Ten of the most memorable moments in Celtic’s history

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·13 de junio de 2025

Ten of the most memorable moments in Celtic’s history

Ten of the most memorable moments in Celtic’s history…

Few clubs in world football boast a history as rich, passionate, and culturally significant as Celtic Football Club. Founded in 1888 by Brother Walfrid, a member of the Irish Marist order, Celtic was established not just to play football, but to fight poverty and bring unity to Glasgow’s struggling Irish immigrant population. What began as a charitable initiative quickly grew into a sporting institution with a global following…

Brother Walfrid statue at Celtic Park. Photo The Celtic Star

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Celtic FC’s history is filled with unforgettable moments that have shaped the club’s legacy. From their iconic 1967 European Cup win, where they became the first British team to achieve such a feat, to the incredible 2003 UEFA Cup final run, their passion for success shines through. Other key moments include their domestic dominance, such as the two historic 9-in-a-row league titles. Fans fondly recall games like their 4-2 victory over Rangers in 1979. Celtic’s legacy is so rich that even off the pitch, many supporters celebrate by participating in activities like playing at no deposit bonus codes, adding to the excitement of being a part of the Celtic experience.

As the club continues to write new chapters of success in Scottish football, there’s no better time to look back on some of the club’s most defining matches and historic milestones.

#1. European Champions

Jimmy Johnstone of Celtic during the 1967 European Cup Final win over Inter Milan on 25 May 1967 in Lisbon. Photo IMAGO.

Celtic FC made history on 25th of May 1967, becoming the first British team to win the European Cup by beating Inter Milan 2-1 in Lisbon. Led by manager Jock Stein, the Glasgow side pulled off a famous victory against a tough, defensive Inter team coached by Helenio Herrera. Even after going behind early to a Mazzola penalty, Celtic kept pushing forward with attacking football, driven by Stein’s bold, positive approach.

That win was the highlight of an incredible season where Celtic won every competition they took part in, including the Scottish League, Cup, League Cup, and Glasgow Cup. To this day, they’re still the only Scottish team to lift the European Cup, and the 1967 victory remains one of the proudest moments in the club’s history.

#2. Celtic Defeat Spanish Giants

One match that Celtic fans still talk about is the night the club went head-to-head with European giants Real Madrid on 5 March 1980, and came out on top. Over 67,000 fans packed Celtic Park as Billy McNeill’s side showed the kind of fight and flair that once made them a true force in Europe.

Johnny Doyle scores against Real Madrid in the European Cup quarter final at Celtic Park on 5 March 1980. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

The first half was tough, with Real Madrid looking sharp and dangerous. But Celtic dug deep, held their shape, and came out flying after the break. George McCluskey opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, and Johnny Doyle made it 2-0 with 15 minutes to go, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. On the night, Celtic looked every bit like they belonged to Europe’s biggest stage.

Unfortunately, the second leg in Madrid didn’t go their way. Real mounted a comeback with a 3-0 win, knocking Celtic out 3-2 on aggregate. Still, that victory in Glasgow remains a special memory, especially during a period when the club’s European dominance started to fade

#3. League Title Dominance

Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football hit new heights when they claimed their seventh consecutive league title in the 2017/18 season, and they did it in spectacular fashion. The title was sealed in unforgettable style with a 5-0 thrashing of Rangers at Celtic Park, a result that perfectly summed up the team’s power and flair under Brendan Rodgers.

Mikael Lustig of Celtic celebrates his sides third goal with his team mates while wearing a police mans hat during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on April 29, 2018 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

From the very first whistle of the season, Celtic looked determined to keep their place at the top. They kicked things off with a big win over Hearts and never looked back. With 23 wins, just 3 losses, and over 70 goals scored, the team wrapped up the title with games to spare. Even more impressive, they carried their unbeaten run from the previous season to a record-breaking 69 domestic matches without defeat.

James Forrest of Celtic celebrates after scoring his sides third goal with his Celtic team mates during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on April 29, 2018. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rodgers’ arrival in 2016 sparked a new era of success, and by this point, he’d already lifted five trophies in a row. With the league and League Cup in the bag, only the Scottish Cup final stood between Celtic and an historic second straight treble. Celtic would go on to win a world record quadruple treble, 12 trophies won in a row, an absolutely incredible record unlikely to be repeated anywhere in world football.

#4. Celts Triumph Over Red Devils

Back in November 2006, one of the best nights in recent Celtic history occurred at Parkhead when they took on Manchester United. Celtic needed a win to make it to the Champions League knockout stage for the first time ever, and they got it in style with a 1-0 victory.

21 11 06 – UEFA Champions League Group F Celtic v Man Utd 1 0 Celtic Park, Shunsuke Nakamura scores with his free kick. Manchester Utd Keeper Edwin van de Sar is stranded. Photo Ian Rutherford (IMAGO)

The first half was tough, with United pushing hard, but things changed early in the second half when Paul Scholes got a yellow card and slowed their game down. Then Shunsuke Nakamura stepped up and nailed an incredible free-kick that gave Celtic the lead and sent the crowd wild.

Near the end, United got a penalty after Maloney was judged to have handled the ball, but Celtic’s keeper Artur Boruc came up big, saving the penalty and stopping Louis Saha from scoring again.

