Taylor, has announced his retirement from elite officiating after a career spanning more than two decades and 831 matches across domestic and international football.
The 47-year-old has brought the curtain down on an illustrious career following his final appointment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he took charge of the Round of 16 clash between Portugal and eventual champions Spain in the United States.
Taylor leaves the game as one of the most experienced officials of the modern era, having overseen 668 professional matches in England, including 432 Premier League fixtures across 16 seasons.
His domestic career saw him entrusted with every major English showpiece, refereeing the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the 2015 League Cup final, the 2015 Community Shield and the 2018 Championship play-off final.
Anthony Taylor checking VAR during a game. Photocredit: Getty Images
Beyond England, Taylor established himself among the world’s elite referees during 14 years on FIFA’s International List.
He officiated at two FIFA World Cups in Qatar in 2022 and North America in 2026, as well as UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, while also taking charge of two FIFA Club World Cups.
Across 163 international matches, Taylor was selected for some of football’s biggest occasions, including the UEFA Super Cup in 2020, the UEFA Nations League final in 2021, the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2022, the UEFA Europa League final in 2023 and the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2024.
Before becoming one of UEFA’s leading referees, he also served as an additional assistant referee during several major finals, including the UEFA Super Cup in 2014, the Europa League final in 2015 and both the UEFA Champions League and European Championship finals in 2016.
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Reflecting on his decision to retire, Taylor admitted the demands of officiating at the highest level had played a significant role in his decision.
“Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant. The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career,” Taylor said.
He also paid tribute to his assistants Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, fellow referees, and his family for supporting him throughout his career.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two assistants Gary and Adam, my refereeing colleagues and everyone connected with the game for all their support over the years. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the immense sacrifices this career has demanded.”
Anthony Taylor career spanned more than two decades, 831 matches and appointments at two FIFA World Cups. Photocredit: Getty Images.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (Pro Ref) Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb described Taylor as one of the finest officials English footballs has produced.
“Anthony has been a fantastic servant to the game over many years, both domestically and on the international stage. He has been repeatedly trusted to officiate in the biggest games, including Portugal against Spain in this summer’s World Cup, which ultimately capped off an outstanding career.
“He’s consistently demonstrated over a sustained period why he is one of the best and most successful officials that English football has ever produced. The professionalism he’s shown and the support for his colleagues and the next generation of officials looking to follow in his footsteps is testament to his character.
“We thank him for his immense contribution to the game and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
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Taylor’s retirement closes the chapter on one of the most distinguished refereeing careers in English football, having officiated at virtually every major domestic and international competition over the last two decades.
