Brendan Rodgers has marked Celtic’s proudest achievement with a powerful visit to the Estadio Nacional, the ground where the club lifted the European Cup in 1967.

The Irishman and his squad made the journey to Lisbon on Monday as part of their pre-season schedule, retracing the steps taken by the Lisbon Lions nearly six decades ago.

The day wasn’t just about remembering history. For Rodgers, it was a chance to help his players understand the spirit and identity that runs through the club.

With the heat bearing down and the surroundings steeped in significance, the experience clearly left a strong impression on the Celtic boss.

It was Rodgers’ first time at the famous ground, where Jock Stein’s side beat Inter Milan 2-1 to become European champions.

A special day in Lisbon 🇵🇹

The Celtic first-team squad, manager Brendan Rodgers, and backroom staff visited the iconic Estádio Nacional, the site of the club’s greatest triumph in 1967 ⭐🏆#SummerOfCeltic🇵🇹 | #ReturningChampions | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/bv51aaxwjW

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 15, 2025

Celtic’s win remains one of football’s great moments, made even more remarkable by the fact the entire team was drawn from within a small radius of Glasgow.

Rodgers sees that achievement as more than just a memory. With a new season ahead and a group of players eager to progress in Europe, he believes it’s important to carry the spirit of that 1967 side into the modern game.

He said: (Celtic TV), “There are very few times when I have been lost for words, but today is really about a feeling, and the feeling in the tunnel.

“I think when you grow up as a Celtic supporter, you know all of the stories, you know Bertie’s (Auld) singing in the tunnel and of the support that came here. Walking the journey and relive some of those memories was very emotional, because you sense as a manager the sporting perspective, at that time of year, as well, with how hot it was.

“Then we made our way to where big Billy (McNeill) lifted the trophy, and knowing the thousands of Celtic supporters who were watching below. It’s a feeling, as you get brought up with the stories and the understanding of how that night changed the whole direction of the club.

“To be standing here as Celtic manager, in my first time here, is really special and really emotional.

“As Celtic people, I think for the young players, they will start to feel it from the guys who are here. Not only that, your DNA as a football club comes from your greatest moments. This was our greatest moment as a club, and these players will take that on board, while guys like myself will remind them that this is a huge part of the history of our club.

“It feels really special to be here.”

Rodgers’ message shows he’s looking to the past to help shape Celtic’s future. With a squad that includes several younger players, the manager sees a chance to build a stronger sense of what it means to play for the club before the new season kicks off.

Celtic’s record in Europe has come under the spotlight in recent years, with many supporters keen to see real progress. There’s a renewed chance to take that step forward if Celtic get it right next season in the Champions League, starting with the qualifiers in mid-August.

Rodgers is aiming to mix pride in the club’s history with the hunger to succeed now. By reminding his players of where Celtic have come from, he’s hoping they’ll take inspiration into the battles ahead.

The story of the Lisbon Lions still carries weight, not just as a memory, but as a benchmark. As Celtic look to compete again on the European stage, the trip to Lisbon could be a turning point rather than just a tribute.