Veteran referee Anthony Taylor announces his retirement, admitting to enduring immense pressure.

England referee Anthony Taylor has officially announced his retirement, ending his career which lasted more than 20 years and included 831 matches officiated.

This 47-year-old top referee has officially put an end to his refereeing legacy after completing his officiating duties in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain.

Looking back on his more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Taylor expressed his love and respect for the profession in the interview, while also frankly admitting the difficulties behind it.

Taylor stated, "It is a great honor to serve as a referee in top-level competitions, but the pressure of this position is unimaginable, and the scrutiny and supervision from the outside world have never ceased. Now it is time to step down from this heavy responsibility and embrace the next stage of my life."

In the interview, Taylor expressed his gratitude to his team and family. He said, "I want to especially thank my two assistant referees, Gary and Adam, and all my referee colleagues and people in the football community for their support over the years."

"Most importantly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends for their tremendous sacrifices in supporting my career choice and for their unwavering support."

Over 16 Premier League seasons, Taylor officiated 432 top-flight league matches and also officiated in the finals of several top domestic cup competitions, including the FA Cup and League Cup. As a FIFA Distinguished Referee, he also officiated in two World Cups, two European Championships, and the Europa League final, among other major international matches.

Image source: Internet