Famous Scottish Football Players
If you thought football is all about a ball being juggled by twenty players with two goalies trying to restrict its entrance at the ends of an approximately 130-yard pitch, you have been living under the rock for sure! The adrenaline-rush and the thumping of the heart in a football ground will tell you what football is to its fans – it’s a religion and not just a sport. Over the decades, modern football that traces its roots back in China have greatly evolved to become one of the most loved and popular sport of the world. The codification of football dates back to 19th century England. With the expanse of the British Empire, football also spread. Football in Scotland has been played since centuries. Scotland served as the host of the world’s first official association football match. What’s more, SFA or Scottish Football Association is the second oldest national football associations of the world. With such a profound history in the game, it is only natural that the country has been home to preeminent footballers who have excelled at the sport. Names like Kenny Dalglish, Denis Law, Jim Baxter, Steven Fletcher, Shaun Maloney, David Marshall are revered in football for their sporting abilities, passion and dedication and tactics and techniques. With this segment, find out in details about the life and career of Scottish football players.
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1
Denis Law
(Scottish Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 24, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland
After representing teams such as Manchester City and Torino, Scottish footballer Denis Law had a successful stint with Manchester United. Known as The King, he was the only Scottish footballer to earn a Ballon d'Or and the only man to have 2 statues at the Old Trafford.
2
Andrew Robertson
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Left-Back)
Birthdate: March 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Liverpool left-back and the captain of the Scottish national football team, Andrew Robertson has also been associated with clubs such as Hull City and Dundee United in the past. He led his team to a UEFA Champions League victory in 2019. He now also runs a charitable foundation for underprivileged kids.
3
Kenny Dalglish
(Scottish Former Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: March 4, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
4
Paul Lambert
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
Birthdate: August 7, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
5
Martin Compston
(Actor Best Known for Playing Detective Inspector 'Steve Arnott' in the BBC Drama 'Line of Duty')
Birthdate: May 8, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland
Martin Compston began his career as a footballer, playing as a defender for youth teams such as Aberdeen and then for senior teams such as Greenock Morton. However, an audition in high school led him to the lead role in the movie Sweet Sixteen, and he ended up becoming an actor.
6
Ally McCoist
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Birthdate: September 24, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bellshill, Scotland
Apart from winning the European Golden Boot twice, Scottish footballer Ally McCoist also gained fame as one of the best penalty-box strikers. He is best known for his 9 League Championship wins and 9 Scottish League Cups with the Rangers. He was also part of the 1990 World Cup finals.
7
Alan Hansen(Scottish Former Football Player Who Played as a Central Defender)
Birthdate: June 13, 1955
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Alan Hansen is a former footballer who played as a defender for popular clubs, such as Liverpool. He was also one of the important members of the Scotland national football team. After retiring as a player, Hansen became a football pundit and is known for his honest views. In 2006, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
8
Ryan Fraser
(Scottish Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: February 24, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Aberdeen, Scotland
Scottish footballer and Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser began his career with Aberdeen at age 16. He has previously been part of teams such as AFC Bournemouth and Ipswich Town but has often been criticized for his lack of will to represent the Scottish national team, for withdrawing due to injuries.
9
James McCarthy
(Scottish-Irish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Central Midfielder)
Birthdate: November 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Scottish-born footballer James McCarthy is now best known as a dependable Celtic midfielder. He also represents the Irish national team, because his grandparents were Irish. He has previously won an FA Cup with Wigan Athletic, beating Manchester City, and has also played for the English club Everton.
10
Matt Busby
(Scottish Football Player and Manager Who Managed 'Manchester United' Between 1945 and 1969)
Birthdate: May 26, 1909
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bellshill, Scotland
Died: January 20, 1994
After an illustrious career that saw him play for teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool, Matt Busby did wonders as a manager, director, and president of Manchester United. The Scottish footballer also developed players later known as the Busby Babes, 8 of whom tragically died in the 1958 Munich air crash.
