Thanks to Galatasaray’s recent qualification for the Champions League group stage, Celtic Football Club is set to receive a financial windfall from UEFA.

While the Turkish giants may be celebrating their entry into Europe’s elite competition, the Bhoys are reaping the financial rewards, courtesy of UEFA’s coefficient payment system. The Glasgow giants are three points ahead of Galatasaray in the 10-year rankings that determine these payments, a lead that translates to a decent €1.137 million coming Celtic’s way.

The fascinating part? Celtic are ahead in the rankings not due to recent European escapades but rather a historic achievement that continues to echo through the corridors of Celtic Park—the European Cup win of 1967. Yes, the Lisbon Lions are still contributing to the club’s success, even 56 years after their monumental triumph.

For those unfamiliar with the coefficient payment system, UEFA allocates funds to clubs based on their performance in European competitions over a 10-year period. The better a club’s performance, the higher they rank, and the more money they receive. In this case, Celtic’s storied history has proven to be more than just a point of pride; it’s a financial asset. Outwith the 10-year period, clubs are awarded extra points if they’ve ever won the competition.

The four bonus points Celtic earned for their 1967 European Cup win have been the decisive factor in staying ahead of Galatasaray in the rankings. This was brought to our attention by the brilliant Moravcik67_ whose attention to detail in Europe is second to none.

The Turkish club’s qualification for the Champions League group stage was the final piece of the puzzle, confirming Celtic’s financial gain.

Now, let’s take a moment to pay homage to the team that made this all possible—the Lisbon Lions. In 1967, a Celtic side composed entirely of players born within 30 miles of Celtic Park achieved the unimaginable by defeating Inter Milan 2-1 in the European Cup final in Lisbon, Portugal. Led by the legendary Jock Stein, the team’s victory was a watershed moment in the club’s history and a defining point for Scottish football. The Lisbon Lions lifted the trophy and the spirits of an entire nation, leaving an indelible mark on the club that resonates today.

So, as Celtic fans celebrate this unexpected financial boost, let’s raise a glass to the Lisbon Lions. Their legacy continues to benefit the club in ways that transcend the emotional and historical, proving that legends never really leave; they continue to contribute, shaping the future while honouring the past.