Lisbon Lion John Clark has died aged 84
Last updated 23rd Jun 2025
Lisbon Lion John Clark has died aged 84.
The defender started Celtic's European Cup final win in 1967 and dedicated his life to the club in a number of roles after retiring from playing.
Clark was born in Chapelhall in 1941 and signed for the Parkhead side as a 17-year old before making his first-team debut the following year.
Jock Stein played a huge part in shaping Clark's career but converting him into a sweeper.
He was ever-present during Celtic’s golden era, playing 140 consecutive games between 1965 and 1967 and was a rock in defence during the club’s most famous night—winning the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967.
In total, he played 316 games for the club and won 12 major trophies, including four league titles.
He also won four caps for Scotland, including a memorable draw against Brazil in 1966.
After leaving Celtic in 1971, he had a brief spell at Morton before moving into coaching and management. He returned to Celtic as assistant manager under Billy McNeill and helped guide the team to more domestic success in the late '70s and early '80s.
In 1997, Clark returned to Celtic once again, this time as kit man, a role he held with pride for over 20 years.
He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and remained a beloved figure at Celtic Park right to the end.
Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell paid tribute on the club's official website, saying: “John’s passing represents a massive loss to his own family and of course a huge loss to the wider Celtic family.
“A very dear friend and colleague, John was actually a hero to me and so many others, someone who achieved the greatest feat of all in club football but did so, along with his great team mates with such grace and humility.
“That famous day in Lisbon, which John was such an integral part of, changed our club forever. Ever since, each player who has passed through our club has stood on the shoulders of giants and John was certainly one of those giants.”
“John gave his life to Celtic both as a player and on our staff in a variety of his roles and his contribution to our great club over so many decades is immeasurable”.
“John was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. Such a warm, gentle, and unassuming man. It was an absolute privilege to have known John. Rightly he will forever be regarded as one of Celtics greatest ever servants.
“He will be someone we will all miss so dearly and we send all our love, our thoughts and prayers to John’s family.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: “‘Greatness’ is a word people throw around, but for John Clark it is a very fitting tribute.
“John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic’s proud history.
“John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players, managers and staff, including myself very much.
“To have him with us, as part of the club for so long has been a tremendous privilege for us all, it meant so much to us. Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”
“I know John was loved so dearly by his family, by everyone at the club and our supporters. We will all miss him so much.”
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