James Forrest is a Scottish professional footballer who has spent his entire senior career at Celtic, amassing over 500 appearances and a record 26 trophies for the club. This article covers his career statistics, family background, physical attributes, and clarifies common misconceptions, including whether he is the same person as the American basketball player of the same name.
Who are James Forrest’s family members?
- James Forrest is the longest-serving player in the current Celtic squad, with over 500 appearances.
- He has won more trophies at Celtic than any other player in the club’s history (as of 2025).
- His brother, Alan Forrest, is also a professional footballer, playing as a winger in the Scottish Premiership.
- Despite search queries, James Forrest (footballer) is not the same person as James Forrest the retired American basketball player.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 July 1991 (age 34) |
| Place of birth | Prestwick, Scotland |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 65.76 kg (10 st 5 lb) |
| Position | Right winger / attacking midfielder |
| Current club | Celtic (since 2009 first team) |
| National team | Scotland (debut 2011) |
| Club appearances (all comps) | 500+ |
| Major trophies | 21+ (Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup) |
Born in Prestwick, Scotland, James Forrest comes from a football-oriented family. His brother, Alan Forrest, is a professional footballer who currently plays for Heart of Midlothian. Both siblings grew up supporting Celtic and turned professional in the Scottish game. Information about a sister is scarce; no reliable public records confirm her name or occupation. James Forrest is known to be a private person regarding his immediate family beyond his brother.
Regarding his wife, public sources do not explicitly name her. Some unconfirmed reports have suggested a name, but no official confirmation from Forrest or Celtic exists. His personal life remains largely out of the public spotlight.
What are James Forrest’s career statistics and physical attributes?
Forrest joined the Celtic Youth Academy at age nine and signed his first senior contract in 2009. He made his debut on 1 May 2010 under manager Neil Lennon. Since then, he has become the club’s longest-serving active player.
Club statistics
As of the 2024–25 season, Forrest has scored 109 goals and provided 136 assists for Celtic in all competitions. In December 2022 he became only the third Celtic player to reach both 100 goals and 100 assists for the club. His 500th appearance came in 2024, a milestone that places him among Celtic’s most decorated servants.
Forrest has also scored for Celtic in 17 consecutive seasons (2009–2025), a record that surpasses club legends Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory.
Forrest is the only Celtic player to have scored in 17 consecutive top‑flight seasons. He is also the ninth player in the Scottish Premier era to score in 12 consecutive top‑flight campaigns.
International career
Forrest has earned 38 caps for Scotland, scoring five goals. One of his most memorable international moments came in 2018, when he scored a hat‑trick against Israel – the first Celtic player to achieve that for Scotland since 1908. He was part of Scotland’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
At 1.75 m (5 ft 7 in) and 65.76 kg, Forrest is an agile winger known for his pace, dribbling, and crossing ability. As he has aged, he has adapted his game to become a reliable squad player, often making an impact from the bench.
Trophy haul
Forrest has won 26 major trophies with Celtic, including 13 Scottish Premiership titles, 7 Scottish Cups, and 6 Scottish League Cups. In December 2024 he broke Bobby Lennox’s long‑standing record of 25 trophies, becoming the most decorated player in the club’s history.
Is James Forrest also a basketball player?
No. The search query “James Forrest basketball” refers to a different individual. James Forrest (basketball) is a retired American player born in 1972 who played college basketball at Georgia Tech and briefly in the NBA for the Miami Heat in the 1990s. There is no connection between the two athletes beyond the shared name. This article focuses exclusively on the Scottish footballer.
What are the key milestones in James Forrest’s career?
- 2003: Joins Celtic youth academy at age nine.
- 2009: Signs senior contract and makes first‑team debut on 1 May 2010.
- 2011: Scores first Celtic goal against Motherwell; makes full Scotland debut against Cyprus.
- 2012: Wins first Scottish Premiership title.
- 2016: Reaches 200 appearances for Celtic.
- 2019: Scores in the Champions League group stage.
- 2021: Wins domestic treble (Premiership, Scottish Cup, League Cup).
- 2022: Becomes third Celtic player to reach 100 goals and 100 assists for the club.
- 2024: Surpasses 500 appearances; wins record 26th trophy.
- 2025: Continues playing under Brendan Rodgers, with a contract extending to at least 2026.
What is confirmed and unconfirmed about James Forrest?
Established information
- James Forrest (born 1991) is a Scottish footballer playing for Celtic.
- His brother is Alan Forrest, also a professional footballer.
- His height is 1.75 m (5 ft 7 in).
- He has over 500 appearances for Celtic.
- He has won a record 26 trophies at Celtic.
Information that remains unclear
- His wife’s name is not widely confirmed in public sources – some reports suggest he is married but keep details private.
- Information about a sister is scarce; no reliable public records confirm her name or occupation.
- The “James Forrest basketball” search refers to a different person – James Forrest (born 1972) who played college basketball and briefly in the NBA. This article focuses on the footballer.
What does James Forrest’s career mean for Celtic?
Forrest’s longevity at one club is rare in modern football. He has been a constant presence through multiple managerial changes, from Neil Lennon to Brendan Rodgers, and has adapted his playing style as he has aged. While he no longer starts every game, his experience and ability to score crucial goals from the bench have made him a valuable squad player. Over 150 of his 500 appearances have come as a substitute, a testament to his professionalism and consistency. He is expected to continue at Celtic until at least 2026, and a future role in coaching or as a club ambassador is a possibility after retirement.
Where do James Forrest’s career facts come from?
“James Forrest is the longest serving Celt with over 500 appearances.”
Celtic FC official profile
“He scored 109 goals for Celtic and provided 136 assists, becoming the third Celtic player ever to achieve the double.”
Wikipedia – James Forrest (footballer, born 1991)
“Forrest has won 26 trophies, surpassing Bobby Lennox’s 25 with his 26th medal in December 2024.”
BBC Sport
Additional detailed appearance and goal data are available on Transfermarkt and Soccerbase. These sources are widely used by media and fans for up‑to‑date statistics.
What is the conclusion on James Forrest?
James Forrest is a one‑club man who has set records for longevity, consistency, and trophy success at Celtic. His brother Alan Forrest is also a professional footballer, and personal details like his wife and sister remain private. He is not the former basketball player of the same name. As of 2025 he continues to contribute from the bench under Brendan Rodgers, and his legacy as Celtic’s most decorated player is secure. For profiles of other footballers, see Curtis Jones – Liverpool Midfielder and Phil Foden – Age, Family, World Cup 2026 and Career Facts.
Frequently asked questions
How many Scottish Premiership titles has James Forrest won?
As of 2025, James Forrest has won 9 Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic.
What is James Forrest’s jersey number at Celtic?
He wears the number 49 shirt for Celtic.
Has James Forrest played for any other club besides Celtic?
No, he has spent his entire senior career at Celtic. He is a true one‑club man with no loan spells.
How many goals has James Forrest scored for Celtic?
He has scored over 100 goals for Celtic in all competitions (109 as of 2025).
Is James Forrest related to Alan Forrest?
Yes, Alan Forrest is his younger brother, also a professional footballer who plays for Hearts.
Did James Forrest play basketball?
No. The “James Forrest basketball” query refers to a different person – a former college and NBA player born in 1972.
What is James Forrest’s height?
His height is 1.75 m (5 ft 7 in).
How many trophies has James Forrest won?
He has won 26 major trophies with Celtic, a club record. That includes 13 league titles, 7 Scottish Cups, and 6 League Cups.
What position does James Forrest play?
He primarily plays as a right winger but can also operate on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, Whitehall, councils, local government and institutional reporting for Civic Affairs.