Comparing Celtic FC Greatest XI v Rangers FC Greatest XI Of All Time
Celtic and Rangers are two of the most followed clubs in the world. Both the clubs boast a rich history and many great players were a part of that. Winning the Scottish League Championship not less than 102 times between them, the clubs are indeed the place where countless legends were born. In this article, we have decided to pick the Celtic FC greatest XI and Rangers FC greatest XI of all time.
Celtic FC Greatest XI v Rangers FC Greatest XI Of All Time
Let us start with the Celtic XI;
GK – Packie Bonner
Packie Bonner edged out Ronnie Simpson for recognition due to his longevity at Celtic, despite Simpson being part of the Lisbon Lions. Spotted by Sean Fallon, Bonner impressed Jock Stein and became his final signing in 1978. He debuted in 1979, showcasing bravery and athleticism, and remained a key player throughout the 1980s and early 90s.
Bonner made 642 appearances for Celtic, including 483 league games, and won several medals, including four League Championships and three Scottish Cups. Although briefly released in 1994, he returned to win the 1995 Scottish Cup and later became a player-coach, leaving Celtic in 1998. He remains the club’s most prolific goalkeeper.
RB – Danny McGrain
Danny McGrain, widely regarded as Celtic’s best right-back, was a world-class player in the 1970s. Joining the club in 1967 as part of the ‘Quality Street Gang,’ McGrain transitioned from midfielder to right-back, replacing ageing Lisbon Lions. Known for his consistency and calm demeanor, he earned international recognition, often hailed as the best in his position by many.
McGrain played 659 games for Celtic between 1970 and 1987, winning seven League Championships, five Scottish Cups, and two League Cups. He represented Scotland in the 1974 and 1982 World Cups, earning 62 caps, and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
CB – Billy McNeill
Billy McNeill, widely regarded as Celtic’s greatest captain and defender, led the team to their historic European Cup win in 1967. Signed in 1957 from Blantyre Victoria, McNeill was a natural leader, scoring pivotal goals, including the 1965 Scottish Cup Final winner. His statue outside Celtic Park, holding the European Cup, is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
As captain, McNeill won nine Scottish League Championships, seven Scottish Cups, six Scottish League Cups, and made over 800 appearances for Celtic. He became the first British player to lift the European Cup and earned 29 caps for Scotland before retiring in 1975.
LB – Tommy Gemmell
Tommy Gemmell, a member of the legendary Lisbon Lions, is best known for scoring the equalizing goal in Celtic’s 1967 European Cup victory and another in the 1970 final, making him one of only two British players to score in two European Cup finals. Signed in 1961 from Coltness United, Gemmell thrived as a left-back with a powerful shot, making 418 appearances and scoring 63 goals for Celtic.
Gemmell’s talent was recognized internationally, ranking sixth in France Football’s 1967 poll of Europe’s best players and being voted the world’s best right-back by sports journalists in Hungary and Brazil in 1970. He left Celtic for Nottingham Forest in 1971 after a decade with the club.