Peter Bolesław Schmeichel MBE is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is best known for his most successful years with Manchester United, whom he captained to victory in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final to complete the Treble.
He also won the UEFA Euro 1992 with Denmark. Schmeichel is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
You can follow Peter Schmeichel’s biography, personal details, wife, children, career overview, net worth, salary, endorsements, stats, achievements, and more here.
Peter Schmeichel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Peter Bolesław Schmeichel |
| Nickname | The Great Dane |
| Birth Date | November 18, 1963 |
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 100 kg (220 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Gladsaxe, Denmark |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Current Club | Retired |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Club Debut Year | 1981 (Gladsaxe-Hero) |
| International Debut Year | 1987 |
| Current Net Worth | $25 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Laura von Lindholm |
| Instagram Profile | @pschmeichel1 |
Peter Schmeichel was born on November 18, 1963, in Gladsaxe, Denmark. He was born to Inger, a Danish nurse, and Antoni Schmeichel, a Polish jazz musician. Schmeichel held Polish citizenship until 1970 when he became a Danish citizen.
Schmeichel grew up in the town of Buddinge, Copenhagen, and began his football career playing for a local team in Høje-Gladsaxe.
Club Career
Schmeichel’s professional career began with Gladsaxe-Hero in 1981. He then played for Hvidovre IF and Brøndby IF in Denmark before moving to Manchester United in 1991 for £505,000.
During his eight-year tenure at Manchester United (1991-1999), Schmeichel won an impressive array of trophies, including five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. He was twice named “The World’s Best Goalkeeper” by IFFHS in 1992 and 1993.
After leaving Manchester United, Schmeichel had stints with Sporting CP in Portugal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City before retiring in 2003. His career spanned over two decades and included 24 major trophies.
International Career
Schmeichel made his debut for the Denmark national team in May 1987. He went on to earn 129 caps for his country, making him the most-capped player in Denmark’s history until 2023.
His most notable achievement with the national team was winning the UEFA Euro 1992. He also represented Denmark in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and three additional European Championship tournaments.
Wife and Children
Peter Schmeichel is currently married to Laura von Lindholm. They tied the knot in 2019. Previously, Schmeichel was married to Bente Schmeichel, with whom he has two children, including son Kasper Schmeichel, who is also a professional goalkeeper.
Peter Schmeichel’s Net Worth Details
Peter Schmeichel’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful football career, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures in television and punditry.
Salary
During his playing days, Schmeichel was one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in the world, particularly during his time at Manchester United.
In 1996, while at Manchester United, Schmeichel was earning a reported £18,000 per week, which would have amounted to an annual salary of approximately £936,000.
His transfer to Manchester United in 1991 for £505,000 was later described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the “bargain of the century.
Endorsements
During his playing career, Schmeichel had endorsement deals with various brands, including Umbro for goalkeeper gloves. Post-retirement, he has worked as a brand ambassador for several companies.
Career Stats
| Club | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
| Manchester United | 398 | 178 | 434 |
| Sporting CP | 55 | 19 | 55 |
| Aston Villa | 36 | 10 | 47 |
| Manchester City | 31 | 12 | 38 |
| Brøndby IF | 139 | 56 | 146 |
| Denmark National Team | 129 | 53 | 134 |
Achievements
- UEFA European Championship: 1992
- UEFA Champions League: 1999
- Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99
- FA Cup: 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99
- UEFA Super Cup: 1991
- Intercontinental Cup: 1999
- Danish Goalkeeper of the Year: 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992
- UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1992, 1993, 1998
- IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper: 1992, 1993
FAQs
1. Who is Peter Schmeichel?
Peter Schmeichel is a retired Danish professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history. He played for clubs like Manchester United, Sporting CP, Aston Villa, and Manchester City, as well as the Denmark national team.
2. What are Peter Schmeichel’s major career achievements?
Schmeichel won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United, completing the treble in 1999. He also led Denmark to victory in the 1992 UEFA European Championship and was named IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993.
3. How many international caps did Peter Schmeichel earn for Denmark?
Schmeichel earned 129 caps for Denmark between 1987 and 2001, making him the most capped Danish player until 2023.
4. What is Peter Schmeichel’s connection to Manchester United?
Schmeichel played eight seasons at Manchester United (1991–1999), where he won 15 trophies and became a club legend. He captained the team during their historic Champions League final win in 1999.
5. Did Peter Schmeichel ever score goals as a goalkeeper?
Yes, Schmeichel scored 11 goals during his career, including one for the Denmark national team. This is unusual for a goalkeeper.
6. What is unique about Peter Schmeichel’s playing style?
Schmeichel was known for his imposing physique (6’4″, 220 lbs), loud leadership on the field, and innovative “starfish” saves inspired by handball techniques.
7. Who is Kasper Schmeichel, and how is he related to Peter?
Kasper Schmeichel is Peter’s son and also a professional goalkeeper. He has played for clubs like Leicester City and represented Denmark internationally.
8. Why did Peter Schmeichel leave Manchester United in 1999?
Schmeichel left Manchester United after the 1998–99 season due to the physical demands of playing at such a high level. He sought a slower pace of football and joined Sporting CP.
9. What role does Peter Schmeichel have after retirement?
Since retiring in 2003, Schmeichel has worked as a TV analyst, brand ambassador (notably for Manchester United), and keynote speaker at global events.
10. What honors has Peter Schmeichel received off the field?
Schmeichel was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and named among FIFA’s “125 Greatest Living Footballers” in 2004. He also received an honorary MBE for his contributions to football.
