Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon (born 31 December 1982) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership.[1][2] He has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over two decades, beginning in the Heart of Midlothian youth academy in 1999 and making his senior debut for the club in 2002.[1] Gordon rose to prominence at Hearts, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2003–04 season and helped the team finish second in the Scottish Premier League in 2005–06 while winning the Scottish Cup that year through a crucial penalty save in the final shootout.[1] In August 2007, he transferred to Sunderland for a then-British record fee for a goalkeeper of £9 million, though his time in the English Premier League was hampered by injuries and the club's relegation.[1] After a period as a free agent, he joined Celtic in 2014, where he secured six Scottish Premiership titles, five Scottish League Cups, and three Scottish Cups over six seasons.[3] Gordon returned to Hearts in August 2020, contributing to their 2020–21 Scottish Championship title and a third-place finish in the 2021–22 Premiership; he suffered a severe double leg fracture in December 2022, from which he recovered to play the following seasons, but after a neck injury in May 2025, he made a comeback in September 2025.[1][4] Internationally, Gordon earned his first cap for Scotland in 2004 against Trinidad and Tobago and has since accumulated 81 caps as of November 2025, making him one of the country's most capped goalkeepers. In November 2025, he was called up for Scotland's 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including against Greece.[5][6] His performances have earned him widespread acclaim, including three Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards in 2006, 2015, and 2022—the only player to achieve this feat—along with induction into the Hearts Hall of Fame in 2007 at age 24 and the Scottish FA International Roll of Honour.[7][8][1]Early life
Background and youth development
Craig Gordon was born on 31 December 1982 in Edinburgh, Scotland.[9] He grew up in the Edinburgh area with his parents, David and Heather Gordon. His father, David, had previously played as a goalkeeper for several local amateur clubs in the east of Scotland and later worked as a goalkeeping coach.[10][11] The family supported Gordon's early interest in football, with his mother Heather often participating in backyard kickabouts to help him practice his skills.[11] Gordon's early education took place at Curriehill Primary School, where he emerged as a standout schoolboy footballer, displaying notable talent in the sport from a young age. He later attended Balerno Community High School from 1994 to 1999, continuing to balance academics with his growing involvement in football activities at school.[10][11] Gordon entered organized youth football with Currie Boys Club in the Edinburgh area, marking the start of his structured development as a goalkeeper. He subsequently played for Inch House Sports Club and Tynecastle Boys Club before joining the Heart of Midlothian youth academy at the age of 12, around 1995.[2] There, he underwent initial training and progressed through the club's youth ranks, including appearances in under-age matches that helped build his foundational skills as a shot-stopper. In 1999, at age 16, he signed a full-time professional contract with Hearts, solidifying his path within the academy.[12] This early immersion in the club's youth system provided the groundwork for his later senior-level opportunities.[1]Initial football influences
Craig Gordon's early passion for football was profoundly shaped by his family, particularly his father, David Gordon, who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs in the East of Scotland League, imparting foundational knowledge and inspiration to his son from a young age.[13] Growing up in the Balerno suburb of Edinburgh, Gordon often observed his father's matches, fostering an early appreciation for the demands of the goalkeeping position within Scottish football culture.[9] Initially, Gordon began playing football as a left winger, leveraging his left-footed ability, but a pivotal moment came during a heavy defeat in a youth game, prompting him to switch to goalkeeper to better contribute to his team's defense.[13] He reflected on this transition, stating, “I very quickly realised I could help the team more by stopping the other team scoring.”[13] This decision was reinforced through casual play with friends, where he discovered a natural enjoyment in the role, further solidified by receiving a goalpost set as a Christmas present that allowed him to practice at home.[13] Before entering structured academy programs, Gordon honed his skills in local youth setups, starting his organized football at Currie Boys Football Club, where he established himself as a goalkeeper.[2] He also participated with Inch House Sports Club and Tynecastle Boys Club, gaining experience in community-level matches that emphasized resilience despite his initially small stature—standing at just 5ft 9in until age 15.[2] Complementary sports like badminton, rugby, table tennis, and cricket, encouraged by his parents' involvement in badminton, developed his hand-eye coordination and reflexes, providing a broad athletic foundation for his goalkeeping aspirations.[13]Club career
