Felix Brych, Record-Holding Bundesliga Referee, Announces Retirement

After officiating 352 Bundesliga matches, Brych cites physical challenges and inspiration from Angelique Kerber in his decision to retire this summer.

Felix Brych, 49, will retire at the end of the season after a 25-year refereeing career in German football, including 21 seasons in the Bundesliga.
Brych holds the record for most Bundesliga matches officiated, with 352 games, surpassing Wolfgang Stark in September 2024.
He has been recognized as World Referee of the Year twice (2017, 2021) and DFB Referee of the Year six times, highlighting his decorated career.
Brych’s decision to retire was influenced by physical demands and parallels the planned retirement strategy of tennis star Angelique Kerber.
His career includes officiating major matches, such as the 2017 Champions League Final, and the infamous 'Phantomtor' incident in 2013.

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