Even though Celtic eventually lost to Milan in the next round, that night was huge, it was the first time they made it out of the group stage, thanks to Nakamura’s magic and Boruc’s clutch saves.

#5. Henrik’s 50th Goal

Henrik Larsson couldn’t have picked a better place to score his 50th goal of the season than Ibrox. It was a dream day for Celtic fans, made even more special by two fantastic finishes from Lubo Moravcik, one in each half, that completely silenced the home crowd.

Celtic were in total control, putting on a show that left Rangers chasing shadows. By the time young Shaun Maloney accidentally blocked Larsson from grabbing a fourth, most of the Rangers’ fans had already headed for the exits. The green and white end, though, was rocking with celebration.

What made it even sweeter was how little Celtic had paid for their star performers. Between Larsson and Moravcik, the club spent less than £1 million, a bargain compared to Rangers’ big spenders. But it was Celtic’s so-called “budget buys” who ran the show.

#6. Joe Miller to The Rescue

Joe Miller gave Celtic fans a moment to remember on 20 May, 1989, when his first-half goal won the Scottish Cup Final and denied Rangers a domestic treble.

It had been a tough season for Celtic, with few highlights, but they had one last chance to finish on a high, and beating Rangers made it even sweeter. The game at Hampden was close, with both teams evenly matched. Then, just before half-time, Rangers made a mistake with a poor backpass. Miller was quick to react, pounced on the error, and slotted the ball into the net to put Celtic 1-0 ahead.

Joe Miller celebrates after netting the winner for Celtic against Rangers in the 1989 Scottish Cup Final. Photo The Celtic Wiki

From there, Celtic stayed strong. They defended well, stayed organised, and didn’t give Rangers many chances. The final whistle brought huge celebrations as Celtic lifted the Scottish Cup for the 29th time.

The win meant the Rangers missed out on a treble, and although Celtic’s season hadn’t lived up to expectations, this victory gave fans something to cheer for. Joe Miller’s goal was the difference, and it’s still remembered as a key moment in a fierce rivalry.

#7. Astonishing Victory Over Barcelona

It was one of those unforgettable nights at Celtic Park, the kind that fans still talk about with pride and disbelief. On the club’s 125th anniversary, Celtic pulled off one of the biggest upsets in modern Champions League history, beating Barcelona 2-1 in front of a packed and electric home crowd.

Barcelona dominated possession, nearly 75%, and fired 14 shots on target, but it was Celtic who made the moments count. Victor Wanyama got the party started in the 21st minute, rising above the Barca defence to smash home a powerful header from a corner. From there, it was back to the wall, with Fraser Forster putting in a heroic performance in goal, pulling off save after save to keep Messi and company at bay.

Tony Watt scores! Celtic v Barcelona match in the Champions League on 7 November 2012 at Celtic Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Then came the moment that sealed it. Teenage sub Tony Watt latched onto a long ball, shrugged off a challenge, and coolly slotted past Valdes to make it 2-0. Messi managed to pull one back in stoppage time, but it was too little too late.

#8. Henrik’s farewell to Paradise

Henrik Larsson’s final home game for Celtic on 16 May, 2004, was packed with emotion and unforgettable moments, the perfect send-off for one of the club’s all-time greats. For most of the game against Dundee United, it seemed like the legendary striker might not find the net. But with nine minutes to go, that all changed. Rising to meet an Alan Thompson free-kick, Larsson powered a header into the net, and the crowd erupted. It was classic Henrik, right place, right time, cool finish.

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Just a few minutes later, he added a second, latching onto a low cross from Didier Agathe and slotting it home. Although United pulled one back with a late penalty, it didn’t take away from the magic of the day.

#9. Hampden in the Sun

Celtic’s 7–1 win over Rangers in the 1957 League Cup Final is one of the most famous moments in the club’s history. Coming into the match, Rangers were league champions and favourites, while Celtic had been struggling. But what followed at Hampden Park stunned everyone.

Billy McPhail and Bobby Collins celebrate with the League Cup on 19 October 1957 after Celtic’s 7-1 win in the final over Rangers. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Sammy Wilson scored first, followed by Neilly Mochan just before halftime. After the break, Billy McPhail netted a hat-trick, Mochan grabbed another, and Willie Fernie sealed it with a penalty. Rangers scored one consolation goal, but it was a complete rout, the biggest winning margin in a major British cup final.

The game became known as “Hampden in the Sun” and remains legendary among fans. Celtic’s dominance, the famous “seven past Niven” joke, and Dick Beattie’s photo holding up seven fingers helped immortalise the day.

#10. Paddy McCourt’s Wonder Goal

In 2009, Celtic visited the brand-new St Mirren Park for just the second time, and fans wondered if the new stadium could match the magic of the old Love Street ground. What happened soon after quickly answered that question, though not in the way the home supporters hoped.

About 27 minutes in, Paddy McCourt took the ball in midfield and wowed everyone. He weaved past one defender, cut inside another, squeezed through a gap between two more, tricked a fifth with a clever feint, and burst past a sixth before firing a fierce shot into the far corner from a tight angle. It was a stunning goal, earning comparisons to legends like George Best, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, so it’s well worthy of a place on my list.