Celtic’s Relentless Pursuit of Greatness: The Treble Legacy Continues
Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially over the past decade. To truly appreciate just how historic this period has been, it’s worth reflecting on how far we’ve come. At the start of the 21st century, Celtic had only achieved three domestic trebles in our long and storied history. Now, by the end of this season, we could be celebrating our ninth treble overall—six of which will have come in just under a decade. That level of sustained success is simply staggering.
Winning a single treble is an incredible feat, something that takes an entire season of relentless consistency, unwavering focus, and winning mentality. To do it six times in such a short period is practically unheard of in world football. Yet, Celtic has made it seem almost routine, raising the standards of Scottish football and setting new benchmarks for excellence.
With the League Cup already secured, a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, and just two games standing between Celtic and Scottish Cup glory, a clean sweep of domestic honours is within touching distance once again. While nothing in football is ever guaranteed, there is no doubt that Brendan Rodgers’ side is in an incredible position to add another chapter to this club’s legendary history.
This is more than just another trophy haul—it’s about reaffirming Celtic’s place at the very top of Scottish football and continuing a dynasty of dominance that few clubs across the globe can match.
A Look Back: The Treble Journey Through the Years
The Beginning: Celtic’s First Trebles Under Jock Stein
Celtic’s history with domestic trebles began in the most iconic way possible—during the immortal 1966/67 season, a campaign that will forever be remembered as the pinnacle of this great club’s history. Not only did Celtic dominate Scottish football by winning the league, Scottish Cup, and League Cup, but we also became the first British club to conquer Europe, lifting the European Cup in Lisbon against Inter Milan.
That season, Celtic won every competition we entered—including the Glasgow Cup—a clean sweep of five trophies. No team in the history of football had ever done that before, and few have done it since. The Lisbon Lions didn’t just set the standard—they set an unmatched precedent of what success at Celtic should look like.
Two years later, in 1968/69, Jock Stein led Celtic to another domestic treble, further stamping our dominance over Scottish football. That season ended in style with a 4-0 demolition of Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, a result that showcased just how far ahead of the competition Celtic were at the time.
However, after this golden era, an astonishing 32-year wait followed before Celtic would taste another domestic clean sweep.
2000/01: The Martin O’Neill Revolution
By the late 1990s, Celtic were desperate for a return to dominance. The arrival of Martin O’Neill in 2000 proved to be the turning point. O’Neill instantly transformed the club, bringing in a new level of professionalism, tactical discipline, and a winning mentality.
His impact was immediate. In his first season, Celtic stormed to the treble, clinching the league title with games to spare and capping off the campaign with a 3-0 Scottish Cup Final victory over Hibernian at Hampden. It was a landmark moment, a sign that Celtic were back where we belonged—at the very top of Scottish football.
At the time, it felt like a once-in-a-generation achievement. But what came next would redefine what success at Celtic meant.
The Rodgers Era: A New Standard of Dominance
Fast forward to 2016, and Celtic once again found themselves at a crucial juncture. Enter Brendan Rodgers, a manager who arrived with a clear vision and a level of ambition that perfectly aligned with the club’s ethos.
Rodgers didn’t just meet expectations—he surpassed them in ways no one had imagined.
The Invincible Treble (2016/17)
In his first season, Celtic didn’t just win a treble—they went an entire domestic season unbeaten. 47 games, 43 wins, 4 draws, 0 defeats.
It was the first-ever invincible treble in Scottish football history. The moment was sealed in dramatic fashion when Tom Rogic scored a stoppage-time winner against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final, securing the club’s fourth treble.
The Treble Treble (2017-2019)
Rodgers wasn’t done yet. The following season, Celtic did it again, making history as the first Scottish club to win back-to-back trebles. Then, in 2018/19, they achieved the unthinkable—a third consecutive treble, a feat that no team in world football had ever managed before.
Although Rodgers left midway through the third campaign, Neil Lennon took over and saw the job through, delivering the Treble Treble and ensuring Celtic’s place in football history.
The Quadruple Treble: An Unprecedented Achievement
The 2019/20 season was like no other, with football being disrupted by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, even amidst uncertainty and empty stadiums, Celtic’s hunger for success never wavered.
Under Neil Lennon, Celtic completed an unprecedented fourth consecutive treble, a Quadruple Treble, an achievement unmatched anywhere in world football. The Scottish Cup Final was a dramatic affair, going to penalties against Hearts, but Celtic held their nerve to win.
This era of absolute supremacy is something that, even today, doesn’t get the recognition it truly deserves. To dominate for four straight seasons in such an unforgiving, high-pressure environment is nothing short of remarkable.
Ange Postecoglou’s Impact: A New Wave of Success
After a rare trophyless season in 2020/21, Celtic quickly bounced back under Ange Postecoglou, a manager who reinvigorated the club with his attacking philosophy and unbreakable belief in his players.
Over two seasons, Postecoglou won five out of six domestic trophies, including yet another treble in 2022/23. His impact was profound, not just in terms of silverware but in the way he revitalized Celtic and brought back an exciting, fearless style of play.
With Ange’s departure, Celtic once again turned to a familiar face—Brendan Rodgers. And now, Rodgers has the opportunity to do what he does best: win trebles.
The Present: A Chance to Make History Once Again
Now, with the League Cup secured, a 13-point lead in the league, and a Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon, Celtic stand on the brink of yet another historic achievement.
If Brendan Rodgers delivers this treble, it will be Celtic’s sixth in just under a decade and our ninth overall. To put that in perspective, Celtic had just three trebles before the year 2000—this would make it six in the last ten years alone.
It speaks volumes about the club’s winning culture, the high standards set by the players and managers, and the unwavering support from the fans.
Of course, the job isn’t finished yet. There are still games to be won, and nothing can be taken for granted. But if this season ends with another clean sweep, it will serve as another reminder that Celtic are not just Scotland’s dominant force—they are one of the most successful clubs in football history.
One last push, and history awaits.
Hail Hail!