End of the tenure for referee Aytekin in the previous season
Prominent Bundesliga Referees to Retire at the End of the 2025/26 Season
Deniz Aytekin, Tobias Welz, and Frank Willenborg have announced their retirements from officiating in the Bundesliga at the end of the 2025/26 season. Aytekin, the most senior of the trio, has been refereeing in the league since 2008, followed by Welz who joined in 2010 and Willenborg in 2016.
Aytekin, a respected top referee, hailing from Oberasbach, has officiated a total of 241 matches in the Bundesliga. He was recently honoured for his 30-year career as a referee. Aytekin is known for his calm and communicative demeanor on the pitch, which has earned him the title of Germany's "Referee of the Year" in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
Despite his successful career, Aytekin never officiated at a World Cup or European Championship. However, he emphasizes the importance of being perceived as a present and valued personality, not to leave only when doubts begin. Aytekin stated, "Consciously letting go of something you love is not an easy decision, but a well-considered one."
Aytekin's retirement comes as he wants to ensure a smooth transition for younger referees. He reflects on many young people waiting for their chance to rise in the refereeing field. Aytekin's decision to retire while still standing on the pitch with full conviction, passion, and clarity will leave a lasting impact on the Bundesliga.
Tobias Welz and Frank Willenborg will also be retiring after 16 and 10 years of service in the top league, respectively. Both have made significant contributions to the league and will be missed. With their departure, the Bundesliga will see a change in its refereeing landscape, but their legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of referees.
[1] Bundesliga.com, "Deniz Aytekin to retire at the end of the 2025/26 season", link
[2] Spiegel Online, "Three top referees to retire from Bundesliga", link
[3] DW.com, "German referee Deniz Aytekin retiring", link
[4] Bild.de, "Deniz Aytekin retires from refereeing", link
[5] SWR.de, "Three top referees to retire from Bundesliga", link
Football will miss the experienced trio of referees – Deniz Aytekin, Tobias Welz, and Frank Willenborg – as they announced their retirements from the Bundesliga at the end of the 2025/26 season. During his impressive 14-year tenure in the league, Aytekin has officiated numerous football matches and even earned awards such as "Referee of the Year" three times.
