Euro 2016 Hero Hennessey Ends Playing Career
Wayne Hennessey, Wales' most-capped goalkeeper with 109 international appearances, has announced his retirement from professional football. The 38-year-old leaves the game after a distinguished 20-year career that included memorable achievements at both club and international levels.
Club Career Highlights
Hennessey began his professional journey with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006, gaining experience through loan spells at Bristol City, Stockport County, and Yeovil Town. His career later flourished with permanent moves to:
- Crystal Palace
- Burnley
- Nottingham Forest (his final club)
Despite joining Forest on a free transfer in 2022, a serious Achilles tendon injury in the 2023-24 season limited him to just nine appearances. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo offered Hennessey a short-term extension until January 2025, showing the veteran's continued value to the squad.
International Legacy
Hennessey's international career was particularly remarkable:
- Made senior debut in 2007 against New Zealand
- Played his final match against Gibraltar in October 2023
- Key figure in Wales' historic Euro 2016 semi-final run
- Part of squads for Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup
The goalkeeper's crowning achievement came in 2016 when he helped Wales reach their first major tournament semi-final since 1958, including a famous 3-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Career Reflections
In his retirement statement, Hennessey expressed gratitude for his journey: "From my early days at Wolves to representing my country over 100 times, each experience shaped me both on and off the field. The summer of 2016 was undoubtedly the pinnacle - making the FA Cup final with Palace and the Euros semi-finals with Wales."
The goalkeeper also acknowledged the support he received throughout his career, particularly from fans during injury recoveries, and hinted at potential future involvement in football, possibly with Nottingham Forest's backroom staff.
Notable Career Moments
- Became Wales' most-capped goalkeeper (109 appearances)
- Third goalkeeper in World Cup history to receive a red card (2022 vs Iran)
- Cleared of FA charge regarding alleged offensive gesture in 2019
- Last remaining player from Wales' Euro 2016 starting XI to retire
Hennessey's retirement marks the end of an era for Welsh football, closing the chapter on one of the nation's most successful generations. His contributions to Wales' rise in international football and his longevity at the highest level ensure his place in the country's football history.