Celtic F.C. Players – 2025/26 First Team Squad List

Celtic Football Club enters the 2025/26 season with a squad that blends experienced internationals with promising young talent. The Glasgow-based club, competing in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions, maintains one of the deepest rosters in Scottish football. This comprehensive overview details every first team player, their squad numbers, and the significant names that came before them.

The current squad features 28 players across all positions, with Kasper Schmeichel anchoring the goalkeeping department and Callum McGregor leading the team as captain. Recent additions including Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho strengthen offensive options, while the defensive lineup incorporates international talent from North America and South America. The squad’s composition reflects Celtic’s continued investment in youth development alongside proven performers.

Who are the current Celtic first team squad players?

The breakdown above illustrates Celtic’s balanced approach to squad construction. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel brings extensive experience after joining from Anderlecht, wearing the number 1 shirt previously occupied by established Celtic shot-stoppers. The defensive contingent represents the largest group, featuring a mix of North American, English, and homegrown talent. Celtic’s official team page confirms the complete roster as of the 2025/26 season.

Key squad insights

• 28 total players comprise the first team squad across all senior registrations
• Callum McGregor continues as captain, wearing the number 42 shirt
• International representation spans Scotland, England, USA, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and Brazil
• Youth integration features players from the academy including Benjamin Arthur (43) and Dane Murray (47)
• Squad depth in wide positions includes Jota, Tounekti, Maeda, and Osmand
• Three numbers remain available (21, 26, 29) suggesting potential for additional signings
• Experienced newcomers such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho strengthen the squad significantly

Complete squad by position

Who are the new Celtic FC players for 2025/26?

Several notable additions have strengthened Celtic’s squad for the current campaign. Sebastian Tounekti represents the most significant recent investment, joining for a reported fee of £5.2 million. The winger’s arrival adds pace and creativity to the attacking options, providing competition for existing wide players. Celtic’s recruitment strategy continues to balance experienced internationals with younger prospects developing toward their peak.

Key new arrivals

Kelechi Iheanacho arrived with extensive Premier League experience following his departure from Leicester City. The Nigerian international has demonstrated his goal-scoring ability across multiple seasons in English football. His presence provides Celtic with a proven option in the final third, capable of playing across various attacking positions.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brings additional quality to the midfield, having represented Arsenal, Liverpool, and the England national team throughout his career. Though injuries have disrupted his progression, his technical abilities and versatility offer valuable depth. The former Southampton and Arsenal academy product can operate in central areas or push forward into attacking roles.

Sebastian Tounekti emerged as a targeted signing after impressive performances that attracted attention from multiple clubs. His £5.2 million valuation reflects the potential Celtic see in the young winger. The move represents the club’s continued willingness to invest in developing talent capable of making an immediate impact.

Impact on squad balance

These additions arrive alongside established performers who formed the core of previous Celtic squads. Reo Hatate continues to influence games from midfield, while Arne Engels has settled well following his arrival. Paulo Bernardo’s technical qualities complement the more physical aspects of Celtic’s game. The blend of fresh faces and reliable contributors creates healthy competition throughout the squad.

Who are the most famous Celtic FC players?

Celtic’s history encompasses generations of remarkable footballers, with certain figures standing out for their extraordinary contributions. The club’s legacy includes legendary captains, prolific scorers, and unforgettable characters who defined eras at Celtic Park. Understanding this heritage provides context for the current squad members who now carry the responsibility of representing the Hoops.

Legends by position

Goalkeepers have occupied a sacred position in Celtic’s history. Pat Bonner’s near-two-decade service represented remarkable consistency, while Artur Boruc’s acrobatics and charisma made him a fan favourite. Fraser Forster’s commanding presence during the 2012/13 Champions League campaign demonstrated Celtic’s ability to compete at the highest European level. More recently, Fraser Forster’s return reinforced the goalkeeping position before Kasper Schmeichel took over the number 1 shirt.

Defenders including Bobo Balde became cult heroes through their physical presence and commitment. The Guinean’s partnership with other centre-backs formed the foundation of successful sides. Among current defenders, Alistair Johnston has quickly established himself as an important figure since joining from Major League Soccer, demonstrating the continued attraction of Celtic for international talent.

Midfielders have perhaps defined Celtic most dramatically. Kenny Dalglish’s transition from forward to midfield produced one of Scotland’s greatest-ever footballers. Paul McStay’s elegant style and leadership embodied Celtic’s attacking philosophy throughout the 1990s. Scott Brown’s energy and winning mentality drove multiple title-winning campaigns. The number 8 shirt now worn by Benjamin Nygren carries substantial legacy following these predecessors.

