John Collins

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Collins made history in April 1994 when he became the first professional footballer to score a goal using Adidas Predator boots. He netted the opening goal in a 1–1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox with a free-kick from the edge of the penalty box, repeating the feat in the next Old Firm meeting later that year.

In Their Own Story

In April 1994, Collins stepped up to take a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box during an Old Firm clash at Ibrox. Wearing the new Adidas Predator boots, he struck the ball directly into the net to give Celtic the lead in a match that ended 1–1. He would replicate this exact performance from almost the same spot against Rangers just a few months later.

Reader's Guide

John Collins played for Celtic between 1990 and 1996, scoring 55 goals in 273 games. He joined as a midfielder on the left side and became the club's first million-pound signing. His sole major honour with the Hoops was the Scottish Cup in 1994–95. Notably, he scored two famous free-kicks against Rangers at Ibrox using Adidas Predator boots in 1994.

Did You Know?

• Collins became Celtic's first million-pound player when he signed in 1990.
• He was the first professional footballer to score a goal wearing Adidas Predator boots, doing so against Rangers at Ibrox in April 1994.
• During his six seasons at Celtic, Collins won only one trophy: the Scottish Cup in 1995.