Craig Gordon Announces Retirement from Football After 25 Years
July 16, 2026 ·
Craig Gordon announced his retirement from football after a distinguished 25-year career, reflecting on his journey and expressing his gratitude to his fans and team-mates.
Craig Gordon Announces Retirement from Football After 25 Years
According to Bbc.
Background
Craig Gordon started his career at Heart of Midlothian before moving to Sunderland, where he set a transfer record for a goalkeeper. After success at Celtic, he returned to Hearts, showing his dedication and love for his boyhood club.
Why this is important
Craig Gordon's retirement marks the end of one of the most memorable careers in Scottish football. With 25 years of experience, Gordon has been an inspiration to many young players and fans, and has left an unforgettable legacy at the clubs he has played for, including Heart of Midlothian and Celtic.
Main Points
- Craig Gordon Announces Retirement from Football After 25 Years.
- Craig Gordon announced his retirement from football after a distinguished 25-year career, reflecting on his journey and expressing his gratitude to his fans and team-mates.
- Craig Gordon remains central to Heart of Midlothian's plans.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has officially announced his retirement from football after "living the dream", marking the end of his 25-year playing career. Gordon, who is 43, ended his spell at his first club, Heart of Midlothian, this summer and was part of Scotland's World Cup squad.
"I never wanted it to end, but all things must end," Gordon said in an emotional video delivered via his boyhood club. "I have been living my dream and for that, I am very grateful."
Gordon first left Tynecastle to join Sunderland in 2007, where the club paid a British record fee for a goalkeeper of £9 million. He made one of the most famous saves in Premier League history when he saved Bolton Wanderers' Zat Knight in 2010. However, a serious injury to his knee interrupted his career at the Stadium of Light, and after five years, he spent two years recovering from the injury while also coaching.
In 2014, Gordon joined Celtic and won his first league title, adding four more during six medal-filled years before returning to Hearts. In 2022, he broke both bones in his leg which forced him to be sidelined again, but he managed to recover and return to playing.
Gordon first represented Scotland in 2004 and amassed a total of 84 senior caps. Combined with his club appearances, Gordon has played in 766 first team games, including 13 loan appearances at Cowdenbeath in the 2001–02 season. His last appearance came in Scotland's pre-World Cup win over Curacao in May, while his last game with Hearts was a 2-2 draw against his former club Celtic in January.
The Scotland national team's social media account declared: "A career like no other." In the video, Gordon added: "Everyone has a dream. Mine is probably no different to most kids - to play for my club and country. Heart of Midlothian and Scotland.
"Is that impossible? Possible. Is that impossible? Certainly not. Hard work, sacrifice, setbacks. Step by step, dreams come true. From supporting Hearts to playing for Hearts. Years of hard work will never fully prepare you. You want to make yourself proud, you want to make your family proud, and you want to make your fans proud.
"I'm not a good singer, but I've improved a bit after 84 times singing the national anthem. The biggest names, in the biggest stadiums, on the biggest stages - I enjoyed every moment of it."
As well as his Scottish Premiership honors at Celtic, Gordon also added two Scottish Cup medals to the one he won with Hearts in 2006, as well as five League Cup medals. He also won the Scottish Championship with Hearts in 2021.
Gordon kept 30 clean sheets at international level and managed to keep the net clean in around two-thirds of his club appearances. And the Edinburgh native is expected to bid farewell to Hearts fans at Friday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Tynecastle.
"I am grateful to my teammates and coaches who have encouraged me along the way," he added. "I thank my opponents for spurring me on. I thank the medical staff who have worked with me over the years. And I thank my loved ones for supporting me. And thank the fans who have supported me for 24 years.
“But now the gloves are finally off and I say goodbye to my playing career. You fans have given everything to me, and it is an honor to represent you.
"I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I did. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
What happened next
After retirement, Craig Gordon will likely be involved in an off-field role, either as a coach or in a managerial capacity in the world of football. With his extensive experience, his contribution to the field of youth development could be invaluable to clubs in Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Craig Gordon announce?
Craig Gordon announced his retirement from football after a 25 year career.
Who confirmed Craig Gordon's retirement?
Craig Gordon himself confirmed his retirement in an emotional video delivered via his boyhood club, Heart of Midlothian.
Why did Craig Gordon decide to retire now?
Craig Gordon stated that although he doesn't want his career to end, all things must end and he feels grateful to have lived his dream.
What changed after Craig Gordon's retirement?
With the retirement of Craig Gordon, his 25-year playing career came to an end, and the Heart of Midlothian club lost one of their key players.
How long has Craig Gordon been in professional football?
Craig Gordon had a career in professional football for 25 years.