Celtic Player of the Day – Stevie Chalmers, scorer of our most important goal

A whipping Bhoy in the early 1960s

He was subjected to appalling abuse from his so called supporters on bad days (and there were many in the early 1960s) when he was played hideously out of position on the left wing for example. But he came through it all, beginning to find the net more frequently in the mid 1960s and then when Jock Stein arrived, he found himself on the right wing on the day that they regained the Scottish Cup in 1965.

The Celtic Rising 

That day changed everything, and Chalmers, speedy, reliable and level-headed was moved to the centre and goals began to flow, particularly when men like Joe McBride and Willie Wallace arrived, men who were seen as partners and not rivals.

And of course there was a famous goal in Lisbon! One wonders what the cretins who used to abuse Chalmers so much were saying now! He won five caps for Scotland, four Scottish League medals, three Scottish Cup medals and four Scottish League Cup medals.

He later played for Morton and Partick Thistle, but he was always Steve Chalmers of Celtic, and his death in 2019 (round about the same time as Billy McNeill) was much mourned and lamented.

David Potter

*Article from The Celtic Star archives celebrating the wonderful Celtic writing of the late David Potter.

Stevie Chalmers is one of the most revered figures in Celtic Football Club’s history, best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1967 European Cup Final, securing Celtic’s place as the first British club to win the prestigious tournament

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on December 26, 1935, in the Garngad area of Glasgow, Chalmers began his football journey with junior clubs Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Ashfield. In 1955, he faced a life-threatening battle with tuberculosis meningitis, a condition that was often fatal at the time. His recovery and return to football showcased his resilience and determination.

Celtic Career Highlights

Chalmers signed with Celtic in February 1959, making his debut shortly thereafter. Over 12 seasons with the club, he became a prolific centre-forward, scoring 231 goals in 406 appearances, making him the fourth-highest goalscorer in Celtic’s history.

His most iconic moment came on 25 May, 1967, when he scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute against Inter Milan in the European Cup Final, leading Celtic to a 2–1 victory. This triumph earned the Celtic team the nickname “Lisbon Lions.”

During his time at the club, Stevie Chalmers helped Celtic secure six Scottish league titles, four Scottish Cups, and five Scottish League Cups.

Later Career and Legacy

After leaving Celtic in 1971, Chalmers played for Morton and Partick Thistle before retiring in 1975. He earned five caps for the Scotland national team between 1964 and 1966, scoring three goals. In recognition of his contributions to Scottish football, Chalmers was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Stevie Chalmers passed away on 29 April 29, 2019, at the age of 83. His legacy endures, particularly for his pivotal role in one of Celtic’s most historic achievement in Lisbon on 25 May 1967.

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