Anthony Taylor, one of England's most experienced match officials, has retired with immediate effect after 16 years as a Premier League referee, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 831 games across domestic, European, and international football.

The 47-year-old officiated his final match at the 2026 World Cup, taking charge of the last-16 tie between Portugal and Spain — the tournament winners. It was a fitting send-off for a referee who had represented England at two consecutive World Cups, having also been selected for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

A record of major finals

Taylor's career included some of the biggest occasions in English football. He officiated the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, as well as the 2015 League Cup final, and took charge of 432 Premier League matches over the course of his top-flight career.

He also spent 14 years on the FIFA international list, an indication of the esteem in which he was held at the highest levels of the global game.

Taylor retires as one of the most decorated officials in English football history, having refereed across every major domestic competition as well as on the grandest international stages.