The Hoops celebrate a league triumph for the ages but three players were missing from the epic league finale
Celtic players and staf celebrate five-in-a-row(Image: Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock)
Celtic’s squad gathered at Parkhead one final time on Sunday to roar Martin O’Neill’s men over the line in a title decider for the ages.
But three familiar faces were missing from the dramatic finale as the Hoops sealed the Premiership crown with a stunning late comeback against Hearts.
The champions completed a remarkable league turnaround in the most incredible fashion, with Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand striking late to ensure the trophy wouldn’t be making the journey back to Gorgie.
Driven on by a sell-out sea of green and white, several injured and departing stars were also in the stands cheering their teammates on to victory.
And once the pitch had finally been cleared following chaotic full-time scenes and a fan invasion, Callum McGregor and his team-mates soaked in the celebrations after securing five-in-a-row.
Outgoing goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and sidelined loan star Tomas Cvancara were both spotted joining the title party, while long-term absentee Cameron Carter-Vickers was right in the middle of the celebrations.
Forgotten Bhoys Junior Adamu and Michel-Ange Balikwisha also got their hands on the trophy.
However, there was no sign of fans’ favourite Jota, Mexican defender Julian Araujo or loan outcast Joel Mvuka.
Jota – sidelined since April 2025 with an ACL injury – has been continuing his rehabilitation back home in Portugal.
The winger missed the entire season but has made visits back to Glasgow and was last seen in the stands for last month’s 1-0 win over St Mirren. However, the £8million man was absent from Sunday’s title celebrations.
Jota and Julian Araujo were last spotted at Celtic Park watching April’s 1-0 win over St Mirren(Image: SNS Group)
Meanwhile, loan defender Araujo returned to parent club Bournemouth in March after being ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a thigh injury.
The 24-year-old has since flown home to Mexico for specialist treatment as he desperately bids to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup and has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme.
Despite being away from Glasgow, Araujo has continued cheering Celtic on from afar and has regularly posted messages of support on social media.
Following the title triumph, he wrote: “League Champions! What a feeling. Grateful to everyone at this club… my teammates, the staff and especially the fans for the support along the way! A special moment I’ll never forget.”
On-loan Lorient attacker Mvuka was also absent from the celebrations. The Norwegian has made just two appearances since arriving in January, with his last outing coming in the Scottish Cup shootout win at Ibrox back in March.
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