Celtic Archives - Page 3 of 16

Craig Gordon Hangs Up the Gloves After Legendary Career

Craig Gordon has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Scottish football. Across 25 years, the goalkeeper established himself as one of the finest players ever to wear the Scotland jersey, while earning admiration for his resilience as much as his ability. Gordon hangs up his gloves after making 682 senior club appearances for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland and Celtic. He also represented Scotland 84 times, cementing his place among the country’s most-capped players. His professional journey began at Hearts, where he progressed through the club’s academy before gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Cowdenbeath. His performances helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006, ending a 50 year wait for the trophy. Gordon’s displays attracted widespread attention, and Sunderland secured his signature in 2007 for around £9 million. The transfer made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time. However, Gordon’s time in the Premier League was interrupted by persistent knee injuries. The setbacks became so severe that he was released by Sunderland in 2012 and spent the next two years without a club. Many believed his playing days were over. Instead, Gordon completed one of Scottish football’s greatest comeback stories. Celtic signed him in the summer of 2014, and he immediately proved he had lost none of his quality. His return surprised many, but Gordon quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper and became an integral part of a hugely successful period. During six seasons at Celtic Park, he won five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also part of several domestic treble winning campaigns as Celtic dominated Scottish football. His return to top-level football also reignited his Scotland career. Gordon reclaimed the number one jersey and remained a reliable presence for the national team well into his forties. More than 20 years after making his international debut, Gordon was still competing at the highest level and helping Scotland on the international stage. In 2020, he returned to Hearts, bringing his career full circle. While many players begin winding down at that stage, Gordon continued to produce performances that demonstrated why he remained one of the country’s best goalkeepers. His leadership helped Hearts win the Scottish Championship and secure an immediate return to the Premiership. Another cruel twist came in December 2022 when Gordon suffered a devastating double leg break. The injury left many fearing that his career had finally reached its conclusion. Once again, Gordon refused to let adversity have the final say. After months of rehabilitation, he completed yet another comeback and returned to competitive football. It was another example of the determination and mental strength that defined his career just as much as his ability between the posts. Away from team honours, Gordon also earned significant individual recognition. He won the SFWA Footballer of the Year award three times and was named SPFL Premiership Player of the Year in 2021-22. Gordon inspired supporters through his refusal to give up, repeatedly proving that hard work and determination could overcome the toughest setbacks. Craig Gordon’s career will be remembered for spectacular saves and unforgettable performances. Above all though, it will be remembered as the story of a player who never stopped believing he could come back stronger. His resilience turned an already exceptional career into one of the most inspiring Scottish football has ever seen.

July 16, 2026

Celtic Announce Camilo Duran as First New Signing of the Summer

Celtic have confirmed the signing of forward Camilo Duran on a year deal, making him the Premiership champions first signing of the summer window. The 24-year-old joins from Azerbaijan side Qarabag, scoring 15 and setting up ten. Five of his goals came in the UEFA Champions League, converting against sides such as Benfica, Frankfurt and Newcastle. The versatile frontman becomes the first Colombian to dawn the green and white hoops of Celtic, and he spoke of his emotion after being confirmed as the first permanent addition in manager Martin O’Neill’s permanent spell. Duran told club media: “I’m very happy, it’s a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic, the biggest in Scotland, and I’m just excited to get going and score lots of goals. “When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind and I’m just excited to get playing with the boys. “It was a dream come true playing in the Champions League,. “That’s what you dream of as a kid, so to score goals was amazing and that’s what I want to continue doing here, scoring goals in the Champions League. “I give it my all in every game, with a lot of effort and dedication, and hopefully the goals will come. “It’s an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid (to play for my country) and I hope that being here at Celtic and working well, then one day that will become true. “I’ve told the manager how happy I am to be here and that I will hopefully repay him with my performances. It’s a real honour to wear this jersey and I hope that this year we’ll be champions.” Celtic will continue their pre-season in a warm weather Portuguese camp that may see Duran feature against Sporting Lisbon. His first taste of competitive action could come when the Bhoys begin their title defence at Celtic Park on the evening of August 3rd against Dundee.

July 10, 2026

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Signs One-Year Extension at Celtic

Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year deal at Parkhead following the expiry of his initial contract. The former Liverpool player signed for Martin O’Neill in February of this year, and netted an injury-time winner on his debut at Celtic Park vs Livingston just four days later, a goal which ultimately proved vital after the Glasgow giants pipped Hearts to the league by only two points in the end. Oxlade-Chamberlain now links up with O’Neill again, with the Northern Irishman in charge this time on a permanent basis and making the former Premier and Champions League winner his first official signing since. The ex-England international told Celtic’s club channels: “I’m delighted to be staying at Celtic for another year. “It was an incredible time last season, and to be part of that success in winning the league and the Scottish Cup was so special. “I’m really excited to be back, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting to work ahead of what will hopefully be another successful season.” The Southampton academy graduate made 12 appearances in total since joining Celtic, scoring twice against Livingston and St. Mirren, and featuring from the bench in Celtic’s 3-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline.

