A certain youngster named Jimmy Johnstone made his first-team debut for Celtic on 27th March 1963, in a match where the Scottish giants got thrashed 6-0 by Kilmarnock. Johnstone's next appearance was a month later, which saw Celtic lose 4-3 to Hearts. Despite another loss, Johnstone ended up scoring his first senior goal. He was also a rare ray of hope and promise in spite of losing both the games.
The Scottish forward managed to earn a starting place in Celtic's Scottish Cup Final on 4th May 1963 against Rangers. He managed to put up yet another fine performance, helping his side earn a 1-1 draw. However, he was surprisingly dropped for the final replay, which turned out to be a catastrophic decision. Rangers ended up becoming champions after beating their rivals 3-0 in the final.
Johnstone managed to establish himself as a first-team regular in the following season, as he finished that campaign with 6 goals in 25 appearances. He was also instrumental in helping Celtic reach the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals. Despite holding a 3-0 lead over Hungarian side MTK Budapest in the semi-final tie, they shockingly lost the second-leg 4-0 to crash out of the competition.
The arrival of a saviour
Celtic were struggling during the 1960's, but the arrival of new manager Jock Stein in 1965 signalled the dawn of a new era. Upon his arrival to Celtic, Stein initially had doubts regarding Johnstone, as he considered the Scottish forward as a bit too selfish, and hence a player who was detrimental to the team's overall balance. This led to him being dropped for the 1965 Scottish Cup Final.
However, Johnstone soon won over Stein with his immense talent, and eventually made an appearance in Celtic's 2-1 Scottish League Cup Final victory over Rangers. The Scottish youngster finished that season with 9 goals in 32 league appearances, and was a pivotal part of a legendary Celtic side that finally won the league after 12 years.
Johnstone yet again displayed his excellence for Celtic on the European stage, as he led them to yet another coveted semi-final place. However, history was repeated yet again, as Celtic ended up losing to Liverpool 2-1 on aggregate in the semis. Johnstone's magical European night efforts went in vain yet again, as he lost a second straight European semi tie despite scoring in the fixture.
European Champion and Bernabéu shocker
The year of 1967 finally saw the redemption of Johnstone and his Celtic teammates, as all those years of European heartbreak were finally redeemed. They managed to reach all the way till the European Cup finals, where they faced Inter Milan. The European giants were conquered by the Scottish lads 2-1, as Johnstone and his Celtic boys finally conquered Europe. Johnstone's outstanding heroics that season saw him third in the European Footballer of the Year award ( Ballon d'Or ) as well.
Two weeks after their European Cup win, Celtic played Real Madrid on 7th June 1967 in a testimonial match for the now retired Alfredo Di Stefano. A record-breaking crowd of over 100,000 fans arrived at the Bernabéu Stadium. Although the occasion was all about Di Stefano, it was Johnstone who shockingly stole the show with a mesmerizing performance that saw the Spanish supporters chanting "Olé!" throughout the game. The Scottish magician was pivotal in deciding the match as well, supplying the assist to teammate Bobby Lennox for the only goal to help Celtic win 1-0.
European excellence and departure
Surprisingly, Johnstone was a player who had a fear for flying, and manager Jock Stein once used this to his advantage. Ahead of the first leg of a European tie against Red Star Belgrade in November 1968, Stein told Johnstone that, if Celtic won by four goals, he wouldn't have to travel to Yugoslavia for the second leg. What followed was Johnstone, nothing short of sensational, as the Scotsman was involved in all 5 goals of Celtic's 5-1 thumping of Red Star Belgrade.
He helped them reach the European Cup Final in the 1969–70 season, after putting up a star performance to help them prevail against Leeds United in the semis. Celtic faced Dutch side Feyenoord in the finals, but were unable to replicate their previous feat as they suffered a shattering 2-1 loss after extra-time. Johnstone's dream of achieving one final European triumph was over.
The Scottish legend eventually left Celtic in 1975 after 13 years, making over 500+ appearances and scoring more than 100 goals. He left the club for American side San Jose Earthquakes. Johnstone departed by leaving behind an eternal legacy, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Celtic history.
