Denmark Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel Retires Due To Shoulder Injury

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

The 39-year-old Danish player was injured in the match that Denmark lost to Portugal in the Nations League quarter-finals in March 2025, and he continued to play after his team used all its substitute players.

The problem was exacerbated by Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Stuttgart in February. His last game for the club was a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on February 22, and his contract expires next month.

Speaking to TV 2 Sport in Parken, Schmeichel said, “When my contract with Celtic expires in June, I will stop my active football career. This is a decision made for me.” he said.

“I have consulted various surgeons and specialists regarding my shoulder and they have told me that I should not expect to return and play senior football. I have given it a lot of thought but I believe now is the right time.”

Schmeichel has made 120 appearances for Denmark and featured in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as helping his country reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

He started his club career at Manchester City but spent his longest career at Leicester City; He played in 479 matches here and won the Premier League championship in 2015-16 and the FA Cup in 2021.

He played for Nice and Anderlecht before joining Celtic and has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season. He won two Scottish Premiership titles and a League Cup at Celtic.

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

“I’ve got a lot on my plate, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities and things in my career. A lot of experiences.

“I really wish there was just one match, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.”