July 4, 2026

Daizen Maeda Hints Celtic Future Could Be Coming To An End After World Cup Heartbreak

Daizen Maeda has opened the door to a potential Celtic departure after admitting he cannot remain at his current level and must continue improving as he looks to take the next step in his career. The Japanese forward’s comments come after a disappointing World Cup exit, with Japan suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the last 16 on June 29. Maeda played the full match as his side’s tournament came to an end. Reflecting on his future and his ambitions, Maeda admitted: “It made me realise that I can’t stay at my current level and that I need to become a better player.” The 28-year-old’s comments have fuelled speculation that he could look for a new challenge this summer, with interest reportedly growing from clubs outside Scotland. Maeda enjoyed career-best Celtic season Maeda heads into the summer after arguably the strongest campaign of his career. The forward played a key role as Celtic secured their 56th Scottish Premiership title and completed a domestic double with victory in the Scottish Cup. His form during the season was outstanding, including a run of five consecutive league matches in which he found the net, while his pace, pressing and work rate made him one of the most important players in the Celtic squad. Since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022, Maeda has become a major fan favourite at Parkhead and has delivered consistently in both domestic and European competition. Premier League interest grows Several clubs are believed to be monitoring the Japan international, with Premier League sides among those linked with a move. For Maeda, who turns 29 in October, this summer could represent a key opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. Celtic are reportedly open to allowing the forward to leave if the right offer arrives, with the club aware of his ambitions and the contribution he has made during his time in Glasgow. While Maeda has not directly confirmed he wants to leave Celtic, his latest comments suggest the winger is considering his next career move and believes he still has more to achieve at the highest level.

June 30, 2026

Hibs set record breaking price tag on Midfielder

Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has been subject to extensive interest lately. Rumours in January suggested that Celtic and Fiorentina would battle it out for the Zambian’s signature, but no such move materialised. It seems Celtic’s interest in Chaiwa has not gone away as Martin O’Neill takes charge of the club for one more season. Early reports indicate that Hibs have no intent on selling Chaiwa and have already turned down two bids for the 22-year-old. Chaiwa arrived at Hibs in 2025 from BSC Young Boys for a rumoured fee of £700,000. A year on, Hibs are set to value him at ten times that amount. If he was to leave for such a price, it would see Hibernian’s record sale broken for the second time in six months following Kieron Bowie’s January move to Hellas Verona for an estimated £6 million. The previous record was held by Scott Brown for 19 years when he joined Celtic for £4.4 million in 2007.

June 24, 2026

Scottish Premiership 2026/27 fixtures released: Celtic’s first five games and key dates

Martin O’Neil is back in the Paradise dugout for another season, as Celtic go on the hunt for title number 57. Amidst all the brilliance and stories currently happening with the World Cup in the Americas, club football is still operating. Today, all twelve teams in the Scottish Premiership have discovered their fixture list for the 2026/27 league campaign. Martin O’Neil recently put pen to paper on a new contract, a one-year deal to remain at Celtic Park. The 74-year-old was hugely impressive throughout both of his stints as caretaker manager of Celtic last season, bringing a Scottish Cup trophy and title number 56 back to the east end of Glasgow. Celtic’s Opening Five Fixtures: Celtic v Dundee FC (3rd August, 7:30 pm) Kilmarnock v Celtic (9th August, 1:30 pm) St. Johnstone v Celtic ( 22nd August, 3:00 pm) Celtic v Falkirk ( 29th August, 3:00 pm) Celtic v Aberdeen ( 2nd September, 7:45 pm) Celtic are set to kick off their title defence on a Monday night, due to other sporting events happening in the city over the course of that weekend. Key Fixtures The first Glasgow derby of the season will take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, 20th September. The new year will kick off with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox on January 2nd, and the final pre-split Old Firm is set to commence on February 27th at Celtic Park. The Hoops have their dates set with last season’s title rivals Hearts, which ended in jubilation for Celtic and misery for Hearts. The departures of manager Derek McInnes, along with star striker Lawrence Shankland, to Rangers are monumental losses for the Jambos. The first clash between last season’s top two takes place on the 17th October, at Celtic Park, Tynecastle will play host on the 28th November, and lastly, the final pre-split fixture between the two is on February 13th at Celtic Park. A huge season is in store for the Scottish Premiership, with the opening game of the 2026/27 season just over six weeks away. Martin O’Neil will be eager to clinch his fifth Scottish Premiership title as Celtic manager.

June 18, 2026

Martin O’Neill Becomes Celtic Manager on a Permanent Basis

Martin O’Neill has signed a one-year permanent contract as manager of Celtic, with the possible option of an extra year, after guiding the Hoops to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season. The 74-year-old was called in on an interim basis twice last season after the resignation of Brendan Rodgers and sacking of Wilfried Nancy. And after winning 28 of the 35 games with the Northern Irishman at the helm, the Parkhead club have retained his services for an extra season. He told club media: “It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments. “Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double. “I would particularly like to thank the Board for asking me back and giving me this opportunity again. “We know of course that Celtic can never rest on past success so we are now aiming to drive forward together in the coming season as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans. “I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves.” Last season’s Premiership title and Scottish Cup win brought O’Neill’s silverware haul in Glasgow up to nine, and said at the end of last campaign that the post had given him ‘a reason to live’. Former Celts loanee Robbie Keane had reportedly discussed the role with minority shareholder Dermot Desmond, but dozens of Celtic fan groups signed an open letter against the move due to the Ireland top scorer’s work with Maccabi-Tel Aviv from Israel. The defending champions are yet to release any details of their pre-season, so it remains to be seen the first time O’Neill will be back in the dugout. His first competitive game back will be on the weekend of August 1st, when the Premiership season commences.

