Famous Scottish Football Players

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 1 
Denis Law
(Scottish Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Denis Law
6
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)
Andrew Robertson
9
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)
Kenny Dalglish
4
Birthdate: March 4, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
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 4 
Paul Lambert
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
Paul Lambert
6
Birthdate: August 7, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 5 
Martin Compston
(Actor Best Known for Playing Detective Inspector 'Steve Arnott' in the BBC Drama 'Line of Duty')
Martin Compston
8
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)
Ally McCoist
3
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)
Alan Hansen
5
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)
Ryan Fraser
7
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)
James McCarthy
4
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)
Matt Busby
5
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 
Duncan Ferguson
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Duncan Ferguson
8
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.
 12 
Scott Arfield
(Scottish Professional Association Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Scott Arfield
5
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 
Alex Neil
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Midfielder)
Alex Neil
3
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.

 14 
Bill Shankly
(Scottish Football Player and Manager)
Bill Shankly
9
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.
 15 
Gordon Strachan
(Scottish Former Football Coach and Player)
Gordon Strachan
3
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.

 16 
Charlie Adam
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Charlie Adam
5
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.

 17 
Oliver Burke
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right Winger)
Oliver Burke
4
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.

 18 
Liam Cooper
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as A Centre-Back)
Liam Cooper
4
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.

 19 
John Fleck
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
John Fleck
4
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.

 20 
Ryan Gauld
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Ryan Gauld
5
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.

 21 
George Graham
(Scottish Former Football Player and Manager)
George Graham
4
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.

 22 
Derek McInnes
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Football Midfielder)
Derek McInnes
2
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 
Tommy Docherty
(Scottish Football Player and Manager of Manchester United Between 1972 and 1977)
Tommy Docherty
3
Birthdate: April 24, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: December 31, 2020
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 24 
Graeme Souness
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Graeme Souness
1
Birthdate: May 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 25 
Kris Boyd
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer and Sports Pundit)
Kris Boyd
3
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)
Tony Watt
3
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)
Brian McClair
2
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 
Pat Nevin
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Winger)
Pat Nevin
2
Birthdate: September 6, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 29 
Scott Allan
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Scott Allan
2
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.

 30 
James McFadden
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Player Who Played as a Forward)
James McFadden
4
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.

 31 
Bob Wilson
(Scotland Former International Football Goalkeeper)
Bob Wilson
2
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.

 32 
Lou Macari
(Scottish Former Footballer and Manager)
Lou Macari
2
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.
 33 
David Weir
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Player)
David Weir
2
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.

 34 
Dave Mackay
(Scottish Football Player and Manager)
Dave Mackay
2
Birthdate: November 14, 1934
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Died: March 2, 2015
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 35 
Colin Hendry
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Professional Footballer)
Colin Hendry
2
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.

 36 
Alan McInally
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer)
Alan McInally
2
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.
 37 
Andrew Watson
(One of the First Black People to Play Association Football at the International Level)
Andrew Watson
1
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.

 38 
Steven Pressley
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
Steven Pressley
2
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.

 39 
Steve Archibald
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer and Manager)
Steve Archibald
2
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.

 40 
Richard Gough
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Defender)
Richard Gough
2
Birthdate: April 5, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 41 
Jack Harper
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Jack Harper
1
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.

 42 
Jim Baxter
(One of Scotland's Greatest Footballers Ever)
Jim Baxter
2
Birthdate: September 29, 1939
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hill of Beath, Fife, Scotland
Died: April 14, 2001
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 43 
Steve Kean
(Scottish Football Coach and Former Player)
Steve Kean
2
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.

 44 
Lawrence Tynes
(Football Player)
Lawrence Tynes
2
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.

 45 
Paul Gallagher
(Scottish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Paul Gallagher
2
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.

 46 
Graeme Sharp
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Graeme Sharp
1
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.

 47 
Ethan Hamilton
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Ethan Hamilton
2
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.
 48 
Darryl Duffy
(Scottish Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Darryl Duffy
1
Birthdate: April 16, 1984
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 49 
Willie Maley
(Scottish International Football Player and Manager)
Willie Maley
1
Birthdate: April 25, 1868
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Newry, County Down, Ireland
Died: April 2, 1958
 50 
Ally MacLeod
(Scottish Professional Football Player and Manager)
Ally MacLeod
0
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 RoversFA 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.