11
Alex Neil
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: June 9, 1981
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Airdrie, Scotland
Former footballer Alex Neil began his career with the Airdrieonians and ended it with Hamilton Academical, even coaching the latter in his managerial career. He then took over the coaching of Norwich in his early 30s, and in his own words, made some recruitment errors, which led to his sacking.
12
Scott Arfield
(Scottish Professional Association Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: November 1, 1988
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Dechmont, Scotland
Scottish-born footballer Scott Arfield has not only gained fame as a Rangers midfielder but has also been a promising player of the Canadian national team. He began his senior career with the Scottish club Falkirk and then represented clubs such as Burnley and Huddersfield Town. He has also captained Canada.
13
Duncan Ferguson(Scottish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Birthdate: December 27, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Stirling, Scotland
Starting his professional football career with Dundee United, Scottish footballer/coach Duncan Ferguson later moved on to clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United, and Rangers. With the Rangers, he received a record transfer fee. His aggression on field later spilled on his off-the-field life, leading to multiple convictions for assault.
14
Oliver Burke
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right Winger)
Birthdate: April 7, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Scottish footballer Oliver Burke, who is now a well-know striker/right winger for Sheffield United, had joined his first local club at age 8. While he grew up in Leicestershire, England, he was eligible to play for England as well but chose to represent Scotland, the country of his birth, instead.
Birthdate: September 2, 1913
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glenbuck, Ayrshire, Scotland
Died: September 29, 1981
Bill Shankly is remembered as the man who pulled Liverpool from nowhere and catapulted it to popularity, with wins such as the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup. It is believed he died a sad man, not being allowed to be on the Liverpool board after retiring as a coach.
16
Charlie Adam
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: December 10, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Fintry, Dundee, Scotland
Initially representing teams such as the Rangers and Blackpool, Charlie Adam later gained fame as a midfielder for teams such as Liverpool, Stoke City, and Dundee. He also won a League Cup with Liverpool and was a UEFA Cup runner-up with the Rangers. His father, too, was a footballer.
Birthdate: February 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Gordon Strachan is a Scottish football coach who has managed teams like Southampton Football Club, Middlesbrough Football Club, Celtic Football Club, and Scotland. A former player, Strachan represented his team in two FIFA World Cups. He also played for popular clubs like Manchester United.
18
Graeme Souness
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: May 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
19
Liam Cooper
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as A Centre-Back)
Birthdate: August 30, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom
A Leeds United center-back, footballer Liam Cooper also plays for the Scottish national team. Apart from winning an EFL Championship with Leeds United, he has also been part of the 2014 Football League Trophy final with Chesterfield. He now also owns a football academy for children aged 4 to 14.
20
John Fleck
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: August 24, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck was a 16-year-old prodigy when he began his senior career with Rangers. In late 2021, he collapsed on field during a game versus Reading, sparking rumors that the mishap was due to the COVID vaccine that he had taken, though scientists debunked the vaccine claim later.
21
Ryan Gauld
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: December 16, 1995
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Aberdeen, Scotland
Scottish footballer and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld has also played for various Portuguese clubs before moving to the Canadian MLS club. Known as the Scottish Messi for his attacking style and short stature, he has also had a successful youth career at Dundee United.
22
Derek McInnes
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Football Midfielder)
Birthdate: July 5, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Paisley, Scotland
Former footballer Derek McInnes began his youth career as a teen with the Greenock Morton and then went on to play for clubs such as Rangers, Dundee United, and St. Johnstone, and even for the Scottish national team. Post-retirement, he has been managing teams such as Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.
23
George Graham
(Scottish Former Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: November 30, 1944
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bargeddie, Scotland
One of England’s most successful footballers, George Graham has also been one of his country’s best coaches. Nicknamed Stroller, he won a Football League Cup with Chelsea and an FA League Cup with Arsenal, as a player. He has earned an FA Cup and three League Cups as a manager, too.
