Celtic and Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel announced on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, that he is retiring from professional football due to a severe shoulder injury.
The 39-year-old has been sidelined since February and underwent two surgeries, expecting a year of rehabilitation.
>>> Tottenham Owners Pledge Major Investment and Rebuild After Poor Season
However, medical experts have now confirmed that a return to top-level football is impossible.
"When my contract with Celtic expires in June, my career as an active footballer stops," Schmeichel told TV2.
The decision follows extensive evaluations from multiple specialists.
"It is a decision that has been made for me, after consulting with several surgeons and experts in my field, who tell me that I should not expect the opportunity to return and play top football," he said.
Schmeichel noted the timing coincides with the 10th anniversary of Leicester City's Premier League title.
>>> Crashes Injure Spectators and Competitors at Isle of Man TT
"We are also celebrating our 10th anniversary of winning the championship with Leicester (at an event this weekend), so I think this is the right time now to announce that I have played my last professional football match," he added.
Despite the abrupt end, Schmeichel expressed gratitude for his career. "It’s not funny, it’s not how I would have wanted my career to end," he said.
"But on the other hand, everything comes to an end, and the biggest feeling I have left is gratitude for everything I have been able to achieve, all the clubs I have been able to play in, all the people I have met, all the friendships, and I have been lucky enough to learn through football."
Schmeichel earned 120 caps for Denmark over 13 years, playing in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
>>> BYD Shark 6 Performance and Cab-Chassis Models Launch in Australia
His final match was a 2-1 home defeat for Celtic against Hibernian.
