Celtic Football Club, founded in 1887 in Glasgow, is one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in Scotland. Known as The Bhoys and The Hoops, Celtic has a rich history and a strong fanbase. The club's logo has undergone several transformations over the years, reflecting its growth and cultural significance.

History and Meaning

Celtic was established in 1887 by Brother Wilfrid at St. Mary’s Church in Glasgow. The club was formed with the intention of raising funds for the poor in the East End of Glasgow, and it quickly became a major force in Scottish football. Over the years, Celtic has remained a symbol of success, with numerous league titles and cup victories.

The club's home stadium, Celtic Park, built in 1892, is one of the largest and most iconic football stadiums in Scotland, holding 60,832 spectators. Over the years, Celtic has maintained its position as one of Scotland's most successful clubs, despite facing stiff competition from rivals like Rangers.

Logo Evolution

1888 – 1889: The First Logo

The original Celtic logo featured a green Celtic cross, which symbolizes the club's Irish heritage. The cross was set against a red vertical oval, with thin black rings scattered across the design. This early logo reflected Celtic's identity and roots in Irish culture.

1896 – 1897: Simplification

The Celtic cross remained central in the logo, but it was now placed in a round base with a double green outer border. The words “Celtic Football Club” were printed around the center, making the logo more traditional and straightforward.

1925 – 1965: The Three-Leaf Clover

From 1925 to 1965, Celtic used a green clover leaf as the club emblem. The three-leaf clover symbolizes love, hope, and faith, values that resonate deeply with the club's ethos. The clover may also symbolize the Holy Trinity in Christian tradition, linking to Celtic's Irish heritage.

1928 – 1929: Decorative Base

During this period, the clover leaf was placed on an oval decorative base. The logo included the phrase “The Celtic Football” on the left and “And Athletic Coy. L” on the right. The colors were beige and green, creating a calm and classic look.

1977 – 1995: The Green Circle

In 1977, the logo was reimagined with a green circle and a white core, featuring a green clover with white veins. The club’s name, “Celtic Football Club,” was written along the top of the circle, with the founding year 1888 written at the bottom.

1987 – 1989: 100th Anniversary Logo

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Celtic, the logo was modified to include the traditional Celtic cross in the center, flanked by the years 1888 and 1988. The white circle featured green elements, and the club’s name was printed in the familiar style.

1995 – Today: The Modern Logo

The current Celtic logo, introduced in 1995, showcases a four-leaf clover as the central emblem, symbolizing good luck and the club’s continued success. The clover has a striped pattern on its leaves, giving it a modern and dynamic appearance. The logo is enclosed in a wide circular frame with a white background and green double outlines.

The club’s name, “The Celtic Football Club,” is placed along the top of the frame in a clean sans-serif typeface, while the founding year 1888 is located at the bottom of the frame. The current design retains its heritage while reflecting a more modern, streamlined look.

In 2012, the logo was altered for the club’s 125th anniversary. The clover and frame became bright green, and the logo was adorned with an ornate wreath and a simple black star above it, emphasizing the club’s long-standing legacy.

Color Palette

The club’s color scheme is central to its identity, with green and white being the key colors.

• Green (Pantone: 348 CP, HEX: #018749) represents Celtic's Irish heritage, strength, and connection to nature.
• White (Pantone: P 1-1 C, HEX: #FFFFFF) symbolizes purity and unity.