Craig Gordon is gearing up to make his World Cup debut as the Scotland squad returns to the tournament this weekend for the first time in 28 years. The 43-year-old has had a remarkable journey, defying all odds after fighting off life-threatening injuries that nearly ended his football career. If he gets game time, he will become the second oldest player in World Cup history.
His wife, Summer Harl, who he first met through their love of sports at Celtic TV, is supporting him every step of the way. She took to Instagram earlier this week to send her husband a heartfelt message. Sharing a close-up shot of Craig with his goalie gloves on, she wrote: "Not many get to represent their country. Even fewer do it at a World Cup. Even less are there as the tournament’s oldest player. 1248 players… and you’re still living your dream. Not by luck, not by chance, but because you’re you. World Cup week… see you in Boston x"
The mum-of-three also shared a snap of their eldest son Ace handing out Scotland flags in nursery before the family heads out to the US to cheer on Craig and the rest of the team this weekend. The pair, who wed in a romantic ceremony in July 2025, have gone from strength to strength since they first started dating in 2017.
Meeting at Celtic
Craig and Summer first met when they worked together at Celtic TV. The Scotland star was the club's goalkeeper, and Summer was the main presenter of Celtic TV at the time. However, their relationship didn't blossom until she left the role. When Gordon left Celtic in 2020, Summer paid tribute to him on Instagram as she shared a sweet photo of them both in the Celtic TV studio. She wrote: "Hard to put six years into a caption, especially after you did it so eloquently. But I’m so proud of all you have achieved. You arrived as someone who had just spent two years out, unsure of how things would go. You leave with some incredible memories and as the most decorated goalkeeper the club has had. It’s been amazing to watch you do this. From the Celtic TV studio, from the stands, and from our home. Thank you for letting me be part of this story. An Invincible, and a great pro... it’s been quite the comeback CG. Here’s to you, and to what awaits... we love you."
Blended family
Craig and Summer share three sons together and recently welcomed their latest arrival, Archer, born in April 2026. Summer recently shared a series of polaroid snaps to Instagram of the entire family taking turns holding their little one. However, Gordon is actually a father-of-five after he previously welcomed two daughters, Emma and Freya, with his ex-wife and childhood sweetheart Jennifer. Craig and Jennifer announced their divorce in 2017 after eight years of marriage. Craig then met Summer, who took on the role of step-mum to his two daughters and has regularly shared updates about their life as a blended family on social media. Summer is known to have an incredible bond with the girls and is often seen on Instagram taking them to concerts and other outings.
Before they started their own family, Summer told her followers that the couple had been trying for a baby for 'quite some time'. In a previous blog post she answered a question asking if the pair were planning on having kids together, and she revealed she suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) so had faced some challenges. In April 2021, she became a mother when the pair welcomed their son Ace, and in September the following year their second son Axel arrived. The couple welcomed their third son Archer in April 2026.
Craig's injuries
It hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows for the pair over the past couple of years after Gordon has suffered a number of serious injuries that even put him at risk of death. In 2012, Gordon suffered patellar tendinitis which threatened his career. This is an overuse injury that affects the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. He had three surgeries and was advised by experts to retire after he was unable to play any football until 2014. In March this year he travelled to London to see a spine doctor for treatment on a neck injury. Doctor Usamah Jannoun warned Gordon of the life-threatening risks involved in the treatment he required for his injury to be fixed, but he was determined to make it to the World Cup. Now, just three months on, he is preparing for Scotland's first game against Haiti on Saturday evening, June 12, with his fans, family and loved ones all cheering him on.
