Celtic legend Danny McGrain diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as family share update

Celtic legend Danny McGrain has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the club have announced.

Right-back McGrain played 663 games for Celtic between 1970 and 1987, winning 14 trophies at Parkhead and earning 62 caps for Scotland.

Celtic say that McGrain is managing his diagnosis privately but remains in “good spirits”. The club have remained in close contact with his family and shared an update on his condition on Tuesday lunchtime.

Danny McGrain, pictured in 2025, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. | SNS Group

“Celtic Football Club is today sharing the news with supporters that club legend, Danny McGrain, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,” Celtic wrote on their website.

“The club has been in close contact with Danny’s family throughout this time. In recent weeks, Laraine and their daughters, Vicki, Dawn and Carly, decided that, through the club, they wanted to be open with supporters so that Danny can continue to receive the love and support of the Celtic Family, just as he has given so freely and humbly to others throughout his life.

“Danny is continuing to manage this diagnosis privately with his family. Despite the changes this diagnosis has brought, Danny remains in good spirits, enjoying time with his loved ones, following the game, and staying close to the club he holds so dear.

“One of football’s true legends, Danny played 663 competitive games for Celtic between 1970 and 1987, winning seven League Championships, five Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups across a 20-year association with Celtic as a player, while earning 62 caps for Scotland.

“Regarded as Scotland’s greatest-ever full-back, he was widely considered by football experts, journalists, and peers to be the finest right-back in world football during the 1970s. Danny has remained a constant presence at Celtic over the years through a range of coaching roles, supporting our Youth Development Programme via Celtic Pools, and hosting hospitality at Celtic Park.”

Via the official Celtic channels, McGrain’s wife Lorriane also shared an update. “Danny received this diagnosis some time ago, and as time has moved on, we felt it was right to be open and clear,” she wrote. “Danny has always loved helping supporters - whether through hospital visits, assisting fans with charity events, or sending messages of support.

"As time has gone on, that has become more difficult for Danny, so we wanted to explain his situation with honesty, and with the care and respect the Celtic Family has always shown us.”

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “When we talk about Celtic legends, Danny will always be right at the top of that list. He is a true great of the game, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has given to Celtic and to the people around him.

“Danny has meant so much to so many supporters, and at this time we fully respect the openness shown by Danny’s family. The whole club will ensure Danny and his family receive our full support, care, and kindness throughout what lies ahead.”