A Scottish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, known for his impressive reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, earning him numerous accolades and a spot in the Scottish national team.
Craig Gordon, born on December 31, 1982, is a Scottish professional footballer renowned for his impressive goalkeeping skills, earning him a coveted spot as the captain of Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian and the Scotland national team.
Gordon's journey began in Edinburgh, where he attended Balerno Community High School from 1994 to 1999. His father, David Gordon, played in goal for several East of Scotland clubs, influencing Craig's early interest in the sport.
Gordon's own career started at local team Currie Boys Football Club, before joining the Heart of Midlothian's youth development programme, where he graduated and eventually signed with the club.
Gordon's breakthrough came in 2003, when he established himself as Hearts' first-choice keeper, winning the Scottish Cup in 2005-06.
His exceptional performance caught the attention of English Premier League club Sunderland, which bought him in 2007 for £9 million, a then-British transfer record fee for a goalkeeper.
During his time with Sunderland, Gordon suffered serious injuries that disrupted his career, leading to his release from the contract in 2012.
After two years out of the game, Gordon underwent intense rehabilitation and signed with Celtic in July 2014. His determination paid off, as he won five Scottish league titles, two Scottish Cups, and four Scottish League Cups with Celtic, including domestic trebles in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19.
Gordon's impressive form earned him a regular spot in the Scotland national team between 2004 and 2010. After injuries interrupted his career, he returned to the national setup in 2014 and went on to make his 50th full international appearance for Scotland in 2017, earning him a place in the Scottish FA International Roll of Honour.
In June 2024, Gordon became the oldest footballer to have played for Scotland.
Gordon's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
Craig Gordon's perseverance and dedication to the sport have made him a legend in Scottish football. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring goalkeepers, demonstrating the importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming adversity.
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