Legendary Danish and Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who etched his name in soccer history by winning the 2016 Premier League title with Leicester City in one of the most iconic underdog victories in the sport’s modern era, has formally announced his retirement from professional soccer, forced to step away early by a persistent serious shoulder injury.
Schmeichel broke the news in an exclusive interview with Denmark’s TV2, broadcast on Wednesday. “When my contract with Celtic expires this coming June, my career as an active professional footballer will come to an end,” the 39-year-old said. “I believe this is the right moment to make it public that I have already played my final match at the top professional level.”
The goalkeeper, who is the son of Manchester United all-time great Peter Schmeichel, has not taken the field since February this year. Back in March, he already shared that he would need to undergo two separate shoulder surgeries, but held out hope that he could recover enough to continue his playing career. Unfortunately, those hopes never came to fruition, leaving Schmeichel to accept that his time competing at the top level is over.
Throughout a decorated career that spanned clubs including Manchester City, Leeds United, Nice, Anderlecht, Leicester and most recently Celtic, Schmeichel also earned 120 caps for the Danish men’s national team, and represented his country at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Reflecting on his early exit from the sport, Schmeichel acknowledged, “it’s not how I would have wanted my career to end.”
Schmeichel’s last appearance in a Denmark national team jersey came in November 2023, during a World Cup qualifying defeat to Scotland. The Danish Football Union (DBU) paid tribute to the goalkeeper on social media platform X, highlighting his 13-year legacy with the national side. “From his debut in Skopje to his World Cup bow against Peru, countless match-winning saves against the world’s top teams, a Euro semifinal run at Wembley and so much more,” the DBU post read. “13 years. 120 matches for the National Team. Thanks for unforgettable moments, Kasper.”