Anthony Taylor is a FIFA-listed professional football referee from Wythenshawe, Manchester, known for officiating Premier League, European, and international matches. After being appointed to The Football League referees’ list for the 200607 season, Anthony Taylor made his League Two debut in August 2006, officiating a match between Wrexham and Peterborough United. His early career progression saw him referee an England under-19s international friendly match in November 2006 before his first Premier League appointment in February 2010 for a fixture between Fulham and Portsmouth. That same year, Taylor was promoted to the esteemed Select Group of Referees, overseeing top-flight English matches.
He subsequently officiated the 2018 EFL Championship play-off final and was again selected for the 2020 FA Cup final, marking him as the first referee since 1901 to officiate two FA Cup finals. That prolific year also saw him referee the 2020 UEFA Super Cup, followed by the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final. Taylor’s distinguished career further broadened to include major international tournaments. He officiated a critical UEFA Euro 2020 group stage match in 2021, where his calm demeanor under pressure was widely recognized following a medical emergency on the pitch.
His consistent high-level performance led to his selection in May 2022 as one of six English officials for the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In May 2023, Taylor refereed the high-stakes UEFA Europa League final, cementing his reputation in continental club competitions. Continuing his trajectory at the pinnacle of international football, Anthony Taylor was appointed to officiate matches at UEFA Euro 2024, marking his second European Championship appearance. His sustained presence at the elite level of football officiating is a testament to his experience and ability to manage high-pressure situations, making him a highly sought-after professional referee for the sport’s most significant fixtures globally.