Tributes have poured in for Billy McNeill, Celtic’s legendary European Cup-winning captain and former manager, who has passed away at the age of 79.
McNeill, known affectionately as ‘Cesar’, was the iconic leader of the Lisbon Lions, the first British team to lift the European Cup, following their 2-1 triumph over Inter Milan in 1967.
Holding the coveted ‘trophy with the big ears’ aloft, McNeill cemented his place not just in Celtic’s folklore but in British football history.
His remarkable connection with Celtic spanned decades, including two stints as manager. In 2015, the club honoured his enduring legacy by unveiling a statue of him outside Celtic Park, depicting the iconic moment he held the European Cup aloft.
McNeill’s passing was announced by his wife, Liz, and their five children in a heartfelt statement. Current Celtic manager Neil Lennon led the tributes, praising the former captain’s contribution to the club.
“This is such sad news and I want to send thoughts and prayers to Liz and all the family from myself and all the backroom staff here at the club,” Lennon said.
“When you think of Celtic and our incredible history, Billy McNeill is always one of the first names that comes to mind. He was our greatest ever captain and one of our greatest ever players, and along with his team-mates, achieved historic things for Celtic in the 1960s and ’70s.”
Lennon also reflected on the importance of McNeill’s statue at Celtic Park.
“I love Billy’s statue, which is the first thing you see whenever you walk up The Celtic Way. It’s the perfect image of him, holding aloft the European Cup, and it will remind future generations of supporters of what a great Celtic man he was.”
McNeill’s playing career, which began after he joined from junior side Blantyre Victoria in 1957, spanned 18 years and 790 appearances, all in the green and white of Celtic.
His loyalty to the club was rewarded with a glittering haul of silverware, including nine consecutive league titles, seven Scottish Cups, and six League Cups.
After hanging up his boots in 1975, McNeill turned to management, briefly leading Clyde and Aberdeen before replacing Jock Stein at Celtic in 1978.
His first spell as manager brought further success, with three league titles, a Scottish Cup, and a League Cup added to his resume.
Though his managerial ventures at Manchester City and Aston Villa were less fruitful, McNeill returned to Celtic for the club’s centenary season in 1987. He marked the milestone in style, guiding the Hoops to a memorable league and Scottish Cup double.
McNeill’s health had declined in recent years, and in 2017, his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia. Announcing his passing, his family shared: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill.
“He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life.
“While this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs, and help us celebrate his life.”
Bertie Auld, McNeill’s Lisbon Lion team-mate, expressed his sorrow, telling Press Association Sport:
“Today’s news is a tragedy. I was there when the boss signed Billy at 17 years of age, and even then, he had tremendous presence about him.
“He was a big thin boy with spindly legs, but he was majestic in the air, even at that age. He had a tremendous temperament for a centre-back. As the months went on, you could see he had this ability to be a leader. Despite being so young, he would give everybody his opinion, and everyone respected him.
“I remember in Lisbon, him carrying the ball out onto the park in Portugal. His chest was out and his head was back. He knew we would win, and that filtered through the rest of us. He was never arrogant or egotistical. He just believed in himself and the rest of us.”
John Greig, former Rangers captain and McNeill’s Old Firm rival, also paid tribute to his long-time friend. “It’s very sad news. I’ve lost a very good friend today,” Greig said.
“We have been close for many, many years. Although we were big opponents on the field, we had a mutual respect for each other off it.
“As Old Firm captains, we were asked to do a lot of public engagements together. We were even given doctorates from the University of Glasgow on the same day in 2008.
“Apart from being a great football player and a great captain for a great Celtic side, he was also a great guy, a real gentleman, and I’ll miss him.”
Billy McNeill’s passing leaves a void not just for Celtic but for the wider football community. His legacy, however, will endure as a symbol of leadership, loyalty, and success.