James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has confirmed a new agreement that will see him remain with the Glasgow side for another season. At 34 years of age, Forrest—already the most decorated player in the club's modern era—has added a one‑year extension to his contract, ensuring his presence among the Scottish Premiership champions for the 2024‑25 campaign. Forrest's trophy cabinet is unrivaled within Celtic's recent history.
Over the course of his tenure, he has amassed 26 major honours, a haul that includes an astonishing 13 league crowns, seven Scottish Cup victories and six Scottish League Cup triumphs. His consistency and longevity are further highlighted by the fact that he has found the back of the net in every single one of the 17 seasons he has spent in the first team, tallying 110 goals across 564 competitive appearances. In a heartfelt interview posted on Celtic's official website, the winger expressed his delight at the new deal.
"I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been here my whole career and I’ve loved every minute of it," he said. "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 contributing and helping the team whenever I can. I’m going to give everything until I finish. When I do stop, I’ll look back on countless great memories, but I hope to add a few more before I hang up my boots." Manager Martin O'Neill echoed Forrest’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of retaining a player of his calibre. "I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I didn’t want him to go elsewhere.
I think he feels the same way," O'Neill remarked. "The key question with any extension is whether the player still adds value, and James has proved this season that he absolutely does. He’s changed games, performed brilliantly off the bench, and earned this extension on merit alone. Sentiment aside, he’s deserved it." O'Neill also reflected on Forrest’s journey from a promising youngster in the reserves to a mainstay of the first team.
"He’s been immense for the club since Neil Lennon brought him in as a youth. I love players who can take on opponents, and even at his age, his burst of pace is worth its weight in gold," the manager added. Celtic captain Callum McGregor offered his own endorsement, highlighting Forrest’s deep understanding of the club’s culture.
"Massively deserved. He’s been at Celtic for a long, long time and knows the fabric of the place, how it operates, and what it takes to be a successful Celtic player," McGregor said. "He’s won countless trophies and brings huge experience. When you need someone, he’s always there.
That kind of reliability is invaluable." McGregor also touched on the harsh realities of professional football, noting that longevity at a top club is a testament to a player's quality. "There isn’t much room for sentiment in football. If you’re not needed, you’re out. James’s continued presence shows just how important he is.
If you can stay at a club like Celtic for so long, you must be doing something right," he observed. The winger’s adaptability has been a hallmark of his career. Over nearly two decades, he has reinvented his game to meet the evolving demands of modern football, shifting from a pace‑driven wide attacker to a more versatile, experienced contributor who can influence matches both as a starter and a super‑sub. His ability to read the game, deliver precise crosses, and score crucial goals has kept him relevant even as younger talents have emerged.
Forrest’s commitment also carries symbolic weight for Celtic supporters. He represents a bridge between the club’s storied past and its future ambitions, embodying the values of loyalty, hard work, and a relentless desire to win. His presence in the dressing room provides mentorship to emerging players, while his on‑field performances continue to inspire fans across Scotland and beyond.
Looking ahead, the upcoming season promises fresh challenges. Celtic will be defending their league title while also aiming for further domestic cup success and a deeper run in European competition. Forrest’s experience will be crucial in high‑pressure moments, particularly in knockout fixtures where his knack for delivering decisive contributions off the bench could prove pivotal.
Beyond the pitch, Forrest remains a popular figure in community initiatives, often participating in charity events and youth coaching sessions organized by the club. His off‑field demeanor reinforces his reputation as a true professional who cares about the broader Celtic family.
In summary, James Forrest’s new one‑year contract not only secures the services of a club legend for another campaign but also underscores Celtic’s commitment to honoring players who have given their all over many seasons. As the team prepares for another demanding season, fans can look forward to seeing Forrest continue to write chapters in his remarkable Celtic story, adding perhaps a few more memorable moments before he eventually hangs up his boots.