Early career at Hearts
Craig Gordon joined the Heart of Midlothian academy in 1999 at the age of 16, signing his initial professional contract on 26 October that year.[13] This marked the beginning of his development within the club's youth system, where he focused on building his skills as a goalkeeper despite early concerns about his height and physique.[14] During his time in the youth and reserve setup, Gordon trained under goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart, who advocated for his retention and provided crucial guidance on shot-stopping and positioning.[13] Stewart, a former professional goalkeeper, worked alongside first-team manager Craig Levein, appointed in 2000, helping Gordon observe and learn from established keepers like Gilles Rousset and Antti Niemi during training sessions.[15] In the 2001–02 season, Gordon featured in the Hearts reserve team, making six appearances that showcased his potential and consistency in competitive youth fixtures.[16] A pivotal moment in his reserve career occurred on 3 March 2001, when Gordon was included in the first-team squad as a backup goalkeeper for a Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Ibrox, signaling his rapid progress and earning recognition from the coaching staff.[13] These reserve performances and training exposures highlighted his readiness for greater challenges, ultimately leading to a loan opportunity at Cowdenbeath for his first senior-level experience.[1]Loan to Cowdenbeath
In September 2001, Gordon was loaned to Cowdenbeath of the Scottish Second Division to gain senior experience. He made 15 appearances during his three-month spell, including his professional debut on 15 September 2001 in a 1–0 win against Stirling Albion. Gordon helped Cowdenbeath finish mid-table, conceding just 12 goals in his matches, and continued training with Hearts. The loan ended in December 2001, after which he returned to the Hearts reserves.[1][2]First spell at Heart of Midlothian
Gordon made his first-team debut for Heart of Midlothian on 6 October 2002, aged 19, in a 1–1 Scottish Premier League draw against Livingston at Tynecastle Park.[17] He featured once more that season before securing a regular starting role from the 2003–04 campaign onward, displacing established goalkeeper Tepi Moilanen and becoming the club's undisputed number one by 2004.[1] Over his initial stint through to early 2007, Gordon amassed 139 appearances across all competitions, showcasing consistent shot-stopping and distribution that anchored Hearts' defense in the Scottish Premier League.[3] In the 2005–06 season, Gordon's contributions were pivotal to Hearts' domestic success, particularly in their Scottish Cup triumph—the club's first since 1998.[18] He played every match en route to the final, where Hearts drew 1–1 with Gretna before prevailing 4–2 on penalties; Gordon saved two spot-kicks, including the decisive one from David Nicholls, to clinch the trophy at Hampden Park.[19] That year also marked Hearts' return to European competition, with Gordon making 11 appearances in the UEFA Cup group stage and knockout rounds, including a clean sheet on debut in a 1–0 away victory over Bordeaux in November 2005.[20] His league form, yielding 15 clean sheets, helped Hearts finish third in the SPL and qualify for the Champions League qualifiers the following season. Gordon's rapid rise was recognized with individual accolades, including the SFWA Young Player of the Year award in 2004 for his breakout performances.[21] By 2006, following the cup win, he became the first Hearts player in 18 years to claim the SFWA Footballer of the Year honor, the youngest recipient at age 23.[1] His standout spell at Hearts culminated in a high-profile transfer to Sunderland in August 2007 for a British record £9 million fee for a goalkeeper.[22]Sunderland
Gordon signed for Sunderland on 7 August 2007 for a then-British record £9 million fee. He made his debut the following day in a 1–0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur, keeping a clean sheet, and featured in all 38 league matches during the 2007–08 season. Despite his performances, Sunderland were relegated to the Championship. Injuries hampered his subsequent years: a pre-season knee injury limited him to 8 appearances in 2008–09, followed by 24 in 2009–10 amid further issues. In 2010–11, he was second-choice to Simon Mignolet (5 apps), and in 2011–12, he started 25 games before suffering a cruciate ligament tear in October 2011. Gordon was released in May 2012 after 96 total appearances.[2][3]Free agent period and coaching
