“There weren’t many goalkeepers better than Peter Schmeichel – in his generation or any generation.” – Andy Cole.
Sir Alex Ferguson caused a stir in the footballing world when he omitted Peter Schmeichel’s name in the rather miniscule list of “world-class” players he coached while at United. The legendary coach only named four players – Cantona, Giggs, Ronaldo, and Scholes – in his book, Leading.
Besides other notable names like David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Rio Ferdinand, many pundits wondered why Ferguson also omitted Schmeichel’s name. Who was Peter Schmeichel, and what’s the story of this iconic goalkeeper? This post shows you just what you need to know to familiarize yourself with the player’s legendary career behind the sticks.
Early Life
Peter Schmeichel was born in Gladsaxe, Copenhagen on 18, November 1963 to Inger, a Danish nurse, and Antoni Schmeichel, a Polish jazz musician. He held Polish nationality until November 1971 when his family became Danish citizens.
Schmeichel's early years were in Buddinge, Copenhagen, where he began his football journey playing for a team in the adjacent suburb of Hoje-Gladsaxe. He played his first match on 7 August 1972 aged 8. Soon, his heroics drew the attention of BK Hero, a team from a few divisions above Hoje-Gladsaxe and with one of the largest youth football schemes in Denmark.
BK Hero later merged with Gladsaxe BK in 1979 to form Gladsaxe-Hero BK, soon after which the young keeper got the opportunity to play for Zealand FA's junior representative team.
Before going into professional goalkeeping, he worked several jobs to make ends meet, including working at a textile factory, an old people home, and a Wildlife Conservative. His last job outside football was with an advertising firm, just before Brondby offered him his first professional football contract.
Club Career
Schmeichel weighed close to 100 kg and reached 1.93 m in height during his playing time. A fierce foe who was renowned for loudly criticizing his defenders for their errors, he had an unusual goalkeeping achievement that would see him score 11 career goals, including one for Denmark (his national team).
Early Career: Gladsaxe-Hero and Hvidovre
He soon graduated to the Gladsaxe-Hero senior squad, where he met his first mentor, Svend Aage Hansen, the club's first team coach, and his future father-in-law. After a phenomenal performance at a youth team match against IF Skold Bikerod, Hansen approached Schmeichel with his plans for the lad, which meant he'd spend two more seasons with Gladsaxe-Hero BK before moving on to Hvidore.
He scored 6 goals at Hvidovre and worked to give his side the fifth-best defense in the league. However, despite conceding 40 goals in 30 games, he and Hvidovre finished in 14th place and got relegated in 1985. The club spent only one season in the lower division and bounced back to the 1st Division. However, Schmeichel would leave the club to join Brondby.
Brondby
In the five seasons he played with Brondby, his team won the 1st Division four times. His time with the side peaked in the 1990-91 UEFA Cup, where he helped his side reach the semifinals, keeping seven clean sheets in the tournament. Soon, his goalkeeping exploits would receive more accolades as he was voted 10th in the IFFHS “The World’s Best Goalkeeper 1991” poll.
Manchester United
Schmeichel's performances on the international scene attracted Manchester United FC scouts, earning him a 505,000 pounds move on 6 August 1991. Ferguson later described the transfer in 2000 as the "bargain of the century," alluding to the keeper's invaluable contribution to the Red Devils.
During his first season at United, the side ended up as runners-up in the Premier League and won the Football League Cup for the first time. His performances earned him "The World's Best Goalkeeper of 1992" by the IFFHS, foreshadowing much of what his remaining time at United would feel like.
His 22 clean sheets the following season saw his side win the Premier League for the first time in 26 years, alongside him clinching the world's number-one goalkeeper spot. The Danish would win more trophies with United, before ending it on a high note in the 1989-99 season. Just before leaving Old Trafford, he won the Treble (the FA Premier League title, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same season).
Sporting CP
After leaving Manchester United, Schmeichel left for Sporting CP in Lisbon, where he signed a two-year contract. His first season saw him win the 1999-2000 Primeira Liga title, as he put an end to the team’s 18 years without a championship. After spending two seasons at Sporting Lisbon, he left the club after his contract expired in June 2001 for another stint in England.
Aston Villa
His second English stint began with a one-year contract signing with Aston Villa in July 2001. On 20 October 2001, he became the first keeper to score a Premier League goal, during a 3-2 defeat away to Everton. He went on to repeat the feat five times in the Premier League (for different other teams) from corner kicks and free kicks during regular playing time.
Manchester City
In 2002, Schmeichel joined Manchester City on a free transfer, in a “shock” transfer, given his former allegiance to United. During his only season with City, his side went unbeaten in the Manchester derby. They won at Maine Road and drew at Old Trafford.
During the second derby, United’s Gary Neville refused to shake his hand before City went on to win the game 3-1.
Speaking in 2018 about the event, Neville said, “You can’t play for Manchester City. I am a United fan and I can’t play for Manchester City. I can’t play for Leeds and I can’t play for Liverpool. That’s just written in stone. You don’t just play for those clubs, irrespective of what happens.”
International Career
Until 2003 when Simon Kjaer overtook him, Schmeichel was the most capped player for the Denmark national team, featuring in 129 matches between 1987 and 2001.
He played for Denmark at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Euro 92, and another three European Championship tournaments. Also, his mastery of the game and personality, among others, earned him the national team's captaincy in 30 matches.
Career Statistics
There's no doubt that talented and experienced footballers like Schmeichel significantly influence bookmakers' odds. The Danish goalkeeper attracted the attention of punters in the world of soccer predictions in his prime. Today, the performances of many players like him still influence betting odds.
However, before you make any bets, take your time to do enough research. A good place to start is to consult a betting review platform like MightyTips, which has tips and recommendations that can help you make winning wagers. Also, don't forget to keep an eye on the current news and the state of the teams, as this can significantly affect the outcome of matches and, consequently, the odds. Using analytical tools and tips from MightyTips experts will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Regarding his stats, Schmeichel featured in 602 matches and scored 9 goals – an unreal figure for a goalkeeper. On the international front, Schmeichel was capped 129 times and scored 1 goal. He remains one of the team’s most capped players.
Major Honours Won by Peter Schmeichel
Schmeichel boasts a legendary career with major honors including:
5 Premier League titles
3 FA Cups
1 League Cup
1 UEFA Champions League
1 UEFA Super Cup
the European Championship with Denmark
On the international front, he won the UEFA European Championship with Denmark in 1992, alongside the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993. He was also featured in FIFA 100’s list of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers.
Conclusion
Schmeichel’s career was no doubt a legendary goalkeeping show that newer shot stoppers want to learn from. Besides his fierce personality and competitive engagements outside the 18-yard box, he would be remembered for multiple legendary saves at crucial times for both club and country.