James Forrest has been at Celtic for over 21 years and has never left the club in all that time. What’s more, in spite of having once turned down an extension and looking like he would, in fact, go it’s clear he never wanted to leave—not even on loan.
He stayed because he loves this club, not just for money, but because he feels accomplished and happy here at Celtic Park, surrounded not only by the best teammates ever but also by the fans.
Not only is James Forrest a member of the prestigious “100 goals for Celtic” club, but he is also the longest-serving and most devoted Celt, with over 500 appearances—almost the same as Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who has 509. He is highly likely to achieve the distinction of becoming the most decorated player in the club’s history by the season’s conclusion. While that is an accolade he can take great pride in, there’s another record he will seek to maintain.
James Forrest is the only man in Celtic’s history to have lifted 12 league titles, seven Scottish Cups, and five League Cups. Having been given his debut by Neil Lennon during the Irishman’s first spell as manager, he has cemented his place as a club legend.
Now, as Forrest fights to regain full match sharpness, he badly needs a goal this season to make it 16 consecutive campaigns in which he has scored for the team.
Sadly, we hadn’t seen him in action since December, when he got injured in the Premier Sports League Cup Final win over the club from Ibrox. However, he returned in the recent 3–0 win against Hearts, making an appearance from the bench. Looking ahead, Forrest is expected to feature in the match against St Johnstone this weekend, and now fully fit, he has at least eight matches left—ideally including a Scottish Cup Final—to maintain that remarkable personal record.
James Forrest joined the Celtic Youth Academy at the age of nine and progressed through the ranks to the senior team.
On May 1, 2010, he came on as a substitute for Aiden McGeady during his debut against Motherwell—his hometown club—at Celtic Park. He rewarded Neil Lennon’s trust in him by scoring within just six minutes of his first appearance.
In the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, Forrest was named Celtic’s Young Player of the Year, and he later received the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award. Further recognition came when FIFA listed him as a rising star in world football. In 2017, he was selected for the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, and he repeated the achievement the following year.
The 2018/19 season was particularly special, as he swept multiple awards, including the SFWA Footballer of the Year, PFA Scotland Player of the Year, Scottish Premiership Player of the Year, and SFWA International Player of the Year.
Forrest remains fully committed to Celtic, having signed a contract that runs until this summer. He is determined to make the most of his remaining time at the club, helping to secure another league title and, hopefully, another domestic treble.
In 2022/23, he was part of the squad that secured Celtic’s eighth domestic treble, followed by a Scottish Cup and League double in 2023/24—his fifteenth consecutive season as a first-team player. If Celtic wins another treble this year, Forrest will have witnessed yet another historic achievement.
At the moment, Forrest has just one focus: maintaining his success with Celtic. With several matches left, including a potential cup final, the former Scotland international is concentrating solely on finishing the season strong.
Speaking in a recent interview, he reflected on what Celtic means to him:
“I think it will be difficult to leave Celtic because it’s what you’ve done since you were a wee guy. You love playing, you love training, being part of the squad, with the players and staff, so it will be difficult. But I think I want to stay in football in some capacity.”
His words show his deep love for Celtic, his 100% commitment, and just how difficult it will be to leave the club that has been his life and passion. But Celtic is more than just a club—it’s a way of life. It will always remain in his heart.
However, as with everything in life, there is a beginning and an end. Nothing lasts forever. At some point, Forrest will have to sum up his Celtic career. When that time comes, he will go down in history as a club legend and one of the most successful players ever to wear the Hoops. He will forever be remembered by Celtic supporters … and every one of us is hoping that he gets that single goal, in this campaign, which will have seen him score in every season with the club.
Paulina Jaczek is a Celtic fan, and writer, from Poland. She regularly posts her videos on Facebook, and can be found on YouTube at GlasgowMyLove, where she talks about her love for Celtic and Glasgow in her trademark traffic cone hat!
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The lack of appreciation from the wider Celtic support for wee Jamesy is truly baffling. He’s been a magnificent player and servant to our club yet so many only want to criticise.
I’ve had the joy of watching the Celtic since big Jock’s arrival in 1965 – a tad earlier to be truthful. Eddie Connachan anyone in 61?
For me at least, James Forrest is, and will always be ,a Celtic great. I just wish our fanbase would finally give him the appreciation he so richly deserves.
GT, if I had a decent memory, I would remember more from the late 50’s and early 60’s, but needless to say I have been around supporting Celtic for a very long time.
As regards Jamesy, I have mixed views on his career. I appreciate his longevity and his dedication to the Celtic cause for such a long time, but I have never put him on the same pedestal as other Celtic greats, and it actually irks me a wee bit that he has and is set to overtake the medal haul of some real Celtic legends who, in my opinion, he was not nearly as good as.
Tough titty though, he has stayed the course and got his rewards, good luck to him and I will always appreciate his efforts in the Hoops.
Go on Jamesey – Get That Goal Bhoy !