James Forrest, the veteran winger who has become synonymous with Celtic Football Club, has confirmed a new contract that will keep him at the Parkhead side for the upcoming campaign. At 34, Forrest – already the most decorated player in the club’s modern era – has added a one‑year extension to his existing deal, ensuring he will be part of the squad that defends the Scottish Premiership title next season.
Forrest’s résumé with the Hoops is staggering. Over 17 seasons he has lifted 26 major trophies, a haul that includes 13 league championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
His goal‑scoring record is equally impressive: 110 goals in 564 appearances, meaning he has found the net in every single season he has been on Celtic’s books. Those numbers underline why the club and its supporters view him as a living legend.
In a heartfelt interview posted on Celtic’s official website, Forrest expressed his enthusiasm about the new deal. "I’m absolutely delighted," he said. "I’ve spent my entire professional career here and I’ve loved every minute of it.
We’ve been incredibly successful during my time, and I’m thrilled to have signed on for another year. I’ll keep giving my all for as long as I’m able to wear the shirt." He went on to reflect on the longevity of his career, noting that while he still feels capable of contributing on the pitch, he also wants to cherish the remaining moments. "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.
Celtic’s manager, Martin O’Neill, praised the decision and highlighted the practical reasons behind the extension. "I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I just didn’t want him to go elsewhere.
He wanted that as well," O’Neill explained. "The key question with any renewal is whether a player still adds value, and James has proved this season that he certainly does. He’s changed games, come off the bench with impact, and his performances have been absolutely terrific." O’Neill also touched on the sentimental side of the deal, insisting that the extension is earned, not merely a tribute. "Take sentimentality out of it – he’s deserved it.
He’s been immense for the club since Neil Lennon brought him in as a youngster in the reserves. He still possesses that burst of pace, which at his age is worth its weight in gold," the manager said. Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Forrest’s importance beyond 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 remarked.
"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 highlighted the harsh realities of modern football, where players are quickly discarded if they are not deemed essential.
"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," he said.
"If you can be at a big club for a long time it shows you’re doing something right. Every season has its challenges, you have to adapt, and James has done that amazingly well throughout his career." The winger’s dedication to Celtic goes beyond the pitch. He lives and breathes the club’s culture, acting as a professional role model for younger players.
"When you have 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 concluded. Forrest’s contract renewal is not just a personal milestone; it also sends a clear message to the Celtic fan base and the wider Scottish football community.
It underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining a core of experienced, home‑grown talent while still pursuing new signings to complement the squad. As the new season approaches, supporters can look forward to seeing Forrest continue to add his trademark pace, work‑rate, and footballing intelligence to Celtic’s attacking play. The news arrives amid a busy period of transfer activity in the Scottish Premiership, with several clubs jostling for position ahead of the new campaign. Celtic, currently the reigning champions, will aim to retain their domestic dominance while also making a stronger push in European competitions.
Forrest’s presence provides both a tactical option off the bench and a leadership figure in the dressing room, qualities that are often cited as essential for sustained success. In summary, James Forrest’s one‑year extension secures the services of a player who has been instrumental in Celtic’s trophy‑laden era. His record of 110 goals in 564 games, his ability to influence matches even as a substitute, and his deep-rooted connection to the club make him a valuable asset both on and off the field. As the season unfolds, Celtic fans will be eager to see whether Forrest can add another chapter to his storied legacy, perhaps lifting yet another league title or cup to further cement his place among the club’s all‑time greats.