June 11, 2026

Kasper Schmeichel Announces Retirement From Football

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schemichel will retire from professional football when his Parkhead contract expires this summer. The 39-year-old has been out since March with a shoulder injury which developed into a more serious issue, requiring multiple surgeries. The Danish international played his last game in a 2-1 home defeat to Hibs, and will hang up the gloves after a 20-year career which seen him play at 12 different clubs, and represent his national side 120 times. His official statement reads: “A shoulder injury is forcing me to end my playing career when my contract with Celtic expires this summer. “I’ve been told by doctors that the chances of me ever playing football at the highest level are now extremely small. “I never wanted my career to end because I couldn’t fight anymore. Unfortunately, the injury has made that decision for me.” Schmeichel goes on to thank the fans and clubs he played for, which are Manchester City, Darlington, Falkirk, Cardiff, Coventry, Notts County, Leeds, Leicester City, Nice, Anderlecht and Celtic, and also said that captaining Denmark at a World Cup and European Championship was the ‘greatest honour’ of his career. Schmeichel collected was part of a squad which won four domestic honours in his time in Glasgow, and was the Leicester number one when they won both the Premier League in 2016 and the F.A Cup in 2021.

May 27, 2026

Celtic Opt Against Permanent Saracchi Stay

Celtic have reportedly decided not to offer Boca Juniors a permanent offer for on-loan left-back Marcelo Saracchi. The Uruguayan international made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Premiership winners, scoring once and assisting twice. However, Argentinian journalist Seba Ongarelli, who currently resides in Glasgow, spoke with the 28-year-old’s agent, revealed he had already returned to Buenos Aires. Ongarelli posted on X: “Spoke with Saracchi’s agent. “He flew back to Argentina yesterday and he’ll join Boca Jrs back (season’s over now). “Although he really enjoyed his short time at Celtic and loves the fans, the club never offered him a permanent transfer deal.” This decision has raised eyebrows amongst the Celtic support, provided how quickly Saracchi blossomed into a fan favourite. It leaves Kieran Tierney as the club’s only recognised left-back, meaning an alternative fullback will likely be signed this summer than the departing Saracchi.

May 26, 2026

Motherwell 2-3 Celtic: Ice-Cold Kelechi Iheanacho Delivers Final Day Dogfight for Title

Celtic kept within a point of Hearts with the last kick of their 3-2 away win at Motherwell to ramp up the excitement going into the final game of the Premiership season. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to be the hero once more, netting from the spot following the awarding of a penalty that has been labelled ‘disgusting’ by Hearts’ boss Derek McInnes. The Gorgie side would have won the title tonight had Celtic lost, with Hearts cruising to a 3-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle. But now the title race will come to a conclusion this Saturday at Celtic Park, with Hearts knowing anything other than defeat will bring the Premiership trophy outside of Glasgow for the first time since 1985. Elliot Watt sent Fir Park and Tynecastle into raptures with his opener from the edge of the box 17 minutes in. The ball fell to the Englishman, whose effort seemed to take a knick on its way beyond Vilijami Sinisalo in the Celtic net. The message made its way East and the league leaders responded by going two goals in front, making them champions as things stood. However, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda burst through and fired home his 7th goal in five games to restore parity just before half-time, and keep the defending champions in the title picture. The Glasgow club would then go ahead just before the hour mark courtesy of a wonder goal from top scorer Benjamin Nygren. The Swede found the top corner of Calum Ward’s left hand side from a couple yards outside the box to bring his tally up to 21 for the season so far. Motherwell pushed for a way back into the game in the final quarter of an hour, and would get what many believed would be the equaliser through former Hearts youth player Liam Gordon. A stramash ensued with Sinisalo and his defence throwing themselves in front of the ball, but Gordon was in the right place at the right time to tap in to an empty net. With news coming through that Hearts were 3-0 up now against Falkirk, the Celtic faithful knew the uphill task ahead of them if they went into Saturday on the back of a draw. Yet in the final minute of added time, an Anthony Ralston throw looked to have been headed away by another former Hearts man in Sam Nicholson. Andrew Dallas recommended an on-field review, and John Beaton pointed to the spot after replays suggested to him that the midfielder had used his arm in the clearance. Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up, and calmly sent Ward the wrong way as his penalty nestled in the bottom left corner to the tune of the final whistle. Debate will rage on all the way until, and perhaps even beyond, Saturday’s title decider whether or not the penalty should have been awarded. But the story is set now. Celtic vs Hearts. One game with history on the line. A Hearts win or draw and the capital city side win their first league title since 1960. A Celtic win, and they become champions for the 56th time.

May 14, 2026