SOCCER: Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel retires due to shoulder injury

Denmark and Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has announced his retirement from professional football after failing to fully recover from a serious shoulder injury.

The 39-year-old sustained the injury during Denmark’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal defeat to Portugal in March 2025, but continued playing after his team had already used all substitutions. The problem worsened later during Celtic’s Europa League loss to Stuttgart in February, further limiting his ability to recover.

His final appearance for Celtic F.C. came in a 2-1 Scottish Premiership defeat to Hibernian on February 22. His contract with the club is set to expire next month.

“When my contract with Celtic expires in June, I will stop my active football career. It is a decision that has been made for me,” Schmeichel told TV 2 Sport at Parken Stadium.

“I have consulted with various surgeons and experts regarding my shoulder, and they have told me that I should not expect to come back and play top-level football. I have thought a lot, but I believe that now is the right time.”

Schmeichel earned 120 caps for Denmark national football team and represented his country at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as playing a key role in Denmark’s run to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2020.

At club level, he began his career with Manchester City before making his name at Leicester City, where he made 479 appearances. He helped the club win the Premier League title in the 2015–16 season and later lifted the FA Cup in 2021.

He also had spells with Nice and Anderlecht before joining Celtic, where he made 39 appearances this season across all competitions, winning two Scottish Premiership titles and a League Cup.

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

“I’ve gained so much along the way, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve been given so many opportunities and experiences in my career.

“I would have really liked to have just one more game, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.” -Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters