Craig Gordon has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Scottish football.

Across 25 years, the goalkeeper established himself as one of the finest players ever to wear the Scotland jersey, while earning admiration for his resilience as much as his ability.

Gordon hangs up his gloves after making 682 senior club appearances for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland and Celtic. He also represented Scotland 84 times, cementing his place among the country’s most-capped players.

His professional journey began at Hearts, where he progressed through the club’s academy before gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Cowdenbeath.

His performances helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006, ending a 50 year wait for the trophy.

Gordon’s displays attracted widespread attention, and Sunderland secured his signature in 2007 for around £9 million. The transfer made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time.

However, Gordon’s time in the Premier League was interrupted by persistent knee injuries. The setbacks became so severe that he was released by Sunderland in 2012 and spent the next two years without a club.

Many believed his playing days were over. Instead, Gordon completed one of Scottish football’s greatest comeback stories.

Celtic signed him in the summer of 2014, and he immediately proved he had lost none of his quality. His return surprised many, but Gordon quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper and became an integral part of a hugely successful period.

During six seasons at Celtic Park, he won five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also part of several domestic treble winning campaigns as Celtic dominated Scottish football.

His return to top-level football also reignited his Scotland career. Gordon reclaimed the number one jersey and remained a reliable presence for the national team well into his forties.

More than 20 years after making his international debut, Gordon was still competing at the highest level and helping Scotland on the international stage.

In 2020, he returned to Hearts, bringing his career full circle. While many players begin winding down at that stage, Gordon continued to produce performances that demonstrated why he remained one of the country’s best goalkeepers.

His leadership helped Hearts win the Scottish Championship and secure an immediate return to the Premiership.

Another cruel twist came in December 2022 when Gordon suffered a devastating double leg break. The injury left many fearing that his career had finally reached its conclusion.

Once again, Gordon refused to let adversity have the final say.

After months of rehabilitation, he completed yet another comeback and returned to competitive football. It was another example of the determination and mental strength that defined his career just as much as his ability between the posts.

Away from team honours, Gordon also earned significant individual recognition. He won the SFWA Footballer of the Year award three times and was named SPFL Premiership Player of the Year in 2021-22.

Gordon inspired supporters through his refusal to give up, repeatedly proving that hard work and determination could overcome the toughest setbacks.

Craig Gordon’s career will be remembered for spectacular saves and unforgettable performances. Above all though, it will be remembered as the story of a player who never stopped believing he could come back stronger.

His resilience turned an already exceptional career into one of the most inspiring Scottish football has ever seen.