Following his release from Sunderland in May 2012, Craig Gordon entered a two-year period as a free agent, during which persistent knee injuries severely limited his playing prospects.[23] The former Scotland international, who had joined the club for a then-British record £9 million fee in 2007, faced ongoing rehabilitation challenges that kept him sidelined and without a professional contract.[24] Gordon's knee problems, stemming from cruciate ligament damage sustained in 2011, led him to question whether he could ever return to competitive football at a high level.[25] To maintain fitness and explore alternative paths in the game, Gordon trained with Rangers during the 2013–14 season under manager Ally McCoist, though the club ultimately did not offer him a deal.[26] He also took on an informal coaching role with Scottish First Division side Dumbarton in early 2013, assisting player-manager Ian Murray on an ad-hoc basis while continuing his recovery.[27] This stint allowed Gordon to stay involved in football amid growing doubts about his playing future; in February 2013, he publicly expressed pessimism, stating it was "very unlikely" he would play again that season and considering a full transition to coaching.[28] The period was marked by significant personal challenges, including the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty and the risk of early retirement at age 30. Gordon worked closely with physiotherapists to rebuild his knee strength, crediting targeted rehabilitation for his eventual progress.[29] By March 2014, he announced a full recovery, reigniting his ambition to resume playing professionally and setting the stage for a surprise move to Celtic later that summer.[30]Celtic
In July 2014, Celtic signed Craig Gordon on a free transfer as a backup goalkeeper following a two-year absence from professional football due to injury.[26] He quickly established himself in the squad after Fraser Forster's departure to Southampton, making his competitive debut in a 3–0 Scottish Premiership win over St Johnstone on 13 August 2014.[31] By the 2015–16 season, Gordon had become the club's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, a position he held for much of his tenure.[32] During his time at Celtic from 2014 to 2020, Gordon made 242 appearances across all competitions, contributing to a dominant era for the club.[33] He won six Scottish Premiership titles between 2015 and 2020, along with four Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups, showcasing his reliability in high-stakes matches.[34] Key highlights included his role in four domestic trebles in the 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, and 2019–20 seasons, where Celtic secured the league, Scottish Cup, and League Cup; the 2016–17 campaign was particularly notable as an "Invincibles" season with an unbeaten domestic record.[35] Gordon also gained exposure in European competitions, featuring in UEFA Champions League group stages during 2015–16 and 2017–18, as well as Europa League ties.[36] Gordon's consistent performances at Celtic aligned with his successful return to the Scotland national team in 2017, bolstering his international career after a prolonged hiatus.[35] His contract expired at the end of the 2019–20 season, leading to his departure amid increased competition from younger goalkeepers such as Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas.[37]Second spell at Heart of Midlothian
Craig Gordon returned to Heart of Midlothian on a two-year contract in June 2020, shortly after leaving Celtic, where he initially served as a backup goalkeeper before establishing himself as the first-choice option under manager Robbie Neilson.[38][39][40] In the 2020–21 season, Gordon played a pivotal role in Hearts' promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, featuring in 32 league matches and earning recognition as the Championship's top shot-stopper with 135 saves and a strong save percentage.[41][42] He has since accumulated over 190 appearances across all competitions in his second spell at the club as of November 2025.[2] Gordon's progress was interrupted by a severe double leg fracture sustained in a December 2022 match against Dundee United, which sidelined him for over a year until his return to competitive action in January 2024.[43][44][45] During the 2024–25 season, Gordon saw limited playing time due to competition from Zander Clark, but he signed a one-year contract extension in May 2025, securing his place at Tynecastle until the summer of 2026.[46][47][48] In recent developments, Gordon received a Scotland national team call-up for World Cup qualifiers in September 2025 despite his lack of club minutes, and in November 2025, Hearts rejected approaches from Kilmarnock for an emergency loan deal involving the veteran goalkeeper.[49][50][51][52] This selection underscores his continued relevance to the international setup.[49]International career
Youth international career
