Celtic Football Club recently hosted its annual Player of the Year Awards, a grand celebration honoring exceptional achievements across both men's and women's teams. The event, held in Glasgow, recognized outstanding performances, including Benjamin Nygren's triple accolades, Hyunjun Yang's impressive goal, and a special tribute to 101-year-old fan Jackie Dow, highlighting a season filled with triumphs and community spirit.
A Star-Studded Evening of Recognition at Celtic's Player of the Year Awards
On a memorable Sunday evening, May 4, 2026, the Doubletree By Hilton Glasgow Central was abuzz with excitement as Celtic Football Club convened its annual Player of the Year Awards. This prestigious event, hosted by the dynamic duo Shebahn Aherne and Des Clarke, served as a jubilant culmination of a highly successful season for both the men's and women's teams.
The celebratory atmosphere was particularly heightened following a weekend of significant victories. Martin O’Neill’s men’s team soared to the top of the Premiership table after a commanding 2-1 triumph over Hibernian. Concurrently, Grant Scott’s women’s squad demonstrated their prowess by securing a coveted spot in the Scottish Cup final, overcoming Glasgow City with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Hampden.
A plethora of accolades were distributed throughout the night, many of which were determined by the enthusiastic votes of the club's loyal supporters. Among the distinguished honorees, Hayden Borland was crowned Academy Player of the Year, acknowledging his consistently stellar performance as a young defender for the B Team. Hyunjun Yang, the 23-year-old South Korean international, earned the Young Player of the Year title, a testament to his nine goals and significant contributions to Celtic's pursuit of silverware. His spectacular strike against Rangers in the new year derby was also celebrated as the Men’s Goal of the Season.
Maria McAneny's extraordinary World Record goal against Hibernian, scored in a blistering 4.1 seconds, captivated fans and earned her the Women’s Goal of the Season award. The Top Goalscorer of the Season awards, generously sponsored by adidas, went to Saoirse Noonan for the women's team and Benjamin Nygren for the men's team, both recognized for their prolific scoring throughout the campaign.
Benjamin Nygren's exceptional season was further underscored as he received a remarkable personal treble: in addition to being the Men's Top Goalscorer, he was voted the Men's Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates and, ultimately, the Men’s Player of the Year by the supporters. Similarly, Morgan Cross was honored by her teammates as the Women's Players' Player of the Year. The highly coveted Women's Player of the Year award, decided by fan votes, was proudly accepted by the team's captain, Kelly Clark.
A heartwarming moment of the evening was the presentation of the Special Recognition Award to Jackie Dow, a devoted Celtic supporter who, at the remarkable age of 101, continues to attend games at Celtic Park. His award was graciously accepted on his behalf by Martin O’Neill and Callum McGregor, symbolizing the enduring spirit and intergenerational connection within the Celtic family.
The club extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, including adidas, Dafabet, Call Robert, Archiplan, PWR Pack, Scottish Centre for Excellence in Dentistry, Porrelli, and HBB Geo Sales, whose support made the event possible. The night concluded with a collective congratulation to all the deserving individual award winners, marking another chapter of pride and achievement in Celtic's storied history.
The Celtic Player of the Year Awards not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the collective strength and passion that defines the club. It’s a powerful reminder of how dedication, teamwork, and unwavering support from fans can lead to extraordinary achievements. Witnessing the recognition of seasoned players, emerging talents, and even a centenarian fan, underscores the deep-rooted community spirit that binds Celtic Football Club. This event reinforces the idea that football is more than just a game; it's a shared journey of triumphs, challenges, and enduring loyalty that unites generations.