Forwards have provided countless memorable moments. Jimmy Johnstone’s mesmerising runs and diminutive stature made him an icon transcending football. Henrik Larsson’s scoring record remains unmatched in the modern era, with 242 goals across two spells cementing his legendary status. The number 7 shirt now belonging to Jota carries the weight of these extraordinary careers.

What is the outlook for Celtic players in 2026?

Projecting forward to 2026 involves both optimism about current trajectories and acknowledgement of contractual realities. Celtic’s strategy typically involves securing key players on longer-term deals while maintaining flexibility through youth development. Several squad members enter the final phases of their current contracts, creating potential for movement or renewal decisions.

Left winger options

The left wing position currently features several capable options. Daizen Maeda’s energy and pressing make him particularly valuable against opponents who prefer building from the back. His 16-goal season demonstrates his growing influence, though his contribution extends beyond scoring to overall team pressing and defensive work. Jota provides a different dimension with his trickery and creativity, capable of producing moments of individual brilliance that change games.

Sebastian Tounekti offers another left-sided option as he continues adapting to Scottish football. His development trajectory suggests potential for increased involvement as he gains experience. Callum Osmand represents another candidate for minutes on the left flank, providing additional depth as he progresses. This competition for places reflects Celtic’s ambition to maintain quality across multiple competitions.

Youth development pathway

Players such as Benjamin Arthur, Dane Murray, and Colby Donovan illustrate Celtic’s commitment to promoting homegrown talent. Their inclusion in the senior squad provides them with first-team training environments and potential match exposure. The pathway from academy to first team remains crucial for Scottish football clubs, both financially and culturally. These players represent potential solutions to future squad requirements.

Recent squad developments timeline

Celtic’s squad composition reflects decisions made across multiple transfer windows, with each signing contributing to the current picture. Understanding the sequence of arrivals and departures provides context for how the team has evolved.

1. Summer 2024: Sebastian Tounekti joins for £5.2 million from previous club, immediately integrated into first-team training
2. Summer 2024: Kelechi Iheanacho arrives following departure from Leicester City, adding Premier League experience
3. Summer 2024: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signs, reuniting with former club connections in Scottish football
4. 2024/25 season: Daizen Maeda scores 16 goals, establishing himself as a key attacking threat
5. Pre-season 2025: Kasper Schmeichel officially takes the number 1 shirt, beginning his Celtic career
6. 2025/26 season: Current squad confirmed with 28 registered first-team players

What is confirmed versus uncertain for Celtic?

How does Celtic’s current squad compare historically?

Celtic’s squad depth in 2025/26 compares favourably with recent seasons. The experience gathered through European competitions and domestic cup runs provides valuable learning for younger players. Managerial continuity allows consistent tactical approaches, with players understanding their specific roles within the system.

The international representation across the squad demonstrates Celtic’s ability to attract talent from multiple continents. Players from North America, South America, Japan, and across Europe now feature regularly, reflecting the global reach of Scottish football’s most successful club. This diversity brings different footballing backgrounds and tactical understandings that enrich training environments.

Comparing current attacking options to historical squads reveals increased variety in playing styles. Celtic can now deploy different approaches depending on opposition, with pace available through Maeda and Tounekti, creativity through Jota and Oxlade-Chamberlain, and physical presence through Iheanacho and Idah. This flexibility represents tactical sophistication unavailable to previous Celtic sides.

Sources and official information

Information regarding Celtic’s squad derives from multiple authoritative sources. The club’s official website provides the definitive roster and squad numbers. Detailed squad analysis appears on dedicated Celtic fan sites including 67 Hail Hail, which tracks squad number assignments and their historical significance.

“The number 7 shirt carries significant historical weight, previously worn by Henrik Larsson, Jimmy Johnstone, Scott McDonald, Davie Provan, and Simon Donnelly.”

Statistical context comes from multiple platforms tracking player performance across competitions. Tribuna’s Celtic coverage provides individual player statistics including goal contributions and appearances. This data enables objective assessment of current squad members against historical standards.

The combination of official club sources and independent statistical platforms provides comprehensive coverage for supporters and analysts. Regular updates throughout the season ensure information remains current as squad changes occur.

Summary

Celtic enters the 2025/26 season with a squad combining experienced internationals, promising young talent, and significant new arrivals. The 28-player first-team roster spans goalkeepers through to forwards, with particular depth in defensive and wide attacking positions. Squad numbers 21, 26, and 29 remain available, suggesting potential for additional transfer activity. For related coverage of Scottish football, see our report on Andrew Cavenagh Rangers Russell Martin – Chairman Admits Appointment Fault.

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