Former Wales goalkeeper Hennessey announces retirement

Only Gareth Bale (111) has represented Wales more often than Hennessey (level with Chris Gunter), who made his debut for the team in 2007 and retired from the international game in 2023.

Hennessey helped Wales reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and started two of their three games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, Hennessey was sent off in Wales' second match at that tournament – a 2-0 defeat to Iran that ended their hopes of making the round of 16.

He became just the third goalkeeper to be sent off at a World Cup, after Gianluca Pagliuca for Italy against Norway in 1994 and Itumeleng Khune for South Africa versus Uruguay in 2010.

Hennessey started his career at Wolves, spending eight years with their senior team after progressing through 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, before spells as a backup for Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

Wayne Hennessey has today announced his retirement from professional football after making 109 appearances for Cymru and featuring at major tournaments for his country.Diolch am bopeth, Wayne! pic.twitter.com/lPdi1jqzKZ

— Wales (@Cymru) July 16, 2025

"I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey," Hennessey said.

"I have amazing memories playing for both club and country. From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Crystal Palace, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, each club shaped me both on and off the field.

"Having been born and raised in north Wales, it was always my dream to play at the highest level. It was a privilege to play in the Premier League and for my country over 100 times."