James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has finalized a fresh contract that will see him remain with the Glasgow giants for at least another campaign. The 34‑year‑old, who already holds the distinction of being the most decorated player in the club's modern history, agreed to a one‑year extension that adds another chapter to his long‑standing association with the Scottish Premiership champions.
Forrest's trophy cabinet is overflowing: over the course of his tenure he has amassed 26 major honours, a haul that includes an astonishing 13 league championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. His contribution on the scoresheet is equally impressive – 110 goals in 564 appearances – and he has found the net in every single one of the 17 seasons he has been a Celtic player, a testament to his consistency and longevity.
In a heartfelt interview posted on Celtic's official website, Forrest 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.
He went on to reflect on the club's success during his time, adding, "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." He also hinted at his desire to keep contributing on the pitch for as long as his body allows. "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," Forrest explained. Manager Martin O'Neill praised the decision, emphasizing that the club wanted to keep the beloved veteran at Celtic for the remainder of his career.
"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 said. He continued, "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. So, take sentimentality right out of it, he’s deserved it." O'Neill also reflected on Forrest’s journey from a reserve‑team youngster to a senior stalwart. "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 added. Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed the sentiment, highlighting Forrest’s importance to the squad beyond mere 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 praised Forrest’s experience, noting that the winger has "won countless trophies" and is always present when the team needs him.
The captain also touched on the harsh realities of professional 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," McGregor observed.
Forrest’s adaptability has been a key factor in his enduring relevance. Over nearly two decades, he has reinvented aspects of his game to meet the evolving demands of modern football. "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 stressed that Forrest’s professionalism and love for Celtic are invaluable assets. "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," McGregor concluded. Forrest’s new contract not only secures his immediate future but also serves as a symbolic bridge between Celtic’s storied past and its ambitions for the coming years.
As the club looks to maintain its dominance in the Scottish Premiership and make deeper runs in European competitions, having a player of Forrest’s experience, leadership, and unwavering loyalty provides a steadying influence for younger teammates and a reminder of the standards that have defined Celtic’s success. Fans across Scotland and beyond have taken to social media to celebrate the news, sharing memories of Forrest’s memorable goals, his trademark speed down the left flank, and his knack for delivering decisive performances in crucial matches. The consensus is clear: James Forrest remains a beloved figure whose presence continues to enrich Celtic’s identity, both on and off the pitch.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Forrest utilizes his final year of top‑flight football. Whether he adds more trophies to his extensive collection or simply enjoys the final chapters of his playing career, his commitment to Celtic underscores a rare loyalty that modern football increasingly cherishes.
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