Introduction
Celtic FC’s 2025/26 season will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the club’s recent history, featuring a shock managerial resignation, boardroom controversy, and an astonishing twist: 74-year-old club legend Martin O’Neill returning from outside football to rescue the season and eventually earn the permanent manager’s job.
This guide covers Celtic’s history, the remarkable events of the past year, and where the club stands heading into the 2026/27 season.
Quick Facts About Celtic FC
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1887 |
| Home Stadium | Celtic Park |
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland |
| League | Scottish Premiership |
| Manager | Martin O’Neill |
| Major Shareholder | Dermot Desmond |
| Nickname | The Hoops / The Bhoys |
A Brief History of Celtic FC
Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 and has grown into one of the most successful and widely supported clubs in world football. The club is one of only five football clubs globally to have won over 100 trophies, and forms one half of the famous “Old Firm” rivalry with Glasgow Rangers.
Celtic plays home matches at Celtic Park in Glasgow’s East End, a stadium known for its passionate atmosphere and deep footballing history. The club has enjoyed sustained domestic dominance in recent years, though the 2025/26 season tested that stability in unprecedented ways.
The Shock Resignation of Brendan Rodgers
Celtic’s 2025/26 season began with Brendan Rodgers in charge, having returned to the club for a second spell in 2023 after previously winning seven domestic trophies in a row during his first stint from 2016 to 2019.
However, on October 27, 2025, Rodgers resigned as manager following a 3-1 defeat to Heart of Midlothian, a result that left Celtic eight points behind league leaders Hearts. The resignation came amid a dramatic public dispute with Celtic’s largest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, who released a statement accusing Rodgers of creating a “toxic” atmosphere at the club. Rodgers went on to become head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah in December 2025.
Martin O’Neill’s Stunning Return
Stepping In as Interim Manager
Following Rodgers’ departure, Celtic turned to club legend Martin O’Neill, who had previously managed the team from 2000 to 2005, winning multiple league titles and reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup final. Remarkably, O’Neill stepped in on an interim basis nearly 20 years after his first spell at the club, working alongside former player Shaun Maloney.
O’Neill’s immediate impact was dramatic. He won every league match during his first interim spell, turning an eight-point deficit to Hearts into a situation where Celtic were level on points with a game in hand. He also guided Celtic past Rangers to reach the League Cup final and boosted the club’s Europa League hopes.
A Brief Handover and a Second Return
After stabilizing the team, O’Neill made way for permanent appointment Wilfried Nancy. However, Nancy’s tenure lasted just 33 days into a two-and-a-half-year contract before O’Neill was brought back again, this time through to the end of the season, with Celtic having slipped six points behind Hearts.
Completing a Historic Domestic Double
Under O’Neill’s second interim spell, Celtic secured a dramatic domestic double, clinching the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season, their fifth consecutive league title, and defeating Championship side Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
O’Neill’s 2025/26 Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2025 | Brendan Rodgers resigns as manager |
| October 2025 | Martin O’Neill takes interim charge |
| Late 2025 | O’Neill hands over to Wilfried Nancy |
| January 5, 2026 | O’Neill returns for a second interim spell |
| May 2026 | Celtic win the Scottish Premiership title on the final day |
| May 2026 | Celtic defeat Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final |
Becoming Permanent Manager
Following Celtic’s remarkable title-winning finish, speculation grew over who would take charge permanently. Celtic also held talks with former player Robbie Keane, but the club stepped back from pursuing him after protests from fan groups over his previous role managing Maccabi Tel Aviv amid the conflict in Gaza.
On June 11, 2026, Celtic officially confirmed Martin O’Neill as their permanent manager, signing a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further season. The appointment capped an extraordinary second act for the 74-year-old, who has now won nine major honors across his two spells at the club.
Speaking about his appointment, O’Neill said it was “once again a great privilege” to continue as Celtic manager, adding that the club’s recent success had only increased his desire to achieve more.
O’Neill’s Managerial Legacy at Celtic
| Spell | Period | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| First Spell | 2000–2005 | Multiple league titles, 2003 UEFA Cup final |
| Second Spell (Interim/Permanent) | 2025–present | Domestic double, 5th consecutive league title |
| Total Major Honors | — | 9 |
Celtic Heading Into 2026/27
With O’Neill now confirmed as permanent manager, Celtic enters the 2026/27 season aiming to build on their dramatic title-winning campaign. The club’s interim chairman, Brian Wilson, welcomed the appointment, describing O’Neill’s leadership and experience as central to the platform Celtic now has heading into the new season.
Celtic’s summer transfer business has continued under this new stability, with the club working to strengthen the squad for both domestic competition and a push for Champions League qualification, an area that contributed to the pressures that led to Rodgers’ earlier departure.
Why Celtic’s Story Continues to Captivate Fans
Several factors make Cltic’s recent journey one of the most compelling stories in Scottish football:
- A dramatic managerial saga, featuring two interim spells and a controversial exit
- Martin O’Neill’s remarkable comeback, returning to elite management after two decades away
- A historic domestic double, secured against the odds on the final day of the season
- Genuine emotional connection, with a club legend now leading the team into a new era
FAQs About Celtic FC
1. Who is Cltic FC’s current manager? Martin O’Neill was confirmed as Cltic’s permanent manager on June 11, 2026, after guiding the club to a domestic double during two interim spells.
2. Why did Brendan Rodgers leave Cltic? Rodgers resigned in October 2025 following a defeat to Hearts, amid a public dispute with the club’s major shareholder, Dermot Desmond.
3. Did Martin O’Neill manage Cltic before? Yes, he previously managed Cltic from 2000 to 2005, winning multiple league titles and reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
4. What did Cltic win under Martin O’Neill in 2025/26? Cltic won a domestic double, claiming their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
5. Why didn’t Cltic appoint Robbie Keane as manager? Cetic stepped back from pursuing Keane following protests from supporter groups over his previous managerial role at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Conclusion
Cltic FC’s 2025/26 season stands out as one of the most turbulent yet ultimately triumphant chapters in the club’s modern history. From a shock managerial resignation to Martin O’Neill’s extraordinary return and eventual permanent appointment, the Hoops have shown remarkable resilience in securing a domestic double against the odds.
As O’Neill now leads Cetic into the 2026/27 season with a permanent mandate, fans will be hoping his second act at Parkhead can deliver even more success in the years ahead.
