Shared Glory: Skipper Salutes Celtic’s Most Decorated Legend James Forrest

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·7 maggio 2025

Shared Glory: Skipper Salutes Celtic’s Most Decorated Legend James Forrest

James Forrest’s latest achievement has elevated him to a new level in Celtic’s storied history…

James Forrest, now Celtic most decorated player. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).

With the club recently securing yet another league title, Forrest has now claimed a staggering 26 trophies in his professional career. This makes him the most decorated player to ever wear the Celtic shirt. His silverware includes 13 league titles, seven Scottish Cups, and six League Cups. And there may still be more to come, with Celtic set to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final next month.

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Many fans are excited about the cup final, with many sports betting sites in the UK placing the Hoops as favourites with 1/4 odds, meaning bookies feel it’s likely that Forrest will add yet another title to his collection.

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal with James Forrest during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

While fans look ahead to another potential trophy, it’s also a moment to appreciate the legacy being built by Celtic’s homegrown heroes. Throughout most of his success, Forrest has shared the journey with Callum McGregor. Both players came through the Celtic Academy, and their careers have run almost parallel. McGregor, who has served as club captain since 2021, took a moment after the title-clinching match at Tannadice to reflect on his teammate’s historic milestone.

McGregor sees Forrest as a perfect example for the current generation of Academy players. He described how Forrest’s commitment, character, and long-standing loyalty to Celtic make his success even more meaningful. The midfielder believes rising talents can learn from the way Forrest has quietly built a legendary career without seeking the spotlight. To McGregor, Forrest’s rise to become the club’s most successful player proves that with consistent hard work and focus, there is a clear path from the Academy to the first team, and potentially to greatness.

James Forrest. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The two players now share a combined total of 50 winners’ medals, with McGregor himself amassing 24 trophies so far. That number reflects not just their individual talents but their ongoing influence on one of the most dominant periods in Celtic’s history.

Despite all they have already achieved, neither Forrest nor McGregor is dwelling too much on the past. McGregor spoke about how, during intense competition, it is easy to overlook the scale of their accomplishments. In the thick of the season, the mindset is always fixed on the next match, the next challenge, and how to keep improving. But after sealing the title, the magnitude of what they’ve done began to sink in. He and Forrest were able to briefly reflect on it together in the dressing room, feeling a shared pride in what they’ve brought to the club.

Brothers Alan Forrest of Hearts and James Forrest of Celticat full time during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on March 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Still, that moment of reflection quickly gave way to the reality of what’s next. With four games left in the league and a Scottish Cup final on the horizon, there is no intention of easing off. Both players are fully focused on ending the campaign in style by completing a domestic treble. It is this determination to push forward, even after such consistent success, that continues to define their roles in the squad.

What sets this partnership apart is the longevity and intensity they have maintained over more than a decade at the top level. Their connection, forged through youth training and countless matches together, continues to fuel Celtic’s modern dominance. Forrest’s place in history is now firmly secured, but for McGregor, that is just another reason to keep aiming higher.

James Forrest celebrates scoring Celtic’s third goal of the game during the Premiership match at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic on Wednesday 15, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

As Celtic add yet another league title to their trophy cabinet, with another trophy still looking like it could be on the cards this season, the story of James Forrest stands as a powerful reminder of what dedication to one club can lead to. With Callum McGregor leading the charge, the team’s ambition remains as strong as ever. Both players represent the core of this Celtic side, not just for their achievements, but for how they inspire everyone around them to strive for more.