Celtic secured the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title after coming from behind to defeat Hearts 3-1 at Paradise on Saturday, with Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho playing a part in the decisive victory.
The result confirmed Celtic as champions for the 56th time in the club’s history, capping another successful domestic campaign for the Glasgow side. The Hoops finished the season at the top of the table with 82 points, ending the campaign two points ahead of nearest challengers Hearts.
Iheanacho, a member of the Super Eagles squad, was introduced at half-time after replacing Sebastian Tounekti as Celtic sought to overturn a first-half deficit in front of their home supporters.
Hearts had stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 38th minute through Michael Steinwender. The visitors looked set to carry their advantage into the interval before Celtic were awarded a penalty late in the first half.
Arne Engels stepped up and converted from the spot to restore parity and shift momentum back in favour of the home side before the break.
With the title on the line, Celtic emerged for the second half with renewed urgency and eventually took control of the contest. Daizen Maeda put the champions in front, before Callum Osmand added another goal to ensure there would be no late drama.
The victory completed a successful comeback for Martin O’Neill’s side and sparked celebrations among the home fans, who witnessed another league triumph added to the club’s illustrious history.
For Iheanacho, the title success marks another major achievement in his career. The Nigerian forward featured in the crucial encounter as Celtic secured the points they needed to guarantee top spot in the standings.
Celtic’s latest title win further strengthens their dominance in Scottish football, with the club now extending its tally of league championships to 56. The triumph also underlined the competitive nature of this season’s title race, with Hearts pushing the champions closely until the final stages of the campaign.
After falling behind in the first half, Celtic demonstrated resilience and composure to respond when it mattered most. Engels’ penalty gave the home side belief before Maeda and Osmand completed the turnaround in the second half.
The win at Paradise ultimately proved decisive, allowing Celtic to finish above Hearts in the standings and seal the championship in front of their supporters.
Hearts, despite suffering defeat in the title-deciding match, ended the campaign with 80 points after mounting a strong challenge throughout the season. However, Celtic’s late surge and ability to recover from setbacks ensured the trophy would remain in Glasgow.
Saturday’s result also highlighted the depth within Celtic’s squad, with substitutes and attacking reinforcements playing an important role in the comeback victory. Iheanacho’s introduction after the break added further attacking options as the hosts pressed for the goals required to secure the championship.
By the final whistle, Celtic had completed both a dramatic turnaround and another memorable chapter in the club’s long history of league success.
