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The legend ends! Carson, who won two Champions Leagues after 18 years and was a witness to Liverpool’s miracle, all retires

4:54am, 28 October 2025【Football】

In the past few days, Scott Carson has announced his retirement. This veteran England goalkeeper who has just turned 40 has ended his career. Carson can be said to be a winner in life. His football story is very legendary. He won the Champions League with Liverpool when he was less than 20 years old, and then became the "scapegoat" for the England representative team. Unexpectedly, he would have the opportunity to win the Champions League trophy again 18 years later, and became the first player in history to win the Champions League twice at the same venue.

Carson is a youth training player of Leeds United. He came to Liverpool with a transfer fee of 750,000 pounds when he was less than 20 years old, competing with the "performance" goalkeeper Dudek for the starting position. In the first season, that is, the 2004-2005 season, although Carson did not play in the Champions League final, he watched Dudek's funny moves on the sidelines, saving AC Milan's penalty kick, and finally completed a great comeback, won the Champions League championship, and received the championship medal at the same time.

Looking at the starters and substitutes of both sides at that time, including current Real Madrid coach Alonso, current Italy coach Gattuso, legendary striker Shevchenko, legendary captain Maldini, as well as Gerrard, Carragher, Kaká, Pirlo, Nesta, Cafu, Stam and many other well-known stars. As Carson, who was quite young at the time, announced that he was hanging up his boots, all the witnesses of the two teams that Liverpool created miracles in Istanbul have retired.

Subsequently, Carson briefly became a member of England. In the final round of the European Cup qualifiers against Croatia, England lost 2-3 to their opponents and ultimately missed the European Cup. On the same day, the then coach McClaren was dismissed. There was criticism that Ferguson's assistant should not use young goalkeepers. Carson, who lacked experience and had to take responsibility for conceding goals, suddenly became one of the "scapegoats" for England's elimination. Later, although Carson was called up to England again by Capello, he was never able to find a starting position and only represented England in 4 games.

Frustrated in England and also frustrated in Liverpool, it was difficult to compete with Reina, who replaced the Champions League hero Dudek. Carson could only frequently rent out, and finally left Anfield, constantly wandering in the Turkish Super League and many mid-to-lower English teams.

At the end of his career, Carson once again joined the top Premier League club and represented Manchester City in another Champions League final, defeating Inter Milan with a narrow goal and winning the first Champions League trophy in team history. This time, 18 years have passed since the last time he won the trophy.

Coincidentally, the two Champions League wins were both in Istanbul. Carson also became the only player in the history of the Champions League to win the championship twice at the same venue. The same thing is, Carson was on the bench and watched the entire game. The difference is that the first championship, three goals behind and three goals in a row, is a miracle in the history of the Champions League. Carson is not yet 20 years old. The second championship, thanks to Rodri's final decision, did not require the help of a miracle. Carson was already close to 40 years old.

Statistics show that during his 6 years at Manchester City, Carson only had 2 appearances in total, but he won 4 Premier League championships with the team. Including the Champions League and cup competitions, he won a total of 12 championships. He can be said to be a winner in life. It is a blessing to be able to stay in the heyday of Manchester City before retiring.

After announcing that he was hanging up his boots, Carson said that he has experienced many incredible journeys between the goals. Football has left him with unforgettable memories and sincere friendship. He is grateful to every teammate, coach, fan and club he belongs to. Now, it's time to take off the goalkeeper's gloves. Grealish, who left Manchester City on loan, also sent blessings on social media, wishing this legend the end of his football career and wishing the best brother all the best.

Joined Liverpool in the early stage, joined Manchester City in the late stage, won two Champions Leagues first and last, and won championships of all sizes. It can be described as a winner in life. "Lying on the championship" may be a characteristic of the football world, and Hazard is one of the best. However, for the goalkeeper, it is difficult to use the word "lying" to describe it. After all, during the game, the goalkeeper has to be on the bench all the time, ready to play at any time, and cannot relax at all. In a sense, he is even more mentally concentrated than the players who play.

Just like Carson's memories, in the second round of the Champions League round of 16 against Sporting CP on behalf of Manchester City, he came on board in the 73rd minute and came on as a substitute for Ederson. He then made a wonderful save. It was so great. I really didn't know what happened at the time and was a bit shocked. What’s interesting is, look at the moment when Carson replaced Ederson. As a backdrop, who was the head coach giving the thumbs up?

The goalkeeper is a very special position on the football field. Even a substitute player is very important. Leaving the beloved stadium at the age of 40, football has given me everything, which is the truest portrayal.