Mikkel Redder Named To Lead Conference League Match
The 32-year-old official will oversee the upcoming UEFA Conference League fixture featuring Brighton and Kauno Zalgiris.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer
Mikkel Redder has been selected to officiate the match between Brighton and Kauno Zalgiris in the UEFA Conference League. The Danish referee, now 32, transitioned into officiating after a medical condition ended his professional playing career.
Why it matters
Redder serves as an inspiration in professional sports after successfully returning to the pitch following emergency surgery for a pituitary gland tumor.
Redder has officiated 11 matches during the current season. He has issued 34 yellow cards and zero red cards across these appearances.
The players
Mikkel Redder
A 32-year-old Danish referee who successfully transitioned to officiating after a tumor ended his playing career.
Brighton
An English professional football club competing in the UEFA Conference League.
Kauno Zalgiris
A professional football club based in Lithuania that is participating in the UEFA Conference League.
The details
Diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome at age 14, Redder overcame a pituitary gland brain tumor that halted his initial path as a youth goalkeeper at Liverpool. He later set a record as the youngest-ever referee in the Danish Super League at age 24.
Timeline
At age 14, Redder received his diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome.
At age 24, he became the Danish Super League's youngest referee.
During the current season, Redder has officiated 11 matches.
Season Trajectory
Redder's appointment to a European fixture reflects his continued development as a rising official within the UEFA system. This assignment impacts the competitive balance of the tournament by placing a high-performing Danish referee in charge of a pivotal match.
The match will see Deniz Yurdakul, René Risum, Jacob Karlsen, Jonas Hansen, and Sandi Putros join Redder as part of the officiating team. Their coordination on the pitch will be a focal point for the integrity of the upcoming European tie.
The takeaway
Redder's journey underscores the resilience required to maintain a career at the professional level after significant health setbacks. His career shift provides a unique example of how athletes can remain active within the sport even after leaving the pitch as players.
Further reading
For more on international fixtures and officials, visit the Soccer section.
