The 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season concluded with Celtic claiming the title after a dramatic final-day victory over Hearts. Hearts had been in the lead for a significant portion of the season. Celtic’s win marks the end of a highly competitive season.
Celtic’s Championship Win
Celtic’s Premiership record since Martin O’Neill returned for his second interim spell proved decisive. Hearts spent 226 days at the top of the Scottish Premiership since the start of October. Celtic were there for one day, the one that mattered.
Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren said, “It feels so amazing. we’ve been fighting so much all season and now we’re champions.” Nygren added, “It’s been a very difficult season but we kept fighting, kept believing, so I’m so proud of everyone in the team.” He also credited Martin O’Neill and the coaching staff for their role in the victory: “He’s been brilliant. Martin [O’Neill] and the other coaches, Sean [Maloney] and Fozzy [Mark Fotheringham], they’ve done so well. It’s thanks to them that we did this.”
Reactions to the Season
Ryan Stevenson, former Hearts forward, said, “The season as a whole’s been absolutely brilliant right across the board. From the top of the league to the bottom of the league.” Stevenson highlighted the performances of several teams: “Motherwell have been unbelievable, Falkirk have been unbelievable and I think Hearts have been unbelievable to go three minutes from 90 minutes from being champions speaks volumes for the players and Derek McInnes.” He added, “I think they got so much spot on, but you could see when Iheanacho hit the post, the tide turned and Celtic are serial winners. Maeda came up with the clinical moment and they deserve to win it.”
James McFadden, former Scotland forward, stated, “This is not a one-off for Hearts. They will come again. At no point did they buckle under pressure.”
Tierney’s Perspective
Celtic defender Kieran Tierney shared his thoughts on the season: “This whole season has been absolutely mental. From where we were at some points to here. The atmosphere has totally flipped.” Tierney praised the team’s captain: “Our captain is totally brilliant. I’m so happy for everyone, but Callum McGregor deserves every bit of this.” He also emphasised the team’s resilience: “We never give up. I think this is the most mentally strong team I’ve been involved in by far. This is the best thing I’ve ever won, because of everything we’ve come through.”
Celtic will now focus on the Scottish Cup final next weekend, where Martin O’Neill will face Neil Lennon, the manager of Dunfermline Athletic.