# Peter Schmeichel > Danish association football player **Wikidata**: [Q182314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q182314) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Schmeichel) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-schmeichel ## Summary Peter Schmeichel is a Danish former professional football player and current sports commentator, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Born on November 18, 1963, in Denmark, he achieved legendary status during his career with Manchester United, where he won numerous trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. He was awarded the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award and was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, establishing himself as a transformative figure in goalkeeping. ## Biography - **Born**: November 18, 1963 (Kingdom of Denmark) - **Nationality**: Danish (Kingdom of Denmark) - **Height**: 193 cm - **Weight**: 102 kg - **Known for**: Being one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, known for his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and leadership - **Employer(s)**: Manchester United (notable former club), various media organizations (as sports commentator) - **Field(s)**: Association football (sport), Sports commentary ## Contributions Peter Schmeichel made extraordinary contributions to the sport of football throughout his playing career. As a goalkeeper, he redefined the position with his combination of reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and ability to score goals. During his time at Manchester United, he was instrumental in the club's success during the 1990s, helping them achieve domestic and European glory. His career statistics include 1,290 club appearances across his career, with an impressive 0.80 goals conceded per 90 minutes. He kept 4 clean sheets in 4 matches during his career and went 1,177 minutes without conceding a goal at one point, demonstrating exceptional consistency. Internationally, he earned 8 caps for the Danish national team, representing his country at the highest level. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned to sports commentary, sharing his expertise and insights with audiences through broadcasting roles. ## FAQs **What is Peter Schmeichel best known for?** Peter Schmeichel is best known for being one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, particularly famous for his time at Manchester United where he won multiple Premier League titles and the 1999 UEFA Champions League. **What awards has Peter Schmeichel won?** Peter Schmeichel has received numerous awards including the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper (inception 1987), Best European Goalkeeper, Premier League Player of the Season (1994), and was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. He was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the United Kingdom. **What is Peter Schmeichel's career record?** Throughout his career, Peter Schmeichel made 1,290 appearances, conceded an average of 0.80 goals per 90 minutes, kept 4 clean sheets in 4 matches, and went 1,177 minutes without conceding a goal at one stage. **What teams did Peter Schmeichel play for?** Peter Schmeichel played primarily for Manchester United during his most successful years, along with other clubs throughout his career. He also represented the Danish national team in 8 matches. **What is Peter Schmeichel doing now?** After retiring from professional football, Peter Schmeichel became a sports commentator, sharing his expertise through broadcasting work. ## Why They Matter Peter Schmeichel matters because he fundamentally changed perceptions of what a goalkeeper could be in modern football. His combination of shot-stopping excellence, commanding presence, and unexpected goalscoring ability set new standards for the position. He was instrumental in Manchester United's dominance during the 1990s, helping the club achieve unprecedented success including the historic treble in 1999. His influence extends beyond his playing career, as his subsequent work as a sports commentator has helped shape how football is analyzed and understood by audiences worldwide. The standards he set in goalkeeping continue to influence how the position is taught and played, making him a transformative figure whose legacy persists in contemporary football. ## Notable For - Being named IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, one of football's highest individual honors for goalkeepers - Winning the Premier League Player of the Season award in 1994 - Being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame - Keeping 4 clean sheets in 4 matches throughout his career - Going 1,177 minutes without conceding a goal - Receiving the Member of the Order of the British Empire award from the United Kingdom - Making 1,290 career appearances with an impressive 0.80 goals conceded per 90 minutes - Representing Denmark in 8 international matches ## Body ### Early Life and Background Peter Schmeichel was born on November 18, 1963, in the Kingdom of Denmark, a transcontinental sovereign state comprising Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The Kingdom of Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a history dating back to circa 965, known for its high Human Development Index and global influence in international organizations including the United Nations and NATO. Schmeichel grew up in this Scandinavian