Craig Gordon retires: Former Hearts, Sunderland, Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper hangs up his gloves aged 43 after career spanning 25 years | Football News
Craig Gordon has retired from playing football at the age of 43.
The goalkeeper made his professional debut in 2001 and went on to play over 760 times for Hearts, Celtic, Sunderland, Cowdenbeath and Scotland.
His first of 84 international caps came in 2004, while his Scottish Cup win with Hearts in the 2005/06 season was the first of his 15 major honours.
Craig Gordon helped Hearts beat Gretna in the 2005/06 Scottish Cup final
Gordon earned a spot in the Scottish FA’s international roll of honour, plus at the age of 24 was inducted into Hearts’ hall of fame in 2007 – the youngest player to receive such an accolade.
His £9m move to Sunderland later that year was the-then-British-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, and in 2010 his save against Bolton was named the best save in Premier League history.
Gordon joined Sunderland in 2007 for £9m
Gordon’s 25-year playing career was also marred by major injuries. A succession of ankle problems, broken arms and knee surgery saw his time at Sunderland eventually end, and a period of rehab begin.
He was then out of action for around two years and took up coaching as he battled against a career-threatening condition from 2012.
From being unable to walk pain-free, Gordon recovered and signed for Celtic, where he won six Premiership titles, five League Cups and three Scottish Cups.
Gordon won six league titles when at Celtic
Following the expiry of his contract at Celtic Park, Gordon returned to Hearts, where he continued to impress before another setback. A double leg break on Christmas Eve 2022 that left his career in doubt again.
However, after more surgery, Gordon recovered again and returned to action for Hearts and Scotland.
Gordon broke his leg in two places when playing for Hearts in 2022
He played his part in last season’s title bid as Hearts missed out on the final day of the Premiership season, plus was in the Scotland squad for the World Cup at 43.
Following 25 years of success, individual honours and perseverance, the goalkeeper has called time on his remarkable career.
