James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has confirmed a fresh contract that will see him remain at the Scottish giants for the upcoming campaign. 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 existing terms, ensuring that the current Scottish Premiership champions retain his experience and skill on the pitch for at least another season. Forrest's trophy cabinet is unrivaled among his peers.
Over the course of his tenure he has amassed an impressive 26 major honours, a haul that includes 13 league championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. Those numbers underline a career built on consistency, resilience and a knack for delivering when it matters most. In total, he has found the net 110 times across 564 senior appearances for Celtic, a goal in every single one of the 17 seasons he has served the Hoops. That remarkable streak of scoring in each season highlights not only his longevity but also his ability to adapt his game as the sport has evolved.
Speaking to Celtic’s official website, Forrest expressed genuine enthusiasm about the new deal. "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 absolute best to the club for however long I’m able to stay." He went on to reflect on his future contributions, noting that while he still has plenty to offer on the field, he also hopes to continue supporting the team in other ways. "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. 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," he added.
Manager Martin O’Neill welcomed the news with a clear sense of purpose. "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 emphasized that the decision to extend a contract is always based on merit, stating, "The major point about taking anyone on is to know whether they’re worth an extra year and 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." O’Neill also highlighted Forrest’s early days, recalling how the then‑young player was brought into the senior set‑up by former manager Neil Lennon. "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," the manager said.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed the sentiment, praising Forrest’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and his unwavering professionalism. "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 remarked.
He continued, "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 said. He praised Forrest’s adaptability, noting that each season brings new challenges that require players to evolve.
"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," McGregor added. Both O’Neill and McGregor concluded that Forrest’s presence goes beyond his on‑field contributions.
"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, it’s so, so important that you keep these guys in your building and keep pushing in the right direction," McGregor affirmed. In summary, James Forrest’s new contract not only secures a seasoned talent for Celtic’s forthcoming season but also serves as a testament to his enduring influence, both as a match‑winner and as a cultural pillar within the club.
His record of 110 goals, 26 major trophies and an unbroken streak of scoring in every season underscores a career that has consistently blended individual brilliance with team success. As the club looks ahead to another campaign in pursuit of domestic dominance and European ambition, Forrest’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Celtic’s strategy. For fans keeping up with the Scottish Premiership, the latest league table, live streaming options, and free highlights are readily available online. 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 pool.