sevendayweekender – Wayne Hennessey, Wales’ most-capped goalkeeper, has officially retired after nearly two decades in professional football. The 38-year-old earned 109 caps for Wales, making him the national record holder for appearances by a goalkeeper. His career included highlights such as reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals and competing in the 2022 World Cup.
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Hennessey began his professional journey with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006. During his early years, he gained experience through loan spells at Bristol City, Stockport County, and Yeovil Town. He later secured permanent moves to Crystal Palace, Burnley, and most recently Nottingham Forest.
Despite limited appearances for Forest—just nine since joining in 2022—Hennessey remained valued. A serious Achilles injury late in the 2023-24 season restricted his play. Still, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo offered him a short-term contract extension in January 2025, underlining the respect he commanded.
On social media, Hennessey expressed gratitude for his career, noting the influence of every club he played for. He described the 2016 FA Cup Final with Crystal Palace and Wales’ Euro 2016 semi-final run as career pinnacles. Born and raised in north Wales, playing at the highest level had always been his dream. Representing his country over 100 times was a fulfillment of that dream.
International Highlights and Life Beyond the Pitch
Hennessey made his senior Wales debut in a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in 2007. His final international appearance came in October 2023 against Gibraltar. He played a central role in Wales’ qualification for Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-finals. He started every match after recovering from a back spasm that kept him out of the first game.
His sending off in a group stage match against Iran made him only the third goalkeeper ever to receive a red card in World Cup history. Despite this, his leadership and experience remained crucial to the national team’s development.
Hennessey’s career was not without controversy. In 2019, he faced charges from the Football Association over an alleged offensive gesture in a social media post. The charge was found not proven, though the commission criticized his lack of historical knowledge. Hennessey maintained that the gesture was accidental and unintentional.
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Now retired, Hennessey may transition into a coaching role, possibly staying with Nottingham Forest. While there is no official confirmation, his leadership and insight make him a strong candidate for a backroom position. As the final member of Wales’ historic Euro 2016 semi-final team to retire, his departure marks the end of an era.
Hennessey thanked fellow players, staff, fans, and his family for their support. He paid special tribute to the goalkeepers’ union, emphasizing the camaraderie and mutual encouragement he experienced throughout his career. Looking ahead, Hennessey remains optimistic as he begins the next chapter of his football journey.
