Peter Schmeichel (1981–2003, Manchester United, Denmark and Brondby)

Peter Schmeichel was a commanding goalkeeper, born in Gladsaxe near Copenhagen in 1963 and standing 6ft4, which earned him the nickname the “Great Dane”. He began in Danish football with Gladsaxe-Hero and Hvidovre before joining Brøndby, where he won the Danish first division four times and reached a UEFA Cup semi-final.

In 1991 he moved to England with Manchester United, where across eight seasons he won 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles and three FA Cups, and captained the club to victory in the 1999 Champions League final to complete the treble. He was twice voted the world’s best goalkeeper, in 1992 and 1993.

With Denmark he won the European Championship in 1992 and became his country’s most capped player, also appearing at the 1998 World Cup. After leaving England he played for Sporting CP in Portugal, then returned for spells with Aston Villa and Manchester City before retiring in 2003.

Unusually for a goalkeeper, he scored several goals during his career, including one for his country. He was awarded an honorary MBE in 2001 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Peter Schmeichel

1988-90

Uhlsport Goalkeepers

Peter Schmeichel

1991/92

Merlin Shooting Stars

1990

Orbis Italia 90

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Peter Schmeichel – Rookie Cards and Significant Others

Schmeichel’s earliest catalogued cards are Danish issues, produced around the 1988 European Championship:

  • 1988 Aller Læser Service Fodbold EM 1988 #24
  • 1988 Mabilgráfica Europeu EM 1988 #45
  • 1990 Orbis World Cup 90 #190

Because he made his name in England, the cards UK collectors look for are his first issues at his British clubs. His first Manchester United cards arrived with the 1991-92 season:

  • 1991-92 Pro Set (England) #61, his rookie card
  • 1991-92 Panini Football Stickers (England) #122
  • 1991-92 Shooting Stars UK #156
  • 1991-92 Panini Soccer’s Super Sevens #71

A significant card from his peak:

1992 Panini UEFA Euro Stickers #216, issued for the tournament he won with Denmark

See the 2003 Hall of Fame Inductees or browse the full list.