Celtic Football Club has seen some truly incredible goalkeepers over its long and storied history. From European Cup heroes to tragic icons and modern-day leaders, the best Celtic goalkeeper isn’t always the most famous, it’s often the one who stood tallest when it mattered most. Whether you’re a Hoops loyalist or a football history enthusiast, these 15 shot-stopping legends deserve the spotlight. Grab your favorite Celtic goalkeeper jerseys now at Cheap football shirts in UK and celebrate the club’s legacy in style!
Quick List of the Top 15 Best Celtic Goalkeepers:
- Joe Kennaway
- Rab Douglas
- Fraser Forster
- Pat Bonner
- John Bonnar
- Craig Gordon
- Lukasz Zaluska
- Ronnie Simpson
- Willie Miller
- Dan McArthur
- John Thomson
- Charlie Shaw
- Joe Hart
- Jonathan Gould
- Davie Adams
1. Joe Kennaway
Joe Kennaway was a calm and collected figure in the 1930s, earning praise for his reflexes and consistent performances. He set the standard for reliability between the posts during an era of transformation at Celtic.
- Represented both Canada and Scotland internationally
- A steady presence in Celtic’s defensive core
Joe Kennaway – Celtic’s 1930s star among the best Celtic goalkeeper list (Image: Pes Miti del Calcio)
2. Rab Douglas
Douglas became Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2000 and quickly delivered results, helping the team win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup in his debut season.
- Known for commanding the penalty area
- Played a vital role during Martin O’Neill’s golden era
Rab Douglas – Early 2000s first-choice goalkeeper and title-winner (Image: BBC)
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3. Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster’s loan spell turned legendary after recording 15 clean sheets in 2012/13. His sheer presence and reflexes earned him the nickname “The Great Wall” among Celtic fans.
- Excelled in high-pressure Champions League matches
- Returned multiple times due to fan admiration
Fraser Forster – Shot-stopping giant with record clean sheets (Image: BBC)
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4. Pat Bonner
Pat Bonner remains a club icon with the most appearances ever by a Celtic goalkeeper. His long career symbolized loyalty, leadership, and consistency.
- Represented Republic of Ireland in multiple tournaments
- Celtic legend with unmatched longevity
Pat Bonner – The most capped Celtic goalkeeper in club history (Image: Read Celtic)
5. John Bonnar
A dependable shot-stopper in the late 1940s and 1950s, John Bonnar provided a steady hand during a transitional period for the club.
- Earned respect through consistency and dedication
- Represented Celtic with pride during difficult times
John Bonnar – Reliable post-war keeper during Celtic’s transition years (Image: Alchetron)
6. Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon’s return to Celtic brought experience and reliability. His sharp reflexes and calmness made him a dependable asset in multiple domestic title runs.
- Earned clean sheets in critical matches
- A strong role model for younger keepers
Craig Gordon – Experienced leader and key title-winning contributor (Image: Sky Sports)
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7. Lukasz Zaluska
Though often a backup, Zaluska remained professional and delivered solid performances whenever called upon, especially in domestic cup ties.
- Known for team spirit and readiness
- Provided important depth in Celtic’s squad
Lukasz Zaluska – Trusted backup with crucial contributions in cup games (mage: Sky Sports)
8. Ronnie Simpson
At age 36, Simpson won the European Cup with Celtic in 1967. His leadership and calm presence earned him legendary status among the best Celtic goalkeeper icons.
- Played a crucial role in the Lisbon Lions’ historic run
- Set standards for future Celtic goalkeepers
Ronnie Simpson – Lisbon Lion and one of Celtic’s greatest ever (Image: The Celtic Star)
9. Willie Miller
Miller guarded Celtic’s goal during and after World War II, often under tough circumstances. His courage and reliability made him a fan favorite in a turbulent era.
- Played through challenging historical periods
- Known for loyalty and bravery
Willie Miller – Steady and courageous during wartime football (Image: The Celtic Star)
10. Dan McArthur
McArthur stood out in Celtic’s early years, laying the groundwork for future success. His shot-stopping and discipline helped the club earn its foundational victories.
- Among Celtic’s earliest stars in goal
- Known for resilience and professionalism
Dan McArthur – A pioneer goalkeeper in Celtic’s earliest decades (Image: The Celtic Star)
11. John Thomson
Tragically passing away at just 22, Thomson’s legacy lives on in Celtic folklore. His bravery and talent made a lasting impression, with fans remembering him as the “Prince of Goalkeepers.”
- Celtic Park memorial remains a testament to his legacy
- Played with fearlessness and grace
John Thomson – The “Prince of Goalkeepers” remembered forever (Image: The Celtic Star)
12. Charlie Shaw
One of only two goalkeepers to play over 300 matches for Celtic, Shaw was a consistent and fearless figure in the early 20th century.
- Known for sharp reflexes and tough mentality
- Helped Celtic dominate the Scottish league during his era
Charlie Shaw – Celtic’s longest-serving early-era goalkeeper (mage: The Celtic Star)
13. Joe Hart
Since joining Celtic, Joe Hart has provided experience and composure. He brought Premier League pedigree and quickly earned trust from both fans and teammates.
- Strong communicator with a commanding presence
- Integral to recent domestic success
Joe Hart – Modern-day leader anchoring Celtic’s defense (Image: Celts Are Here)
14. Jonathan Gould
Gould featured prominently in the late ‘90s, offering solid saves and quick reactions. He provided stability during a time of rebuilding for the club.
- Delivered during high-pressure Old Firm matches
- Reliable presence throughout the season
Jonathan Gould – Dependable keeper in Celtic’s late ‘90s resurgence (Image: Celts Are Here)
15. Davie Adams
Adams played in Celtic’s foundational years and contributed significantly to shaping the defensive standards of the club. His contributions often go underappreciated in modern conversations.
- Helped establish Celtic’s identity from the back
- A name etched in early club history
Davie Adams – Early Celtic goalkeeper who helped define club tradition (Image: OneFootball)
Conclusion
From European champions like Ronnie Simpson to modern-day stalwarts like Joe Hart, the best Celtic goalkeeper is not just about saves. These 15 names, spanning from the club’s origins to the present day, each played a vital role in Celtic’s enduring success. Which of these legends would you put at the top of your best Celtic goalkeeper list? Let us know in the comments!
