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Craig Gordon Retires From Professional Football

Announced on July 16, the decision ends a 24–25 year career that combined major domestic honours with repeated comebacks from serious injuries after being selected for Scotland’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Overview

  • Craig Gordon announced his immediate retirement on July 16 in a personal video, saying he had “lived my dreams” and that the time had come to stop playing.
  • The 43-year-old closes a quarter-century career that began at Hearts and included spells at Cowdenbeath (loan), Sunderland and Celtic, where he won multiple league titles and cup trophies.
  • Gordon earned 84 caps for Scotland and was the oldest member of the nation’s 2026 World Cup squad, serving as backup to Angus Gunn without featuring in the tournament.
  • His career was repeatedly interrupted by major injuries—long-term knee problems earlier on and a double leg break in December 2022—but he returned to play for Hearts and Scotland after lengthy rehabilitations.
  • He is expected to receive a public send-off at a Tynecastle friendly as he bids farewell to Hearts fans, leaving a legacy as a decorated goalkeeper celebrated for resilience and key saves across domestic and international football.