Celtic Football Club, one of Scotland's most renowned and oldest football teams, was founded in 1887 and continues to be a dominant force in Scottish football. Based in Glasgow, the club is widely recognized for its strong legacy, passionate fanbase, and iconic green-and-white colors. Over the years, Celtic has evolved from its modest beginnings to become a prestigious name in world football, frequently competing in the top tiers of the Scottish Premier League.

History and Origins

Celtic was founded at St. Mary's Church in Glasgow by Brother Wilfrid, an Irish priest, who sought to create a football team to raise funds for the local community. The first match was played in 1888, marking the beginning of one of Scotland's most successful football clubs. The club has had notable periods of dominance, including consistent victories in the Scottish Cup and Scottish League, with several managerial changes, including the current leadership under Ange Postecoglou since 2021.

Logo Evolution

Celtic's logo has undergone various transformations, reflecting the club's rich history and deep-rooted connection to its Irish heritage.

1888 – 1889: Celtic Cross

The original Celtic logo depicted a Celtic cross, a symbol rich in Irish tradition. The cross, which was designed in green and set on a red vertical oval, signified the club's Irish roots and Catholic connections.

1896 – 1897: Round Badge

By 1896, the logo evolved into a round badge, retaining the Celtic cross at its center, framed by a green double border. The name "Celtic Football Club" was written around the outer edge, giving the logo a classic and traditional feel.

1925 – 1965: Three-Leaf Clover

In 1925, the clover leaf became the central emblem of Celtic's logo, symbolizing love, hope, and faith—core values to the club. The three leaves represented the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in line with the club’s religious undertones. The emblem was simple and straightforward, focusing solely on the clover symbol without any additional text or ornamentation.

1928 – 1929: Decorative Clover

The club introduced a slightly more ornate design in 1928. The clover leaf was now featured within an oval base, with the words "The Celtic Football" and "And Athletic Coy." encircling the emblem. The color palette was subtle, with beige and green tones providing a calming and dignified look.

1977 – 1995: Green Circle and Clover

In 1977, the logo was modernized with a green circle featuring a white-core clover. The words "Celtic Football Club" were inscribed in white across the top of the circle, while the founding year, 1888, appeared at the bottom. This logo maintained the iconic green-and-white color scheme while providing a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.

1987 – 1989: Centennial Logo

For the club’s 100th anniversary in 1987, Celtic’s logo was redesigned with a white circle containing the clover and elements from earlier logos. The years 1888 and 1994 were placed on either side, and the clover symbol remained central.

1995 – Present: Modern Four-Leaf Clover

The 1995 logo is the most recognizable version of Celtic's emblem, consisting of a four-leaf clover, a symbol of luck and prosperity. This logo is characterized by:

• A stylized clover with green and white stripes.
• The club's full name "The Celtic Football Club" written in a clean, sans-serif typeface, arched across the top.
• The founding year 1888 prominently featured at the bottom of the logo, flanked by two abstract lines, which resemble bats.

The 125th anniversary logo was briefly used in 2012, where the clover was bright green with white lettering and a black star above it, commemorating the club's long-standing history and achievements.

Celtic's Colors

The club's signature colors are green and white, symbolizing both their Scottish identity and Irish heritage.

• Green: #018749 (Pantone 348 CP)
• White: #FFFFFF

These colors have been synonymous with the club’s identity and are used in their home kits, merchandise, and throughout the stadium, Celtic Park, one of the largest football stadiums in Scotland.

Legacy

Celtic’s logo and its evolution encapsulate not just the history of the club but the enduring spirit of its supporters. From its early years as a community-focused organization to its current stature as one of the most prestigious clubs in Scotland, Celtic continues to symbolize the passion, resilience, and tradition of Scottish football.