Top 10 Celtic FC Goalscorers of all Time
3. Henrik Larsson [242 Goals in 315 Apps]
Henrik Larsson is revered as one of Celtic’s greatest players, instrumental in revitalizing the club’s dominance in Scottish football. His arrival marked a turning point, ending Rangers’ bid for 10 consecutive league titles in his debut season. Despite suffering a leg break in 1999, Larsson rebounded stronger, netting 51 goals in the 2000-01 season to claim the European Golden Shoe.
Larsson’s illustrious Celtic career yielded 242 goals in 315 matches, earning him the affectionate title “The King of Kings.” He won five Golden Boots and four league titles in seven years. Although Celtic fell short in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final against Porto, Larsson’s impressive brace was a testament to his world-class talent. He departed Celtic for Barcelona in 2004, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
2. Bobby Lennox [273 Goals in 587 Apps]
Bobby Lennox, a prolific goal-scorer, often flies under the radar despite his impressive achievements alongside the Lisbon Lions. However, legendary figures like Bobby Charlton and Alfredo Di Stefano recognize his exceptional talent. Lennox joined Celtic from Ardeer Recreation in 1961, making his debut in 1962.
Lennox’s remarkable career yielded 273 goals in all competitions, earning him a plethora of honors, including eleven League medals, eight Scottish Cup medals, and five League Cup medals. A key member of the 1967 European Cup-winning Lisbon Lions, Lennox helped Celtic defeat Inter Milan 2-1 in the final.
As the last of the Lisbon Lions to play for Celtic, Lennox’s retirement in 1980 marked the end of an era for the club and Scottish football. His legacy, though sometimes overlooked, remains steadfast, with his impressive stats and accolades cementing his status as one of Celtic’s greatest players.
1. James McGrory [472 Goals in 452 Apps]
James McGrory, born in Glasgow’s Garngad in 1904, is one of Celtic’s greatest players. Signed by Willie Maley in 1921, McGrory initially played for Clydebank before returning to Celtic. McGrory’s debut came in 1923, and despite being only 5’6″, he was renowned for his heading ability, earning nicknames “Human Torpedo” and “Mermaid” for his signature horizontal, bullet headers.
McGrory’s legendary status was sealed with his last-minute, headed winner in the 1925 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee. He remains Celtic’s all-time top scorer with 469 goals in 448 games, including a record 57 league and cup goals in the 1926-27 season.
McGrory’s loyalty to Celtic was unwavering, as he rejected Arsenal’s £10,000 offer in 1928 to stay at Parkhead. Unbeknownst to him, Celtic’s board had planned to use the transfer fee to boost the club’s finances and subsequently paid him less than his teammates. Upon discovery, McGrory simply stated, “It was worth it just to pull on those Green and White Hoops.” For McGrory, scoring for Celtic meant everything; money meant nothing.