Craig Gordon, Scotland's goalkeeper, announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday, concluding a career spanning over two decades.
The 43-year-old made 682 senior appearances for Heart of Midlothian, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland, and Celtic, and earned 84 caps for Scotland, establishing himself as one of the country’s most accomplished goalkeepers, according to Reuters.
“I’ve never wanted it to end, but end it must. I have lived my dreams, and for that I am so thankful,” Gordon said in a video posted on social media announcing his decision. He was part of Scotland’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was the oldest player at the tournament.
Although he did not play in any matches, Gordon served as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn. A graduate of Hearts’ youth academy, Gordon made his senior debut during a loan spell at Cowdenbeath in 2001 before breaking into Hearts’ first team the following season.
In 2007, he transferred to Premier League club Sunderland for a reported £9 million (USD 12.16 million), setting a British record transfer fee for a goalkeeper at that time. Injuries disrupted his time at the Stadium of Light, restricting him to 95 appearances over five seasons.
Gordon returned to Scotland with Celtic in 2014, where he enjoyed a successful six-year period, winning five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and five Scottish League Cups before rejoining Hearts in 2020.
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