Farewell to a star referee: Brych on his exciting career

Farewell to a star referee: Brych on his exciting career

Felix Brych, the well-known Munich referee, ended his impressive career in May 2025. Not only has he proven his skills on the field, but he has also experienced remarkable highlights in his professional life. Brych was named World Referee of the Year twice during his career and received the award as the best German referee seven times. But what actually made him one of the most respected referees? His personal experiences and insights play a major role, which he shared in an insightful interview.

Brych has over 30 years of refereeing experience, starting in the Bayernliga in Augsburg. His farewell game had a special meaning for him because he chose the old Rosenau Stadium - a place where many friends and even his 87-year-old father could sit. “I wanted many of my companions to be there,” emphasized Brych, the emotions at his departure were palpable.

Experiences and insights

Speaking to the media, Brych also recalled previous unforgettable moments, such as Stefan Kießling's phantom goal in 2013, and emphasized that he was always striving to develop further. “Today’s players are fitter, the game has changed – I had to adapt,” he explained, reflecting on the different tactics he has observed over the years. Brych has managed three generations of footballers, from Michael Ballack to Jamal Musiala, and each player brought their own challenges.

One of his most memorable encounters was with Neymar, the Brazilian superstar. Brych described Neymar as the most stressful player he had ever dealt with. However, his experiences on the pitch were not always easy, especially after the 2018 World Cup match between Switzerland and Serbia, when Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic publicly called for Brych to be court-martialed. “That shocked me, but I learned to ignore such criticism and concentrate on what was important,” explained Brych.

Future prospects

From October 1, 2025, Brych will take on a new role: He will become head of talent development and top coaching at DFB Schiri GmbH. In this role, he has set himself the goal of passing on his extensive knowledge to young referees, especially those from the 3rd league onwards. “It is important to me that the next generation of referees is well prepared,” he emphasizes.

In addition, Brych did not rule out occasionally having a beer with Freiburg coach Christian Streich or chatting about football, especially his sympathy for Lukas Podolski as the funniest player and Luka Modric as the best player. Communication with Lionel Messi, which took place in Spanish, also reveals his flexibility and understanding of the players.

In summary, it can be said: Felix Brych will not only be remembered as a referee, but as an important part of the development of football in Germany. His career is an example of how dedication, respect and a touch of humor can make a difference in sport. It looks like he will continue to play a defining role in the world of football in the future.

For more information about Brych's career and experiences, read the articles in Tz, South Germans, and the historical background TSV Stelingen.