James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has officially signed a fresh contract that will see him remain at the Scottish Premiership champions for the upcoming season. At 34 years of age, Forrest is already the most decorated player in the club’s modern history, and this new one‑year extension adds another chapter to his long‑standing association with the Hoops.
The deal, confirmed by both the club and the player, secures Forrest’s services for at least one more campaign. In his 17‑year tenure at Celtic, he has amassed an astonishing 26 major trophies – a haul that includes 13 league crowns, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. His statistical record is equally impressive: 110 goals in 564 appearances, a goal‑scoring rate that has seen him find the net in every single season he has been on the Celtic roster. Speaking to Celtic’s official website, Forrest expressed genuine happiness about the renewal.
"I’m absolutely delighted," he said. "I’ve spent my entire professional career here and I have loved every minute of it.
We have enjoyed tremendous success during my time, and I’m thrilled to have signed another year. I will give my utmost for the club for as long as I am able to play. While I am still on the pitch I hope to keep contributing and helping the team wherever I can, and I will pour everything into each match until the day I hang up my boots. When that day finally arrives, I will look back on countless great memories, but I also hope to add a few more before I retire." Manager Martin O’Neill praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of retaining a player of Forrest’s calibre.
"I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I didn’t want him to go elsewhere – I think he felt the same," O’Neill explained. "The key question when you consider extending a contract is whether the player still adds value, and James has proven this season that he certainly does.
He has the ability to change games, and his impact off the bench in recent weeks has been outstanding. This isn’t about sentiment; it’s about merit." O’Neill also reflected on Forrest’s journey from a promising youngster in the reserves to a senior figure in the first team. "He’s been immense for the club since Neil Lennon brought him in as a youth player.
I love players who can take on opponents, and even at his age a burst of pace is worth its weight in gold." Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed the sentiment, highlighting Forrest’s experience and professionalism. "Massively deserved," McGregor said. "James has been at the club for a very long time. He knows the fabric of Celtic, how it operates, and what it takes to be a successful player here.
He has won countless trophies and is always there when the team needs him. That kind of reliability is invaluable." McGregor added that football is a business where only the useful survive, underscoring Forrest’s continued relevance. "If you’re not needed you’re out the door, so his continued presence shows just how important he is.
To stay at a big club for so many years proves you’re doing something right. Every season brings new challenges, and James has adapted brilliantly throughout his career. He has shown different facets of his game to remain a mainstay, and that adaptability is a testament to his professionalism." The winger’s dedication goes beyond the pitch.
"He lives and breathes football and Celtic," McGregor noted. "When you have players who are total professionals and always put the club’s best interests first, it’s crucial to keep them in the squad and push the team forward." Forrest’s contract renewal is also a symbolic gesture for Celtic supporters, many of whom have followed his career from his early days in the youth academy to his status as a club legend. His longevity at a single club in the modern era, where player movement is frequent, resonates deeply with fans who value loyalty and continuity.
Beyond the personal accolades, Forrest’s continued presence offers tactical flexibility for manager O’Neill. As a winger capable of both starting matches and influencing games as a substitute, his experience provides depth on the flanks, allowing the team to maintain intensity throughout 90 minutes. His understanding of Celtic’s playing philosophy, honed over nearly two decades, also serves as a teaching tool for younger squad members aspiring to emulate his success. Looking ahead, Celtic will aim to add more silverware to their already impressive cabinet, and Forrest’s experience will be pivotal in high‑pressure fixtures such as domestic cup finals and European qualifiers.
While his physical attributes may naturally evolve with age, his footballing intelligence, positioning, and ability to read the game remain sharp, ensuring he can still make decisive contributions. In summary, James Forrest’s new contract not only secures a seasoned professional for another season but also reinforces Celtic’s commitment to preserving its heritage and rewarding loyalty. As the club prepares for the challenges of the upcoming campaign, fans can look forward to seeing one of their most cherished players continue to don the iconic green and white hoops, striving for further triumphs and creating more unforgettable moments for the Celtic faithful.