Craig Gordon retires: Former Hearts, Sunderland, Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper hangs up his gloves aged 43 after 25-year career | football news

Craig Gordon has retired from football at the age of 43.

The goalkeeper made his professional debut in 2001 and played 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.

Gordon earned a place on the Scottish FA’s International Roll of Honour, as well as being inducted into the Hearts Hall of Fame in 2007 at the age of 24 – the youngest player to receive such an accolade.

His £9m move to Sunderland later that year was a then-British-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, and his save against Bolton in 2010 is regarded as the best save in Premier League history.

Gordon’s 25-year playing career was also marred by major injuries. Ankle problems, a broken arm and knee surgery eventually ended his time at Sunderland and a period of rehabilitation began.

He was then out of action for nearly two years and took up coaching since 2012 while battling a career-threatening condition.

Unable to walk pain-free, Gordon recovered and signed for Celtic, where he won six Premiership titles, five League Cups and three Scottish Cups.

After his contract at Celtic Park expired, Gordon returned to Hearts, where he continued to impress before another setback. A double leg break on Christmas Eve 2022 threw his career back into doubt.

However, after further surgery, Gordon recovered and returned to action for Hearts and Scotland.

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 the age of 43.

Following 25 years of success, personal honor and perseverance, the goalkeeper has called time on his remarkable career.