Craig Gordon: the Scottish icon who went from a career-ending injury to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup

Craig Gordon: The 43-Year-Old Scottish Hero Who Helped Secure a 2026 World Cup Return 💙🏴

Craig Gordon‘s story is one of the greatest comebacks modern football has seen. The Hearts and Scotland legend — who turns 43 in December — has played a crucial role in taking Scotland to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

This achievement is even more remarkable considering Gordon was close to retirement after suffering a horrific double-leg break, followed by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for 465 days. Many believed his career was over. Gordon himself admitted he almost walked away from the game last summer.

But Scotland manager Steve Clarke told him he “might need” him — and when that moment came, Gordon responded.

The veteran goalkeeper made history last night, becoming the oldest European player ever to appear in a World Cup qualifier, breaking a record that stood for 60 years, previously held by England’s Stanley Matthews. This feat came despite Gordon not playing a single competitive minute for Hearts this season.

A dream 21 years in the making, Gordon finally helped guide his nation back to football’s biggest stage, rewriting Scottish football history and proving the power of resilience, loyalty, and belief.

Respect to the legend.