James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has confirmed a fresh one‑year contract that will see him remain at the Parkhead side for the upcoming season. At 34, Forrest is already the most decorated player in the club’s modern era, and this new deal adds another chapter to an illustrious career that has spanned nearly two decades. The extension was officially announced by Celtic, confirming that the 34‑year‑old will stay on with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. Forrest’s résumé reads like a trophy cabinet: 26 major honours in total, comprising 13 league championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
His goal‑scoring record is equally impressive – 110 goals in 564 appearances – and he has found the net in each of the 17 seasons he has been a first‑team regular for the Hoops. In a candid interview posted on the club’s website, Forrest expressed his delight at the new agreement. "I’m absolutely delighted," he said.
"I’ve been here my whole career and I’ve loved every minute of it. We’ve been so successful in my time here and I’m thrilled to have signed on for another year. I’ll give my best to the club for however long I’m here." He went on to reflect on his future contributions, noting that as long as he remains fit he hopes to keep adding value on the pitch. "While I’m still playing I can hopefully keep contributing and helping the team when I can and I’m just going to give it everything until I finish," he added.
"When I do stop, I will look back on so many great memories, but hopefully I can make a few more before I do finish." Manager Martin O'Neill praised the decision, emphasizing that he wants Forrest to finish his playing days at Celtic. "I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I just didn’t want him to be going elsewhere, and I think he wanted that as well," O'Neill explained. He highlighted the practical side of the contract, noting that the club needed to assess whether an additional year was justified.
"James has proved this season that he has been worth that. He has changed games, and he has done wonderfully well. His contribution in recent weeks when he’s come off the bench has been absolutely terrific, and he has deserved it. So, take sentimentality right out of it, he’s deserved it." O'Neill also reflected on Forrest’s evolution from a reserve‑team youngster to a key senior player.
"He’s been immense for the football club since Neil Lennon brought him in when he was a young kid in the reserves, and he is what I love – I love players who take people on and he can take people on. Even to have that little burst of pace at his age is worth its weight in gold." Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed these sentiments, underscoring Forrest’s importance beyond statistics.
"Massively deserved. He’s someone who has been at the club for a long, long time now. He knows the fabric of the place, knows how it operates, knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player," McGregor said.
"He’s won countless trophies. Someone with huge experience who is always there when you need him. Someone like that is invaluable to your football club." McGregor also touched on the harsh realities of modern football, where sentiment often takes a back seat to performance. "I don’t think there’s much room in football for sentiment.
The minute you’re not needed you’re out the door, so it just shows you how important he is. If you can be at this club, big clubs, for a long time it shows you’re doing something right." He praised Forrest’s adaptability, noting that the winger has continually reinvented himself to stay relevant. "Every season has its challenges, you have to adapt and someone like James has done that amazingly well throughout his career. So many times he’s had to show different sides to his game to be a mainstay at the club.
If you’re here for that long you must be doing something right." Finally, McGregor highlighted Forrest’s professionalism and dedication to the Celtic ethos. "He just lives and breathes football and Celtic, so when you’ve got guys like that who are total professionals and always carry the club’s best interests at heart, then it’s so, so important that you keep these guys in your building and keep pushing in the right direction." Forrest’s renewed contract not only secures a seasoned veteran for another season but also serves as a reminder of the loyalty and continuity that have underpinned Celtic’s recent dominance in Scottish football. As the club looks ahead to defending its league title and competing in European competitions, the presence of a player who embodies the club’s history and values will undoubtedly provide both on‑field experience and off‑field leadership. Fans can continue to follow Celtic’s progress via the live Scottish Premiership table, stream matches without a contract, and enjoy free highlight reels.
The club also encourages supporters to engage with interactive features such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £250,000 prize. All of these elements combine to keep the Celtic community vibrant and connected, with James Forrest remaining a central figure in that narrative.