Craig Gordon began his international career with Scotland's youth teams, progressing to the under-21 level in 2002. He made his debut for the Scotland U21 team on 4 September 2002, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 friendly victory over Israel at New Douglas Park in Hamilton.[53] This appearance marked the start of a brief but promising stint at the youth international level, where he demonstrated potential as a reliable goalkeeper. Over the next two seasons, Gordon accumulated 5 caps for the Scotland U21 side, all between the 2002–03 and 2003–04 campaigns.[54] He featured as a substitute in several matches, including a 3–1 friendly defeat to Norway on 19 August 2003.[55] Although primarily a backup during this period, his inclusion in the squad highlighted his emerging talent from Hearts' youth system. Gordon was part of the Scotland U21 squad for the 2002–03 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign in Group 5 with Spain, Ukraine, Romania, and Belarus, though he did not feature in the competitive fixtures.[56] Scotland finished third in the group and failed to advance to the finals, with Gordon's youth exposures providing valuable experience in high-pressure environments. His consistent club form at Hearts, where he was establishing himself as first-choice goalkeeper, aided his youth international progress and paved the way for senior team consideration by early 2004. By then, Gordon's shot-stopping ability and composure had caught the attention of Scotland's national coaches, leading to his transition to the full international squad.Early senior career (2004–2010)
Craig Gordon earned his first senior cap for Scotland on 30 May 2004, starting in a 4–1 friendly victory against Trinidad and Tobago at Easter Road in Leith.[57] He quickly became a regular in the national team setup under manager Berti Vogts, featuring in his debut competitive match during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. By November 2010, Gordon had accumulated 40 caps for Scotland, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper during a transitional period for the team. His appearances included key World Cup qualifying campaigns in 2006 and 2010, where he played in matches against nations like the Netherlands and Italy, contributing to Scotland's efforts despite the team failing to qualify. Notably, Gordon was instrumental in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying playoffs, starting both legs of the 3–1 aggregate loss to Italy in November 2007, where his saves were highlighted in the 1–1 home draw. Gordon's early international performances were widely praised for his commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping ability, earning him the reputation as one of Scotland's most promising goalkeepers of the era. However, recurring injuries, including a serious knee problem in 2009, significantly impacted his availability and consistency for the national side. However, recurring injuries limited his availability, leading to a hiatus from international duty after his 40th cap in a 3–0 victory against the Faroe Islands on 16 November 2010.[18] During this period, his success at Hearts, including winning the Scottish Cup in 2006, had bolstered his confidence for international outings.Hiatus and comeback (2011–2017)
Gordon's international career was interrupted by severe injuries from 2011 to 2014, during which he earned no caps. He returned to the Scotland squad in September 2014 after signing for Celtic. His comeback cap, the 41st of his career, came as a substitute in a 3–1 friendly defeat to England on 18 November 2014. Over the next three years, he added 9 more caps, reaching his 50th appearance in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia on 5 October 2017. During this period, he featured in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaigns, though Scotland failed to qualify.Recent international appearances (2018–present)
Gordon remained a backup option for Scotland post-2017, earning sporadic caps. He was recalled in November 2020 and solidified his role, adding 31 caps to reach 81 by June 2025.[5] Notable appearances include his 70th cap in a 2–0 win over Armenia on 14 June 2022 during 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He became Scotland's oldest international player, at 41 years and 157 days, in a 2–2 draw with Finland on 7 June 2024. Despite a double leg fracture in December 2022 and a subsequent neck injury, Gordon returned to the squad in September 2025 for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus in October, though he did not feature. As of November 2025, he continues to be considered for selection.Personal life
Family and relationships
