Anthony Taylor Calls It Quits After 20 Years, 831 Games

Retirement Announcement and Career Overview

Anthony Taylor has officially retired from refereeing, ending a two‑decade stint that saw him oversee **831 matches** across domestic and international competitions. The 47‑year‑old’s last fixture was Spain’s **1‑0 win over Portugal** in the World Cup last‑16 on **6 July**, bringing his tenure to a close. Taylor, who previously worked as a prison officer, entered the Football League list in **2006‑07** and moved up to the Premier League three years later. During his top‑flight career he officiated **432 games** and claimed every major domestic cup final. In his farewell statement he noted, “Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant,” and added, “The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career.”

International achievements and missed final

Taylor spent **14 years** on FIFA’s roster, appearing in the **2022 World Cup** and the **Euros of 2020 and 2024**. He logged **163 internationals** before stepping away, leaving a footprint that includes a shortlisting for the **2022 World Cup final**. Political tensions between **England** and eventual champions **Argentina** ultimately prevented him from taking charge of that match, according to reports. Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer at Pro Ref, praised his service: “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.”

Domestic milestones and controversial car‑park clash

Among Taylor’s notable domestic appointments were the **2015 EFL Cup final** (Chelsea 2‑0 Tottenham), the **2017 FA Cup final** (Arsenal 2‑1 Chelsea), and the **2020 FA Cup final** where he became the first referee since **1901** to take charge of two FA Cup finals in the same season. He also handled the **2015 Community Shield** and the **2018 Championship play‑off final**. Taylor earned commendation for his calm handling of the **Euro 2020 fixture between Denmark and Finland** when Christian Eriksen collapsed. At the club level UEFA entrusted him with the **2020 Super Cup final** (Bayern Munich 2‑1 Sevilla), the **2021 Nations League final** (France 2‑1 Spain) and the **2023 Europa League final** where Sevilla triumphed on penalties over Roma. The high point of controversy arrived when José Mourinho branded Taylor a “disgrace” twice and later confronted him in a car park—an episode that led to Mourinho receiving a **four‑match ban**. After the incident Taylor was heckled by angry supporters at **Budapest Airport** while traveling with his family. “That’s the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” he told BBC Sport in October 2025, “not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people’s behaviour on others.”

Legacy and forward outlook

Taylor’s retirement marks the close of a career defined by consistency, high‑profile appearances and a commitment to the game’s integrity. From prison guard to elite referee, he leaves behind **831 matches** officiated, **432 top‑flight games**, **163 internationals**, and a string of historic finals. His handling of the Eriksen collapse remains a benchmark for referee composure, while the car‑park episode serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of modern football. As he steps away, Taylor looks ahead to “the next chapter of my career,” a sentiment echoed by colleagues who view his departure as the end of an era in refereeing. Fans and former players alike will remember him as a dedicated official who navigated the sport’s brightest stages with professionalism and, at times, controversy.