Former Wales goalkeeper Hennessey announces retirement

Wayne Hennessey, whose 109 appearances for Wales are the joint-second most of any participant, has introduced his retirement from soccer.

Solely Gareth Bale (111) has represented Wales extra typically than Hennessey (stage with Chris Gunter), who made his debut for the crew in 2007 and retired from the worldwide sport in 2023.

Hennessey helped Wales attain the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and began two of their three video games on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Nonetheless, Hennessey was despatched off in Wales’ second match at that event – a 2-0 defeat to Iran that ended their hopes of creating the spherical of 16.

He grew to become simply the third goalkeeper to be despatched off at a World Cup, after Gianluca Pagliuca for Italy in opposition to Norway in 1994 and Itumeleng Khune for South Africa versus Uruguay in 2010.

Hennessey began his profession at Wolves, spending eight years with their senior crew after progressing by the youth system.

He later returned to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, serving as their first-choice goalkeeper between 2015-16 and 2017-18, earlier than spells as a backup for Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

Wayne Hennessey has in the present day introduced his retirement from skilled soccer after making 109 appearances for Cymru and that includes at main tournaments for his nation.

Thanks for the whole lot, Wayne! pic.twitter.com/lpdi1jqzkz

– Wales (@Cymru) July 16, 2025

“I’ve determined to convey my taking part in profession to an finish, I look again with gratitude and ahead with optimism as I take the subsequent steps on my footballing journey,” Hennessey stated.

“I’ve wonderful recollections taking part in for each membership and nation. From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Crystal Palace, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, every membership formed me each on and off the sphere.

“Having been born and raised in north Wales, it was at all times my dream to play on the highest stage. It was a privilege to play within the Premier League and for my nation over 100 occasions.”

Hennessey made 187 Premier League appearances throughout his spells with Wolves, Palace, Burnley and Forest, preserving 37 clear sheets.