Craig Gordon, the 43‑year‑old Hearts and Scotland keeper, flew to London in March to consult spine specialist Usamah Jannoun. Jannoun warned that the surgery to repair Gordon’s neck could cause paralysis or death. Gordon accepted the risk, insisting he would fight on for the World Cup, even as his career has been punctuated by injuries since 1994 as a longtime player.

Over his career, Gordon has missed an estimated 1,975 days—about 200 games—due to ankle breaks, a broken arm, knee surgeries, and a career‑threatening patellar tendonitis that sideted him for two years. He endured three surgeries in Sweden and Spain, a psychologist’s help, and a surgeon’s warning to retire, yet he returned to play for Hearts and earned 100 caps for Scotland.

His most memorable outing came in November, when a 4‑2 win over Denmark lifted Scotland to its first World Cup in 28 years. Gordon, who played six times last season—including three for Hearts—felt the weight of history and the risk of another injury. If selected, he will be the tournament’s oldest player, cementing his legacy as a walking miracle today.