Iconic former Celtic captain and manager Billy McNeill has sadly passed away at the age of 79, as announced by the club this morning.
McNeill was a titan not just of Celtic but of the sport itself, leaving behind a legacy of almost mythical proportions after an extraordinary career as a player and boss at Celtic Park.
His most famous triumph came in 1967 when he lifted the European Cup in Lisbon after Jock Stein’s lions defeated Inter Milan 2-1.
Making an incredible 822 appearances before hanging up his playing boots as a one club man, McNeill would go on to find further success in the dugout, famously winning a league and cup double in Celtic’s centenary year.
In total he won 31 trophies with the club as a captain or manager, an extraordinary total when you consider our total since formation in 1888 stands at 106. That’s almost a third of our entire trophy haul.
His legend is one which will be passed on for generations to come and one which transcends Celtic and the borders of Scotland.
Clubs from around the world have been paying tribute to him today, taking to Twitter to show respect to a footballing giant…
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill who has passed away at the age of 79. pic.twitter.com/s0edjiyIUP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) April 23, 2019
We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send our sincere condolences to Billy's family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/GVnooh05Yj
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill, after today’s sad news.
RIP Billy.
#AVFC pic.twitter.com/VDi8udqRDO— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill at this sad time. https://t.co/A7wwx3ZJVq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 23, 2019
The Directors, players and staff of Rangers Football Club are today saddened to learn of the death of Celtic legend Billy McNeill.
Everyone at Rangers today sends their condolences to the family and friends of Mr McNeill.https://t.co/w9GGPsss3z pic.twitter.com/THIH0q1CXR
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 23, 2019
⚫El Athletic Club lamenta el fallecimiento de la leyenda del @CelticFC Billy McNeill y se une al dolor de familiares, amigos y de todo el emblemático club. #AthleticClub #OneClubMan pic.twitter.com/fMPT8QVUOY
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts are with @CelticFC and Billy McNeill's family at this sad time. A great opponent and captain in the 1967 European Cup final. https://t.co/oGT1GE7ysw
— Inter (@Inter_en) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts are with our friends at @CelticFC for the death of Billy McNeill. Rest in peace, bhoy. https://t.co/31JbeAC21W
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 23, 2019