Kasper Schmeichel forced into retirement aged 39 in ‘one of hardest moments’ of his life

Kasper Schmeichel has been forced to retire from football due to a serious shoulder injury.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper has not taken part in a match since February and admitted earlier this year that he may have played his final game due to an impending 12-month recovery.

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He suffered the shoulder injury that has now ended his career while playing for Celtic against Stuttgart in the Europa League.

And as his contract with the Scottish giants expires this summer, the Dane will not be returning to professional football.

Schmeichel announced the news in an interview with Danish outlet TV 2 Sport on Wednesday morning.

He revealed: “It is a decision that has been made for me. I have consulted various surgeons and experts in relation to my shoulder, and they have told me that I should not expect to return to playing top football. I have given myself a lot of thought, but I believe that now is the right time.”

Schmeichel then posted another announcement on Instagram, writing: “These are some of the hardest words I have ever had to write, but I’m writing them to say thank you directly to all of you who have followed and supported me throughout my career.

“I’ve been a footballer since the day I was born. Accepting that my body may no longer allow me to do the thing I have loved more than anything is one of the hardest moments of my life.

“I love football. The everyday life inside clubs. The dressing room. The hard work. The pressure. The feeling of walking onto the pitch on the biggest stage, fighting for trophies with your teammates beside you. Nothing will ever replace that feeling.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience unforgettable moments throughout my career, including league titles and cup victories in both England and Scotland.

“Ten years ago, we won the Premier League with Leicester City. A miracle for the entire football world, and something I don’t think any of us who lived it will ever truly be able to explain.

“Over the last two seasons, we won four trophies with Celtic. I’m proud of every medal, every experience, and the honour of being part of such an incredible club’s history.

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“The roar. The songs. The passion from the stands. Those are things I will carry with me forever.”

Schmeichel continued: “Representing Denmark was truly something special. It was my childhood dream to play for my country. To captain Denmark at a World Cup and European Championship will always be the greatest honour of my career.

“For me, football was never just a job. It was something I was willing to sacrifice everything for. I never wanted my career to end because I couldn’t fight anymore. Unfortunately, the injury has made that decision for me.

“I grew up in a different era, where you idolised players who fought for everything and never gave up. That mentality shaped my entire career. Ever since this injury happened, I believed that if there was even the smallest chance I could keep going, then I had to try.

“Now I have tried everything…accepting that it may be over is still something I’m trying to come to terms with. But despite the pain of this moment, I’m filled with enormous pride and gratitude for what football has given me.”

He then went on to thank all of his teammates, clubs and fans from throughout his career, concluding: “It has meant more than words can ever explain. From the bottom of my heart: Thank you.”

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Schmeichel’s incredible career

Schmeichel has retired from football after a career spanning 20 years and 937 total appearances for 12 clubs and his nation.

The Danish shot-stopper was a key figure in Leicester City’s famous Premier League triumph in 2015/16.

He also won the FA Cup and Community Shield with the Foxes during his successful 11-year stint in the East Midlands.

Following his departure from the club in 2022, he spent a year in France with Nice in Ligue 1 before joining Anderlecht and then returning to the UK to sign for Celtic in 2024.

Schmeichel then went on to play 88 times for the Scottish Premiership champions, keeping 37 clean sheets.

He won two Scottish league titles and the Scottish League Cup while playing for the club.

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The goalkeeper came through Manchester City‘s academy at the start of his career, going on to feature for Notts County and Leeds after multiple loan spells in the EFL.

On the international stage, Schmeichel picked up 120 caps for Denmark, playing at two World Cups and reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020 with his country.

“Kasper Schmeichel ends his career,” the Danish FA wrote.

“From debut in Skopje to World Cup debut against Peru, big saves against some of the world’s best nations, a Euro semifinal at Wembley and much more.

“13 years. 120 matches for the National Team. Thanks for the unforgettable moments, Kasper.”