Kasper Schmeichel retires with no way back from shoulder injury

Kasper Schmeichel has retired at the age of 39, with the Celtic and Denmark goalkeeper unable to sufficiently recover from a serious shoulder injury.

Schmeichel, who was soon out of contract with Celtic, has been out of action since February and decided to end his playing career after consulting surgeons.

“I believe now is the right time,” Manchester United’s son Great Peter told TV2.

He was injured in the Nations League quarter-final defeat to Portugal in March 2025 but played with Denmark and used all their substitutes.

Then 11 months later, Schmeichel made it worse in Celtic’s Europa League defeat against Stuttgart.

He vowed to do everything he could to prolong his career, including facing the possibility of up to a year in rehab, but said “it’s a decision made for me”.

“I didn’t realize how bad it was in March. It was a long process. When I landed on it in February, I could tell right away that something was seriously wrong.

“I have consulted various surgeons and specialists about my shoulder and they have told me that I should not expect to return to top-flight football.”

Schmeichel, who began his career at Manchester City, has racked up 120 caps for Denmark, including appearances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

He featured 39 times for Celtic this season, picking up his second Premiership winners’ medal in his two years in Glasgow.

After 10 seasons at Leicester City, Schmeichel had spells with Nice and Anderlecht before moving to Scotland, winning the Premier League in 2015-16 and the FA Cup in 2021.

“I think everyone dreams of saying goodbye on the pitch, but you don’t always get what you want,” added Schmeichel.

“I’ve had a lot more along the way, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve had a lot of opportunities, a lot of experience.

“What stands out the most are the friendships and connections I’ve made. The moments I’ve shared with them – for better or worse.”