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.
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 hampered 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.
Gordon: I lived my dreams
“I’ve never wanted it to end, but end it must,” Gordon said in a video released by Hearts. “I have lived my dreams and for that, I’m so thankful.
“Everyone has dreams. Mine were probably no different to most kids – play for my club and my country. Heart of Midlothian and Scotland.
“Improbable? Perhaps. Impossible? Absolutely not.
“Hard work, sacrifices, setbacks. Step by step, dreams become reality. From supporting Hearts to playing for Hearts. Years of hard work can never fully prepare you. You want to do yourself proud, you want to do your family proud, you want to do the fans proud.
“I’m not much of a singer, but I improved a little after 84 renditions of the national anthem. The biggest names, at the biggest stadiums, on the biggest stages – I’ve savoured every moment of it.
“[I’m] thankful for my team-mates and coaches pushing me all the way. Thankful for my opponents for spurring me on. Thankful for the medical staff who have worked with me throughout the years. Thankful to my loved ones for their support.
“Now the gloves are finally off and I bid farewell to my playing career. You, the fans, have given me everything, and it has been a privilege to represent you.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
