James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has confirmed a fresh agreement that will see him remain with the Glasgow side for the upcoming campaign. At 34 years of age, Forrest, who already holds the distinction of being the most decorated player in Celtic’s modern era, has added a one‑year extension to his contract, ensuring his services for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions for at least another season. Forrest’s trophy cabinet is overflowing: over the course of his long tenure he has amassed 26 major honours, a collection that includes an astonishing 13 league championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. These achievements underline his importance to the club’s sustained dominance in Scottish football.
In terms of personal statistics, the winger has found the net 110 times across 564 competitive appearances, a goal in every single one of the 17 seasons he has been part of the Celtic set‑up. In a heartfelt interview posted on the club’s official website, Forrest expressed his delight at 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 best to the club for however long I’m here." He went on to reflect on his future contributions, noting that as long as he remains fit he hopes to continue adding value on the pitch. "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," he added. "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." Manager Martin O’Neill was quick to praise the decision, emphasizing both the sentimental and practical aspects of retaining a player of Forrest’s calibre.
"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 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, and that’s the point.
So, take sentimentality right out of it, he’s deserved it." O’Neill also highlighted Forrest’s evolution from a youthful reserve player to a seasoned professional, recalling how former manager Neil Lennon first brought him through the ranks. "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 these sentiments, underscoring Forrest’s longevity and adaptability. "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. 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 remarked. The captain also spoke about 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. 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. 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." Forrest’s continued presence offers more than just on‑field expertise; it provides a living link to the club’s storied past and a mentorship figure for younger talents breaking through the academy. His experience in high‑pressure matches, both domestically and in European competition, equips him to guide emerging players through the mental and tactical demands of top‑level football.
Beyond his direct contributions, Forrest’s contract extension reflects Celtic’s broader strategy of blending seasoned veterans with promising youngsters to maintain a competitive edge. The club’s recent success in the Scottish Premiership, coupled with a desire to make deeper runs in continental tournaments, requires a balance of experience, leadership, and youthful energy – a formula in which Forrest fits perfectly.
In summary, James Forrest’s new one‑year deal secures another chapter in a career already filled with silverware, memorable moments, and unwavering dedication to Celtic. As the team prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing the beloved winger continue to add his trademark pace, work‑rate, and professionalism to the squad, while also serving as a role model for the next generation of Celtic players.