Deniz Aytekin has officiated as a referee in the Bundesliga 241 times. In addition, he has had numerous international assignments and has been named German Referee of the Year three times: 2018/2019, 2021/2022, 2023/2024. Without a doubt, the 47-year-old is one of the best referees German football has seen in recent decades.
All the more bitter: Aytekin will end his active career next summer. The referee confirmed this to ‘kicker’: “Consciously letting go of something you love is not an easy decision—but it is a very considered one. I want to stop at a time when I am still on the pitch with full conviction, passion, and clarity,” explained Aytekin, who also wants to deliberately make room for young referees.
Alongside the 47-year-old, Tobias Welz (48) and Frank Willenborg (46) will also end their active careers as Bundesliga referees after the coming season.
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