James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has secured a fresh contract that will keep him at the Parkhead side for at least another year. At 34, Forrest already holds the distinction of being the most decorated player in the club’s modern history, and his new one‑year extension adds another chapter to an already impressive résumé.
The deal was confirmed by the club on Thursday, confirming that the long‑serving Scottish international will continue to wear the green and white hoops for the upcoming campaign. Forrest’s record with Celtic is staggering: 26 major trophies, including an astonishing 13 Scottish Premiership crowns, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
Over 564 appearances he has found the back of the net 110 times, a goal in every single season of his 17‑year tenure, a testament to his consistency and longevity. In a heartfelt statement posted on Celtic’s official website, Forrest expressed his delight at the news. "I’m absolutely delighted.
I’ve been here my whole career and I’ve loved every minute of it," he said. He went on to reflect on the success he has enjoyed with the club and his desire to keep contributing as long as his body allows. "We’ve been so successful in my time here and I’m thrilled to have signed another year. I’ll give my best to the club for however long I’m here.
While I’m still playing I hope to keep helping the team whenever I can, and I’ll give it everything until I finish. When I do stop, I’ll look back on countless great memories, but I hope I can add a few more before I hang up my boots," he added.
Manager Martin O’Neill praised the decision, emphasizing both the sentimental and practical reasons for retaining the club legend. "I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I didn’t want him to go elsewhere. He wanted that too," O’Neill explained. He highlighted Forrest’s impact during the current season, noting how the winger’s late‑game appearances off the bench have been “absolutely terrific.” O’Neill stressed that the extension was not merely a gesture of affection but a merit‑based reward.
"He has changed games, he’s done wonderfully well, and he deserves it. Sentimentality aside, he’s earned it," the manager said. Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed these sentiments, underscoring Forrest’s importance to the squad’s culture and performance.
"Massively deserved. He’s been at the club for a long, long time, knows the fabric of the place, knows how it operates, and knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player," McGregor remarked.
He praised Forrest’s trophy haul and his willingness to step up whenever the team needed him. "Someone with huge experience who is always there when you need him – that’s invaluable," McGregor added. He also pointed out the harsh reality of modern football, where players are quickly discarded if they are not deemed essential, making Forrest’s continued relevance all the more impressive.
Forrest’s journey began in the Celtic youth system, where he was spotted by then‑manager Neil Lennon and promoted from the reserves to the first team as a teenager. Over the years, he has evolved from a pace‑driven youngster into a seasoned professional capable of influencing games with both speed and intelligence. His ability to adapt – shifting from a starting winger to a super‑sub role later in his career – has allowed him to remain a vital part of the squad despite the natural physical decline that comes with age. Beyond the statistics, Forrest’s influence extends to the dressing room.
Teammates frequently cite his professionalism, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the club’s ethos. He embodies the Celtic identity: a player who lives and breathes the green and white, who puts the collective above personal glory, and who consistently puts the club’s interests first. This intangible quality is often the deciding factor for clubs when deciding whether to retain a veteran player, and in Forrest’s case, it has clearly tipped the scales in his favor. Looking ahead, Celtic will aim to build on their recent successes in the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions.
Forrest’s experience will be crucial in guiding younger players through the pressures of title races, European fixtures, and the inevitable ups and downs of a long season. His presence on the training ground, offering advice and setting standards, will help maintain the high-performance culture that has defined Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football. In summary, James Forrest’s new contract is a celebration of loyalty, achievement, and the mutual respect between player and club. It signals that Celtic values not only the trophies he has helped win but also the leadership and professionalism he continues to provide.
As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to seeing the beloved winger add another chapter to his storied career, whether by scoring decisive goals, delivering a game‑changing burst of pace, or simply being a steadying influence for the team. The club’s decision to keep Forrest until at least the end of the next season underscores a broader philosophy: success is built on a blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom, and James Forrest epitomises that balance perfectly.