Anthony Taylor, one of England’s most respected football referees, has declared his retirement from professional officiating after an impressive career that has spanned over twenty years and encompassed 831 matches.
At 47 years old, Taylor has been a prominent figure in English football, having controlled 668 professional games within the country. His final appointment will be a high-profile encounter: the World Cup round of 16 clash between Portugal and Spain, set to take place in the United States.
A Career Marked by Premier League and International Milestones
Throughout 16 seasons in the Premier League, Taylor took charge of 432 top-tier matches, showcasing his expertise at the highest level of English football. His reputation was further solidified by refereeing all the major domestic cup finals, including the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the 2015 League Cup final, the 2015 FA Community Shield, and the pivotal 2018 Championship play-off final.
Internationally, Taylor’s credentials are equally notable. For 14 years, he was included on FIFA’s list of elite referees, officiating in two FIFA World Cups—those held in 2022 and scheduled for 2026—as well as two European Championships in 2020 and 2024. Additionally, he was entrusted with matches in two Club World Cups, in 2022 and 2025, further demonstrating the global recognition of his officiating skills.