24
Tommy Docherty
(Scottish Football Player and Manager of Manchester United Between 1972 and 1977)
Birthdate: April 24, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: December 31, 2020
25
Kris Boyd
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer and Sports Pundit)
Birthdate: August 18, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Irvine, Scotland
Former footballer Kris Boyd gained fame as a forward, known for his strike rate, for teams such as Kilmarnock and Rangers. He has also represented the Scottish national team. Following his brother’s unexplained suicide in his late 20s, Boyd launched a charity to help people discuss mental-health issues.
26
Tony Watt
(Association football player)
Birthdate: December 29, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Coatbridge, Scotland
Motherwell forward Tony Watt is best known for his successful stint with Celtic, with whom he played in the 2012-13 Scottish Premier League. He has also represented the Scottish national team. In late 2021, he signed a pre-contract deal with Dundee United, promising a 3-year stint with them in future.
27
Brian McClair
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Footballer)
Birthdate: December 8, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Known for his almost 11-year stint with Manchester United and his 4 Premier League and 2 FA Cup wins, former footballer Brian McClair initially balanced his career at Motherwell with his university math degree studies. In late 2021, he stunned fans with a photo of his sporting a beard and long, gray hair.
28
Scott Allan
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: November 28, 1991
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan had started his youth football career with Dundee United at age 10. Not only was he diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his youth, but he later also revealed that in late 2020, he was also diagnosed with a heart condition called Cardiomyopathy, which almost ended his career.
29
James McFadden
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Player Who Played as a Forward)
Birthdate: April 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Former football forward James McFadden, who played for teams such as Motherwell and Everton, had made his first-team debut at age 17. Now a coach, he has managed the Scottish national team, apart from Motherwell. The Glasgow-born sports star is known by various nicknames, such as the Cul-de-sac Kid.
30
Bob Wilson
(Scotland Former International Football Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: October 30, 1941
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Known for the enthusiasm and energy with which he would throw himself at his opponents for saving goals, Scottish goalkeeper Bob Wilson became a star during his 11-year stint as an Arsenal player. He later became a coach and an analyst. Following his daughter’s death due to cancer, he launched an emotional-support charity.
31
Lou Macari
(Scottish Former Footballer and Manager)
Birthdate: June 7, 1949
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Best known for his stints with Celtic and Manchester United, and his FA Cup win with the latter, Scottish former footballer Lou Macari was almost taken in by Liverpool but was wooed by a £200,000 deal from Manchester eventually. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he set up housing for the homeless.
32
David Weir
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Player)
Birthdate: May 10, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Falkirk, Scotland
Scottish footballer David Weir was initially scouted by the Indiana-based University of Evansville and was named an NCAA All-American. He later began his senior career with the Scottish club Falkirk and then moved on to Everton and Rangers. He has also coached Sheffield United, post-retirement.
33
Dave Mackay
(Scottish Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: November 14, 1934
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Died: March 2, 2015
34
Colin Hendry
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Footballer)
Birthdate: December 7, 1965
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Keith, Scotland
Once one of the most feared central defenders of Scotland, footballer Colin Hendry is best known for his Premier League win with the Blackburn Rovers. He later also won titles, such as the Scottish League, with Rangers. Post-retirement, he turned coach and managed teams such as Blackpool and Clyde.
35
Alan McInally
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer)
Birthdate: February 10, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Ayr, Scotland
Former Scottish footballer Alan McInally followed in the footsteps of his footballer father, Jackie McInally. Alan, nicknamed Big Mac and Rambo, played for teams such as Celtic, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich. Post-retirement, he has gained fame as a Sky Sports analyst and a motivational speaker.
36
Andrew Watson
(One of the First Black People to Play Association Football at the International Level)
Birthdate: May 24, 1856
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Demerara, Guyana
Died: March 8, 1921
Widely known as Scotland’s first Black footballer, Andrew Watson was also the first Black player to play international association football. The son of a Guyanese woman and a Scottish plantation owner, he moved to Britain with his father as a child. He was also an engineer and a wholesale business owner.
