Welsh football icon Wayne Hennessey announces his retirement from professional football at the age of 38, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades. Hennessey, Wales’ most-capped goalkeeper with 109 international appearances, leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, record-breaking performances, and unwavering dedication to both club and country.
Professional Debut
Hennessey’s professional debut came in 2006 with Wolves, but it was during a loan spell at Stockport County in 2007 that he first made headlines. He set a Football League record for nine consecutive clean sheets, a feat that earned him the League Two Player of the Month award for February 2007 and cemented his reputation as a rising star. This record, lasting 857 minutes without conceding, also surpassed Stockport’s 85-year-old club record.
Rise in the Premier League
Over eight seasons with Wolves, Hennessey made 166 appearances, including three years in the Premier League, and was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2007–08. His time at Wolves was followed by stints at Crystal Palace, where he played 132 matches and reached the 2016 FA Cup final, as well as Burnley and Nottingham Forest. At Forest, where he made just nine appearances after joining in 2022, a serious Achilles injury in the 2023–24 season limited his playing time. Despite this, manager Nuno Espirito Santo offered him a short-term contract extension in January 2025, a testament to Hennessey’s value both on and off the pitch.
Playing for Wales
Internationally, Hennessey was a cornerstone of Wales’ golden era. Debuting in 2007 against New Zealand, he became the nation’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in their historic run to the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-finals. Although a back spasm sidelined him for the opening match, he started the remaining games, including the memorable 3–1 quarter-final victory over Belgium. Hennessey also represented Wales at Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, though his World Cup campaign was marred by a red card against Iran, making him only the third goalkeeper in the tournament’s history to be sent off.
Reflecting on his career, Hennessey expressed gratitude in a heartfelt statement: “I have amazing memories playing for both club and country. From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Nottingham Forest, each club shaped me both on and off the field.” He also acknowledged the “formidable bond” of the goalkeepers’ union and the unwavering support of fans, particularly during his injury setbacks.
