Gordon made his Scotland debut in 2004 and finished with 84 appearances, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time list.
His international career stretched into his 40s, culminating in selection for Scotland’s World Cup squad. He did not play in the tournament, serving as back-up to Angus Gunn for all three group matches, but his presence underlined the trust placed in his experience.
Gordon was also the oldest player named in the tournament’s squads, a remarkable footnote to a career defined by resilience and staying power.
At club level, Gordon’s career took him from Heart of Midlothian to Celtic and Sunderland before returning to Hearts.
He became closely associated with each of those clubs, but his relationship with Hearts carried particular weight. The Edinburgh side gave him his senior platform and later welcomed him back, allowing the goalkeeper to close his playing career where it began.
His path was not without setbacks, including serious injury problems, yet Gordon repeatedly rebuilt his career. That persistence helped make him a trusted figure for both club and country long after many goalkeepers would have stepped away.
Gordon thanked supporters in his video message, adding: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Those words captured the tone of the announcement. There was no grandstanding, only gratitude for a career that carried him through major tournaments, domestic title challenges and a record-breaking Scotland run.
The next Scotland squad will begin the search for life without one of its most recognisable goalkeeping figures, while Hearts must move forward without a veteran whose authority stretched far beyond the penalty area.