Prominent referees to retire at the end of the season

Three prominent Bundesliga referees are retiring at the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 2025/26 Bundesliga season will be the last of three prominent Bundesliga referees: Deniz Aytekin, Tobias Welz and Frank Willenborg.

The 47-year-old Aytekin explained in a statement from the DFB that he wants to make way for younger referees. “Consciously letting go of something you love is not an easy decision – but it is a very deliberate one,” he said.

Aytekin has been refereeing in the Bundesliga since 2008 and has officiated in 241 matches up to this date. He is also a former FIFA referee and was named Germany’s “Referee of the Year” in 2019, 2022, and 2024! 

Aytekin has earned great recognition for his calm and communicative manner on the pitch. However, the entrepreneur has not been selected to officiate at a World Cup or European Championship.

Aytekin continued in his statement:

“Just a few months ago, I was honored for my 30 years of service as a referee. This honor prompted me to reflect. I saw many young people there waiting for their chance to move up someday.”

“I want to stop at a stage when I still stand on the field with complete conviction, passion, and clarity.”

Just a few months ago, Germany’s most famour referee, Dr. Felix Brych, also retired – with him, Aytekin, Welz and Willenborg, the Bundesliga will have lost four of their most prominent names when it comes to refereeing.

Welz has been active in the Bundesliga since 2010, while Willenborg joined Germany’s top flight in 2016.