Joe Hart to end goalkeeping career at the end of the season

Celtic has officially announced that their goalkeeper, Joe Hart, will be hanging up his gloves at the conclusion of this season. At 36 years old, Hart is choosing to conclude a distinguished career that has seen him achieve considerable success at both the club and international levels.

In a heartfelt tribute, Celtic's coach, Brendan Rodgers, praised Hart's remarkable career and the impact he has had on football. Rodgers highlighted Hart's exceptional contributions to Celtic, acknowledging his significance not only as a player of the highest caliber but also as an extraordinary individual. He commended Hart for his professionalism, work ethic, and the leadership he has demonstrated throughout his time with the team and during his extensive career.

Rodgers also noted Hart's indelible mark on the game, expressing confidence that while Hart may be retiring from playing, his involvement in football will persist in some capacity, underscoring the sport's ingrained presence in Hart's life. The coach, along with everyone at Celtic, extended their best wishes to Hart for his future endeavors, anticipating that he will continue to achieve great success beyond his playing days.

Hart's international career with England saw him earn 75 caps, participating in major tournaments such as two European Championships (2012 and 2016) and the World Cup in 2014. However, it was at Manchester City where Hart truly made his mark. Between 2007 and 2016, he was pivotal in the club's domestic and international achievements, including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Following his tenure at Manchester City, Hart experienced stints with Torino, West Ham, Burnley, and Tottenham, before joining Celtic in 2021. At Celtic, he continued to add to his trophy collection, securing two league titles, a Scottish Cup, and two League Cups. This season, Hart has been a key player for Celtic, featuring in 34 matches and solidifying his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Scottish giants.

Joe Hart's retirement marks the end of an era for a goalkeeper who has not only achieved significant success on the pitch but has also earned the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his commitment, leadership, and professionalism.

How odds move and what AI can learn from bookmakers

Learn why football odds move, what drives bookmaker price changes from opening to closing lines, and how AI models can use odds and line movement without leakage.

The best data sources for AI soccer predictions

A practical guide to the best data sources for AI soccer predictions, covering event data, tracking data, odds, injuries, and open datasets, plus how to choose, validate, and combine them.

Liverpool confirm Alexander Isak suffers broken leg and undergoes surgery

Ankle surgery for Alexander Isak will keep the Liverpool striker out for an undefined period after he suffered a fibula fracture in the win at Tottenham.

Expected goals explained and how AI uses xG to predict results

Understand expected goals (xG) from first principles and see how AI uses xG, shot quality, and team context to predict football results with stronger accuracy and calibration.

Machine learning vs human intuition in match forecasting

Compare machine learning and human intuition in match forecasting, examining strengths, blind spots, and why a hybrid approach often delivers the most dependable predictions.

How AI Is Changing Football Predictions in 2026

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming football predictions through richer data, smarter models, real-time context, and stronger transparency and governance.

Alavés pay a very high price for reaching the round of sixteen

Alavés beat Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey round of sixteen, but injuries to Jonny Otto and Lucas Boyé threaten their plans ahead of the Osasuna clash.

Benzema praises Sergio Conceicao

Karim Benzema reflects on his progression at Al Ittihad, admits his first season was average, praises Sergio Conceicao’s training intensity, and argues Saudi football is improving fast and is closer to Europe’s level than many believe.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

Top Countries

Around the web

Reijnders opens his account at the Etihad Stadium

Tijjani Reijnders played an important role on Saturday in Manchester City’s home win over West Ham United and scored his first goal at the Etihad Stadium. The Netherlands international was in high spirits after the match, although his manager Pep Guardiola added a note of caution.

Napoli condemns Allegri for an uncontrolled assault in the Italian Super Cup

Napoli’s two to nil Italian Super Cup win over AC Milan was overshadowed by a club statement accusing Massimiliano Allegri of repeated insults toward sporting coordinator Gabriele Oriali, raising the prospect of scrutiny from match officials and disciplinary authorities.

Rayo Vallecano and Mainz among the teams through to the Conference League round of sixteen

Rayo Vallecano and Mainz joined Strasbourg and other qualifiers in sealing direct passage to the UEFA Conference League round of sixteen, while the remaining contenders head into February’s play off ties and Universitatea Craiova suffered late heartbreak to miss out on qualification.

Salah is a grown man and can say whatever he wants

Mohamed Salah apologised to Liverpool team-mates after publicly criticising the club and head coach Arne Slot, with Curtis Jones describing the apology and Liverpool managing the fallout through a short omission and swift reintegration before Salah joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.

De Jong marks return to Barcelona starting line-up with crucial win over Villarreal

Barcelona recorded an important victory over Villarreal on Sunday as Frenkie de Jong returned to the starting line-up. The La Liga leaders were rarely troubled at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Harry Kane breaks record in the Bundesliga

The Bayern Munich striker became the fastest player ever to directly contribute to one hundred goals in the German league by scoring against Heidenheim.