Craig Gordon married his childhood sweetheart Jennifer in 2009 after meeting at Balerno High School in Edinburgh.[58] The couple, who shared a long-term relationship rooted in their local community, divorced in 2018 after eight years of marriage.[59] Gordon and Jennifer have two daughters: Emma, born in 2010, and Freya, born in 2013.[58] In 2017, amid the breakdown of his marriage to Jennifer, Gordon began a relationship with television presenter Summer Harl, whom he met while at Celtic.[60] The couple welcomed their first son, Ace Harlow, in April 2021, followed by their second son, Axel Ever, in 2022.[61] Gordon and Harl became engaged in December 2022 and married on July 17, 2025, in an intimate ceremony.[62] Throughout his career transitions, including moves between clubs in Scotland and England, Gordon has credited his family for providing unwavering emotional support.[63] His blended family of four children remains a central focus, with Gordon often highlighting how their presence helps maintain stability amid professional demands.[64] The family resides in the Balerno area of Edinburgh, allowing Gordon to balance his commitments at Heart of Midlothian with family life close to home.[58] This proximity has enabled a strong work-life equilibrium, as Gordon has noted the importance of daily family routines in sustaining his long career.[9]Injuries and health challenges
Craig Gordon's career has been punctuated by significant injuries that tested his physical limits and required extensive rehabilitation. One of the most severe occurred during his time at Sunderland in the 2008-09 season, when he suffered a knee injury involving a torn tendon and subsequent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage.[65][23] This initially sidelined him for most of the season, leading to season-ending surgery in May 2009, followed by additional procedures in 2011 to address ongoing complications.[65][29] The recovery process spanned approximately 18 months, involving multiple surgeries, specialist injections, and intensive physiotherapy, ultimately contributing to his release from the club in 2012.[29][23] In December 2022, while playing for Hearts against Dundee United, Gordon endured a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula in a collision, requiring immediate surgery and ruling him out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.[43][66] His rehabilitation lasted 13 months, marked by gradual strength-building exercises and a focus on short-term milestones to maintain motivation, culminating in his return to competitive action in January 2024.[67] This injury, occurring at age 39, highlighted the physical toll of his long career but also his determination to reclaim his position as Hearts' first-choice goalkeeper.[68] In May 2025, Gordon suffered a slipped disc in his neck, which caused him to miss pre-season and the early matches of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season.[69] He returned to full training in early September 2025 and made a comeback appearance in a closed-doors match against Dunfermline on September 3, 2025, before being recalled to the Scotland national team squad later that month.[70] Throughout his professional tenure, Gordon has also dealt with recurring ankle issues, including a notable injury in the 2008-09 season that kept him out for 36 days and compounded his knee problems.[71] These, alongside general wear from over two decades of high-level play, have necessitated ongoing management of joint stability and mobility.[72] At age 42 in 2025, Gordon has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recovery, employing goal-oriented strategies to navigate the psychological demands of prolonged absences, such as setting targets to alleviate pain and rebuild confidence, which have been key to his sustained performance.[67][73] This approach has not only facilitated physical rehabilitation but also underscored his mental fortitude amid career uncertainties.[74]Career statistics
Club statistics
The following table summarizes Craig Gordon's domestic league appearances, starts, minutes played, clean sheets, and goals against by club. Data excludes cup and other competitions.[3]| Club | Years | Appearances | Starts | Minutes | Clean Sheets | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart of Midlothian | 2002–2007 | 138 | 138 | 12,355 | 48 | 131 |
| Sunderland | 2007–2012 | 88 | 88 | 7,895 | 19 | 127 |
| Celtic | 2014–2020 | 147 | 146 | 13,155 | 76 | 80 |
| Heart of Midlothian | 2020–present | 145 | 145 | 13,215 | 38 | 88 |
| Total | 518 | 517 | 46,620 | 181 | 426 |
International statistics
Craig Gordon has represented the Scotland national team 81 times as of November 2025, establishing himself as one of the country's most capped goalkeepers.[18] During these appearances, he has maintained 35 clean sheets.[75] His international statistics highlight consistent involvement across various competitions, particularly in qualifiers and friendlies. In the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Gordon contributed to Scotland's efforts in key matches, including play-offs, while his appearances in the UEFA Nations League during this period added to his tournament experience. The following table summarizes his appearances by major competition, including clean sheets for context.| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 31 | 16 |
| UEFA European Championship Qualifiers | 12 | 4 |
| UEFA Nations League | 11 | 5 |
| International Friendlies | 25 | 9 |
| UEFA Nations League Play-offs | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 81 | 35 |