37
Steven Pressley
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
Birthdate: October 11, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Elgin, Scotland
Scottish footballer Steven Pressley, had a long career as a center back for teams such as Rangers, Celtic, and Dundee United. Post-retirement, he also coached teams such as Falkirk and Coventry City. He later became a prominent sports pundit and also joined Brentford as its head of individual development.
38
Steve Archibald
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer and Manager)
Birthdate: September 27, 1956
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Initially a midfielder for Clyde, Scottish footballer Steve Archibald later did wonders as a striker for Aberdeen, leading them to win the 1979-80 Scottish Premier Division. His career saw him win titles for Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, too. He later turned coach for Airdrieonians and East Fife.
39
Jack Harper
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 28, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Málaga, Spain
Born to Scottish parents in Spain, Jack Harper began his youth football career with Fuengirola, before moving on to Real Madrid. However, he still continued to play for the Scottish international-level youth teams. It’s believed his parents moved to Spain on a camper van, after a 22-day road trip from Scotland.
40
Steve Kean
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Player)
Birthdate: September 30, 1967
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Following a decade-long playing career with teams such as Celtic and Bath City, Scottish footballer Steve Kean turned to coaching, managing teams such as Reading, Fulham, and the Spanish team Real Sociedad. In late 2021, he joined Hibernian as its academy director. He was once banned from driving for DUI charges.
41
Lawrence Tynes
(Football Player)
Birthdate: May 3, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Greenock, Scotland
American football kicker Lawrence Tynes began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and eventually played for teams such as the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The son of a US Navy Seal father and a Scottish mother, he grew up in Scotland till 10, before moving to the US.
42
Jim Baxter
(One of Scotland's Greatest Footballers Ever)
Birthdate: September 29, 1939
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hill of Beath, Fife, Scotland
Died: April 14, 2001
43
Paul Gallagher
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: September 8, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow-born former Scottish footballer Paul Gallagher represented teams such as the Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Preston North End. In mid-2021, it was announced that he would be assisting Preston head coach Frankie McAvoy. Gallagher also shows off his skills as a singer and a guitar player in his leisure time.
44
Graeme Sharp
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: October 16, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Graeme Sharp created history as the second-highest goalscorer for Everton and led them to win titles such as the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. A club ambassador, too, he joined the Everton board as a non-executive director in early 2022. He has also worked for the press and the radio.
45
Ethan Hamilton(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 18, 1998
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Scottish footballer Ethan Hamilton, who now plays for Peterborough United, began his senior career with Manchester United. Although he is in his early 20s now, Hamilton has already established himself as a skilled midfielder and has made significant contributions to the Scottish U-15, U-16, and U-19 teams.
46
Darryl Duffy
(Scottish Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Birthdate: April 16, 1984
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
47
Ally MacLeod
(Scottish Professional Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: February 26, 1931
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: February 1, 2004
Scottish footballer Ally MacLeod had an illustrious playing career with teams such as St. Mirren, Hibernian, and Blackburn Rovers, and played a significant role in the Rovers’ FA Cup final against the Wolverhampton Wanderers. He later managed teams such as Aberdeen, Motherwell, and Ayr United. He died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
48
Willie Maley
(Scottish International Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: April 25, 1868
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Newry, County Down, Ireland
Died: April 2, 1958
49
Joel Bagan
(Scottish Footballer Defender)
Birthdate: September 3, 2001
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Basingstoke, England
50
Kevin MacDonald
(Scottish Former Footballer)
Birthdate: December 22, 1960
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland
While he had a significant football playing career with teams such as Leicester City and Liverpool, Kevin MacDonald later gained fame as a coach for Swindon Town and Aston Villa. He was, however, suspended from Aston Villa in 2019, after allegations of bullying surfaced against him.