Sport Nation 2Celtic Football Club boasts a rich history in European football, with several legendary players contributing to the team’s success on the continent. From the prolific Henrik Larsson to the versatile James Forrest, the club’s top scorers in Europe have helped build Celtic’s reputation as a formidable force in international competitions.
In this article, we explore Celtic’s all-time top scorers in European football, highlighting some of the club’s most celebrated forwards. Notably, James Forrest is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement as he chases a record that could see him rise higher in the club’s European goalscoring charts.
James Forrest: A Modern-Day Celtic Legend
James Forrest, who has been with Celtic since 2010, is already considered one of the club’s greats, having made over 500 appearances. Forrest has been a key figure in Celtic’s domestic and European campaigns over the years, contributing to numerous league titles and cup wins. As of the 2024/25 season, Forrest has scored 14 goals in European competitions, making him the joint sixth-highest scorer in the club’s history.
Forrest now has the opportunity to move even higher in Celtic’s European goalscoring ranks. If he scores just one more goal, he will surpass Bobby Lennox and cement his place as one of the most prolific European scorers in Celtic history. If Forrest scores multiple goals in this season’s Champions League, he could even become the second-highest scorer for Celtic in Europe, further solidifying his legacy at the club.
Celtic’s Top Scorers in Europe: The Legends
Here’s a look at the top 10 goal scorers in Celtic’s European history:
8. Giorgios Samaras – 13 Goals
Giorgios Samaras was a vital player for Celtic during his time at the club from 2008 to 2014. The Greek international was known for his ability to score important goals in European competitions, particularly in the Champions League. Samaras scored 13 goals in Europe, including a memorable strike against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
8. Stevie Chalmers – 13 Goals
Stevie Chalmers is a Celtic legend best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1967 European Cup final, securing Celtic’s historic victory over Inter Milan. His contribution to Celtic’s European success goes beyond that one iconic moment, as he netted 13 goals during his time at the club from 1959 to 1971.
8. Willie Wallace – 13 Goals
Willie Wallace played a crucial role in Celtic’s success during the 1960s and early 1970s. He was part of the famous “Lisbon Lions” team that won the European Cup in 1967. Wallace’s 13 European goals, scored between 1966 and 1971, further cement his place in the club’s storied history.
6. James Forrest – 14 Goals
Forrest’s 14 European goals have come in various competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League. Known for his pace and technical ability, Forrest has been instrumental in many of Celtic’s European campaigns over the past decade. With more opportunities this season, he could surpass several Celtic legends on this list.
6. Bobby Lennox – 14 Goals
Bobby Lennox was one of the key players in Celtic’s European triumphs during the 1960s and 1970s. Like Forrest, Lennox scored 14 goals in European competitions, making him one of the club’s all-time greats. Lennox’s performances were critical to Celtic’s dominance in both domestic and international football during his career.
4. Leigh Griffiths – 15 Goals
Leigh Griffiths, who played for Celtic from 2014 to 2022, was a prolific striker known for his powerful shots and excellent positioning. Griffiths netted 15 goals in Europe, including important strikes in Champions League qualifying rounds. His contributions helped Celtic reach the group stages of European competitions on several occasions.
4. Odsonne Edouard – 15 Goals
Odsonne Edouard, who joined Celtic in 2018, quickly became one of the club’s most effective forwards in European competitions. With 15 goals to his name, Edouard’s pace, skill, and composure in front of goal made him a vital player for Celtic during his time at the club. His standout performances include crucial goals in the Europa League and Champions League.
2. Jimmy Johnstone – 16 Goals
Jimmy Johnstone is one of Celtic’s all-time greats and was a key figure in the team that won the European Cup in 1967. Johnstone’s skill, flair, and tenacity made him a fan favorite, and his 16 goals in European competitions highlight his importance to the club’s success on the continent. His legacy as a Celtic legend is immortalized with a statue outside Celtic Park.
2. Chris Sutton – 16 Goals
Chris Sutton, who played for Celtic from 2000 to 2007, was a versatile forward capable of playing both as a striker and a midfielder. Sutton’s 16 European goals were pivotal in helping Celtic compete against some of Europe’s top clubs during his time at the club. He remains a beloved figure among Celtic fans for his contributions both domestically and in Europe.
1. Henrik Larsson – 35 Goals
At the top of Celtic’s European goalscoring chart is none other than Henrik Larsson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Larsson scored an astonishing 35 goals in European competitions, a record that may stand for many years to come. His performances in both the Champions League and UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) were crucial in Celtic’s success during his time at the club from 1997 to 2004.
Larsson’s ability to score goals in the most important matches earned him the nickname “The King of Kings” among Celtic supporters. His influence extended beyond just his goal tally, as his leadership and presence on the pitch helped Celtic reach new heights in European football.
Conclusion: Forrest’s Quest for Celtic History
As the 2024/25 season progresses, all eyes will be on James Forrest as he continues his pursuit of becoming Celtic’s second-highest European goalscorer. With just one more goal, he will move up the rankings, and if he finds the net multiple times this season, he could etch his name even deeper into the club’s history books.
Forrest’s journey at Celtic has been remarkable, and his potential achievement would be a fitting reward for his dedication and loyalty to the club over the years. While Henrik Larsson’s record remains untouchable for now, Forrest’s place among Celtic’s European legends is already well-established, and he has the chance to make his mark even more indelible.
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