Today, the Ballon d’Or took center stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrating the finest talent in men’s and women’s football. Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the coveted men’s award, while Aitana Bonmatí was honored as the top female player. Both players stood out among the elite, showcasing their exceptional contributions to the beautiful game.

Here’s a look at the full list of Celtic heroes who have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. In total, seven former Celtic players have made the cut, alongside some legendary managers who were nominated during their playing careers at different clubs.

Let’s dive into the names of those Celtic icons who came tantalizingly close to being crowned the world’s best player!

1. Jock Stein (Manager) – Nominated while managing Celtic during his incredible tenure.

2. Henrik Larsson – The Swedish striker dazzled with his skill and goal-scoring ability.

3. Paul McStay – The midfield maestro was pivotal in Celtic’s successes.

4. Tommy Burns – A fan-favorite, Burns made his mark both as a player and a manager.

5. Bobby Murdoch – Renowned for his dynamic play in the midfield.

6. Virgil van Dijk – The defender’s prowess earned him nominations after his stellar performances.

7. Scott Brown – The influential captain led by example, leaving a lasting legacy at the club.

These players and managers not only showcased their talent on the pitch but also solidified their places in Celtic’s rich history. Each of them contributed to the club’s legacy and came close to the ultimate individual accolade in football.

Tommy Gemmell – 1967 and 1968Tommy Gemmell earned his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 1967, following his instrumental role in helping Celtic become the first British team to win the European Cup. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament were crucial in securing this historic achievement.

In that year, Gemmell finished an impressive 6th in the rankings, standing tall among footballing legends such as Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, and Eusébio. His contribution to Celtic’s success in Europe not only showcased his talent but also cemented his legacy as one of the club’s greatest heroes.

He received another nomination in 1968, further highlighting his status as a top player during that golden era for Celtic.

Tommy Gemmell – 1968In 1968, Tommy Gemmell received his second Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing in 24th place. That year, the prestigious award went to George Best, who dazzled the football world with his incredible skill and flair.—Jimmy Johnstone – 1967 and 1968Alongside fellow Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell, Jimmy Johnstone was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in both 1967 and 1968. In 1967, Johnstone finished a remarkable 3rd in the rankings, trailing only behind the legendary Bobby Charlton and the winner, Florian Albert of Ferencváros.Johnstone’s electrifying performances and ability to change the game made him a standout player during this era, and his contributions were pivotal in Celtic’s European success. His nomination alongside Gemmell highlighted the immense talent within the team, solidifying their status as Celtic legends.

Jimmy Johnstone – 1968In 1968, Jimmy Johnstone received his second Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing alongside his Celtic teammate Tommy Gemmell in 24th place. Despite his incredible talent and impact on the game, Johnstone’s international career with Scotland was relatively modest, as he earned just 23 caps and scored four goals after making his debut against Wales in October 1964. His limited appearances only amplify the respect he garnered during his time, showcasing his remarkable ability despite not always being on the pitch for his national team.—Kenny Dalglish – 1983Kenny Dalglish was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1983, where he achieved the distinction of being the runner-up and earned the Silver Award while playing for Liverpool. His prowess as a forward and playmaker made him one of the most feared strikers in the game, and his contributions to Liverpool’s success during that era were pivotal.—Gordon Strachan – 1984In 1984, former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan also received a Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing in an impressive 4th place. At that time, the coveted award went to the legendary Michel Platini. Strachan’s skill and leadership on the field made a lasting impact, both as a player and later as a manager at Celtic. His nomination underscored his talent and the respect he earned in the footballing community.

Kenny Dalglish – 1983Kenny Dalglish was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1983, where he earned the prestigious Silver Award, finishing as the runner-up while playing for Liverpool. His exceptional skills and contributions to the club during that era solidified his reputation as one of the game’s greatest forwards. The coveted award went to Michel Platini, but Dalglish’s performance was widely recognized, highlighting his status as a top player of his time.Additionally, former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan received a nomination that year, finishing in 4th place, showcasing the incredible talent that emerged from Celtic during this period.—Paul McStay – 1984In 1984, Paul McStay earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, placing 18th in the rankings as Michel Platini claimed the award for the second consecutive year. McStay’s skillful play and leadership on the field were instrumental for Celtic, and his nomination reflected his importance to the team. Notably, he finished ahead of AC Milan’s Mark Hateley and was level with Gordon Strachan, who was playing for Manchester United at the time. McStay’s consistent performances earned him respect and admiration, both at Celtic and within the footballing community.