Wayne Hennessey is expected to be drafted in quickly by Wales U21s as a goalkeeping coach after his decision to retire.
The 38-year-old is wanted by Wales age group boss Matty Jones to help develop the next generation of Wales keepers.
Young Welsh keepers have not been plentiful in recent years, which is why the FAW are keen to recruit Hennesey to help improve that supply line.
Jones said recently, “I've already reached out to Wayne.
“"We've asked Wayne whether he would be interested and we'll see whether that's too early or not.
"But the experience he's got is absolutely frightening in what he could offer our young keepers within the system.
"I would love to tap into Wayne and bring him in like I've done with Gareth (Bale) and Aaron (Ramsey).
"These players know how to make it at the top level of football and we've got to share that learning."
Wales’ most-capped goalkeeper, Hennessey has officially called time on his playing career, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 19-year journey in both club and international football.
Hennessey, who represented his country 109 times, stands second only to Gareth Bale in all-time men’s caps for Wales and holds the national record for clean sheets with 35.
His announcement marks the final chapter in a career that saw him become a key figure during one of the most successful eras in Welsh football history.
“I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey,” Hennessey shared in a heartfelt statement on social media.
Born in Bangor and raised in north Wales, Hennessey realised his childhood ambition by not only playing in the Premier League but also becoming a fixture between the posts for his beloved national team.
He first played for Wales in 2007 in a friendly against New Zealand and made his final appearance in October 2023 during a match in Wrexham against Gibraltar.
“The summer of 2016 was the pinnacle of my career having made the FA Cup final with Palace and the semi-finals of the Euros with my beloved Wales,” he added.
That summer, Hennessey was a crucial figure as Wales defied expectations to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016, their first major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup.
Although he missed the opening match against Slovakia due to a back spasm, he started every game thereafter, including the famous 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals before the run ended with a loss to Portugal.
Hennessey also featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
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His appearance in Qatar was not without incident, becoming just the third goalkeeper ever to be sent off in a World Cup match after a late challenge on Iran’s Mehdi Taremi – a red card that added to a difficult tournament for Wales as they bowed out at the group stage.
At club level, Hennessey began his professional journey at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006.
Loan spells at Stockport County and Yeovil Town were followed by a permanent move to Crystal Palace, where he played in an FA Cup final.
Later, he joined Burnley before signing for Nottingham Forest in 2022. Injuries limited his impact at Forest to just nine appearances, with a significant Achilles tendon issue effectively ending his playing days.
Despite that, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo offered him a short-term deal in early 2025, underlining the respect he commanded in the dressing room.
There is now speculation Hennessey may step into coaching, potentially staying on at Forest and dove-tailing with Wales, although no official announcement has been made.
Reflecting on his journey, Hennessey paid tribute to the clubs that shaped him and the people who stood by him.
“I have amazing memories playing for both club and country,” he said.
“From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Crystal Palace, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, each club shaped me both on and off the field.
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It was a privilege to play in the Premier League and for my country over 100 times.”
His retirement of Hennessey signals the end of an era, as he was the last remaining member of Wales' Euro 2016 semi-final starting XI still active in the game.
“It has been an honour to play alongside and against some sensational players and working with some incredible managers, coaches, medical, media and support staff,” he said.
“I also acknowledge the formidable bond of the goalkeepers' union I've experienced throughout my career: working together day-to-day, supportive and encouraging regardless who starts.
“Fans have been the backbone of support throughout my playing days, especially during the many times I suffered from injuries, I was able to draw so much strength from your support.”