nation, developing his passion for football from an early age in a country where association football is the predominant sport. ### Playing Career Schmeichel's professional football career began in 1984, marking the start of a journey that would see him become one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in the history of the sport. His career spanned multiple clubs, though he achieved his greatest recognition at Manchester United, where he became a legendary figure during the 1990s. At Manchester United, Schmeichel combined exceptional shot-stopping ability with commanding presence in the penalty area, revolutionizing the goalkeeper position with his aggressive style and leadership qualities. His physical attributes—standing at 193 cm tall and weighing 102 kg—made him an imposing figure between the posts, while his reflexes and positioning allowed him to make saves that seemed impossible. Beyond his defensive capabilities, Schmeichel was known for his unexpected ability to score goals, adding an attacking threat from set pieces and penalty kicks. His career statistics demonstrate his consistency and excellence: 1,290 appearances across his career, an average of just 0.80 goals conceded per 90 minutes, 4 clean sheets in 4 matches, and a remarkable run of 1,177 minutes without conceding a goal. ### International Career At the international level, Schmeichel represented the Kingdom of Denmark, earning 8 caps for the national team. Denmark, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has a rich footballing tradition and competes independently in international competitions despite being part of the larger Danish Realm. Schmeichel's international career, while shorter than his club career, still saw him perform at the highest level for his country. ### Awards and Recognition Schmeichel's excellence was recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He was awarded the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, an annual award recognizing the most outstanding goalkeeper in the world that was established in 1987. He also won the Best European Goalkeeper award, further cementing his status as the premier goalkeeper in Europe during his peak years. In 1994, he was honored with the Premier League Player of the Season award, becoming the first goalkeeper to win England's Player of the Year award since 1979, demonstrating how his performances transcended the traditional boundaries of his position. His contributions to English football were further recognized when he was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, honoring his exceptional career in the English top flight. Additionally, he received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from the United Kingdom, a rare honor for a foreign footballer that reflected his impact on English football. ### Post-Playing Career Following his retirement from professional football, Schmeichel transitioned to a career in sports commentary, bringing his wealth of experience and insight to broadcasting. As a sports commentator, he analyzes matches, provides expert opinion, and shares the wisdom gained from his illustrious playing career with audiences worldwide. This role has allowed him to remain influential in football discourse, mentoring younger generations of fans and analysts with his unique perspective from having played at the highest level. ### Legacy and Influence Peter Schmeichel's legacy extends far beyond his trophy cabinet and award collection. He fundamentally changed how the goalkeeper position is perceived and played, demonstrating that goalkeepers could be commanding leaders, goalscorers, and game-changers rather than merely last lines of defense. His success at Manchester United helped establish the club as a global powerhouse during the 1990s, contributing to the foundation of the dynasty that would dominate English and European football. His influence on subsequent generations of goalkeepers has been profound, with many citing him as an inspiration and model for their own development. The standards he set in terms of physical conditioning, technical ability, and mental strength continue to define excellence in goalkeeping today. Through his work as a commentator, he has further shaped football culture, bringing his expertise and passion to new audiences and ensuring his footballing wisdom continues to influence the sport. ### Personal Attributes Schmeichel's physical dimensions—193 cm height and 102 kg weight—were instrumental in his success, providing him with the reach and presence necessary to dominate his penalty area. His jersey number 24 became iconic during his time at Manchester United, symbolizing the reliability and consistency he brought to the team. His Danish nationality connected him to the Kingdom of Denmark, a nation known for its sporting achievements and high standards of living, as reflected in the Kingdom's Human Development Index consistently ranking among the highest in the world. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. ESPN FC 3. [Source](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12594521/premier-league-hall-of-fame-sergio-aguero-paul-scholes-didier-drogba-vincent-kompany-ian-wright-and-peter-schmeichel-latest-to-be-inducted) 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. MusicBrainz 6. Transfermarkt 7. FBref 8. Argentine Soccer Database 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. UEFA.com 11. BBC Things 12. Quora 13. The Movie Database