Stephen Graham’s love for Celtic is something that not every football fan may be aware of, but it’s a connection that runs deep. The acclaimed actor, known for his intense and powerful performances in This Is England, Boardwalk Empire, Line of Duty, and most recently Adolescence, has built a reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation. On screen, he often plays tough, gritty characters, bringing an unmatched intensity to his roles. But away from the cameras, Graham is an affable, football-loving Scouser with a strong connection to both Liverpool and Celtic.

For Graham, football has always been a huge part of his life. As a die-hard Liverpool fan, he has followed his boyhood club passionately, but his love for Celtic has also grown over the years, particularly through his friendship with fellow actor and Celtic fanatic Martin Compston. The two have shared some memorable moments together as Hoops supporters, and Graham has spoken at length about how special the club and its supporters are. His admiration for Celtic isn’t just from a distance either—he’s had the opportunity to experience the magic of Celtic Park both from the stands and on the pitch, and he holds those moments among the most treasured of his life.

One of his most notable Celtic-related experiences came in 2013, when he had the privilege of playing in Stiliyan Petrov’s charity match at Celtic Park. The game, organized in support of the former Celtic captain who was battling leukemia at the time, saw a host of football legends and celebrities take part. Graham, despite his nerves, relished the opportunity to set foot on the pitch at Paradise. The atmosphere, the passion of the fans, and the history of the club all made it an unforgettable experience for him. It was one thing to watch from the stands, but to actually play on that sacred turf, where so many Celtic greats had performed, was something else entirely.

Five years later, in November 2018, Graham returned to Celtic Park—not as a player this time, but as a fan. Alongside Compston, he attended Celtic’s 5-0 demolition of Hearts, and the experience reaffirmed everything he had come to love about the club. As he and Compston made their way into the stadium, they encountered an elderly Celtic supporter who provided a moment of humor that has stayed with Graham ever since. The man, who must have been about 75 years old, recognized Graham and jokingly addressed him in a faux Italian-American accent: “Hey, it’s Al Capone!”—a reference to Graham’s portrayal of the infamous gangster in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. That moment of instant recognition and acceptance from the Celtic faithful gave Graham a buzz, making an already incredible matchday even more special.

It was a night to remember, with Celtic putting in a dominant display, dismantling Hearts in front of a packed Paradise crowd. Graham was blown away by the energy inside the stadium and the way the Celtic supporters backed their team from start to finish. It reinforced what he had already known: Celtic Park is one of the most special footballing arenas in the world, and its fans create an atmosphere that is second to none.

However, while being in the stands was a special experience, Graham has often said that nothing compares to actually stepping onto the Celtic Park pitch. Looking back on the Petrov charity match, he recalled a surreal moment that took place in the dressing room before kick-off. As he was tying his laces, nerves kicking in, he noticed a pair of boots identical to his own—classic Adidas World Cups. At first, he thought nothing of it, but as his eyes traveled up from the boots to the socks, then to the player’s body and finally his face, he realized he was sitting beside none other than Henrik Larsson.

For any football fan, especially one with an appreciation for Celtic, that would be an unforgettable moment. Larsson, one of the greatest players ever to wear the Hoops, was casually preparing for the game alongside him. The Swedish icon then turned to Graham and, in a moment of cool understatement, simply said, “Nice boots.” Graham, still slightly starstruck, could only reply, “Cheers, mate.” It was a small exchange, but one that left a huge impression on him. To share a dressing room and a pitch with the King of Kings was something he would never forget.

Beyond his personal experiences with Celtic, Graham has also been full of praise for the man who has been at the heart of much of the club’s success in recent years: Brendan Rodgers. Speaking back in 2017, when Rodgers was in his first spell at Celtic, Graham was already convinced of the Irishman’s quality as a manager. He spoke highly of Rodgers’ ability to work within the financial constraints of Scottish football while still attracting talented players and implementing an exciting style of play. At the time, Rodgers had already won an unbeaten domestic treble with Celtic, and Graham could see just how much he had revitalized the team.

But his admiration for Rodgers wasn’t limited to his time at Celtic. As a Liverpool supporter, Graham had also appreciated the impact Rodgers had at Anfield. He credited the Northern Irishman with laying the foundations for the high-intensity, possession-based football that Liverpool later perfected under Jürgen Klopp. Rodgers, in Graham’s view, was instrumental in evolving Liverpool’s playing style, taking inspiration from his time at Swansea and bringing an attacking, pressing philosophy to Anfield. While Liverpool ultimately fell just short of winning the Premier League under Rodgers in 2013/14, Graham still sees that period as a key turning point in the club’s modern history.

Looking back, Graham’s praise of Rodgers in 2017 has aged remarkably well. Since then, Rodgers has gone on to further success, winning the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021 before returning to Celtic and adding more silverware to his collection. His tactical approach and ability to develop players continue to impress, and Graham’s words from seven years ago now seem almost prophetic.

For someone who has built his career playing hardened, intense characters, it’s refreshing to see how much pure joy Graham has when talking about Celtic. His experiences at Paradise—whether as a player, a fan, or simply as someone who admires the club from afar—have clearly left a lasting impact on him. And with close friends like Martin Compston keeping him involved in all things Celtic, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back in the stands for another big occasion.

Celtic has a way of drawing people in, and Stephen Graham is proof that once you experience the magic of Paradise, it stays with you forever.