Craig Gordon’s neck surgery risk revealed before World Cup
8 reported
A BBC Scotland documentary titled “Icons of Football” shows Craig Gordon being told by a spine doctor that his neck treatment could result in paralysis or death. The 43-year-old Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper traveled to London in March to see Dr. Usamah Jannoun, who did not minimize the risks. Gordon, the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup, has missed an estimated 1,975 days of football due to a series of serious injuries including ankle issues, broken arms, a broken leg, knee surgeries, and neck and shoulder problems. He says his entire career has been a series of comebacks against the odds. Gordon made his Scotland debut more than 22 years ago, before three current World Cup squad members were born. He nearly retired at the end of last season but decided to continue after Scotland qualified for their first World Cup in 28 years with a 4-2 victory over Denmark in November. Gordon says the World Cup is “almost definitely” the end of his career.
What’s reported
Gordon was told by spine doctor Usamah Jannoun that his neck treatment could cause paralysis or death.
The conversation was filmed for a BBC Scotland documentary available on iPlayer from Wednesday at 06:00 BST.
Gordon has missed an estimated 1,975 days of football (around 200 games) due to injuries.
He suffered patellar tendonitis in 2012 that kept him out for two years; a surgeon advised him to retire.
Gordon made his Scotland debut over 22 years ago, before three current World Cup squad members were born.
He only played six times in the season just ended: three for Hearts and three for Scotland.
Scotland qualified for the World Cup by beating Denmark 4-2 in November.
Gordon is the oldest player at the 2026 tournament; if he plays, he will become the second-oldest player in World Cup history.
Key figures
Craig Gordon: Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper, 43 years old
Usamah Jannoun: spine doctor
Steve Clarke: Scotland manager
Alexander Schwolow: Hearts goalkeeper
Ben Gannon-Doak, Findlay Curtis, Tyler Fletcher: current Scotland World Cup squad members
Aaron Hickey: Scotland player
Scott McTominay: Scotland player
Kieran Tierney: Scotland player
Angus Gunn: Scotland goalkeeper
Sources: BBC News
