Celtic & Scotland legend McGrain diagnosed with Alzheimer's
September 15, 2026 16:32
Danny McGrain’s family has confirmed the former Celtic and Scotland defender has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife, Laraine, spoke to Celtic’s website to explain why the 76‑year‑old has scaled back public appearances and involvement with the club.
The family said the diagnosis was made some time ago and they recently decided to be open about it so McGrain can continue to receive the support of the Celtic community.
KEY CONTEXT
Celtic have long hailed McGrain as “Scotland’s greatest‑ever full‑back.” He came through the club’s youth system and spent 17 years with Celtic, playing 663 matches between 1970 and 1987. During that spell he won seven League Championships, five Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
McGrain also earned 62 caps for Scotland, spent one season with Hamilton Academical—helping them secure promotion in his final playing season—and later managed Arbroath for two seasons. After retiring as a player he maintained links to Celtic through coaching roles, involvement in youth development work and hospitality duties at Celtic Park.
WHY IT MATTERS
McGrain is one of the most celebrated figures in Scottish football: contemporaries, journalists and experts regarded him as the leading right‑back in world football during the 1970s. His diagnosis explains a marked reduction in his public-facing role with supporters and the club after decades of close involvement, and underlines why the family sought to be transparent with fans.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The family have expressed a wish for openness so McGrain can continue to receive support from the Celtic community; the club has set out that he remains in good spirits and is spending time with family while keeping close to the game. Further updates are likely to come through Celtic’s official channels as the family and club see fit.
KEY FACTS
- Danny McGrain, aged 76, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, confirmed by his family.
- He won seven league titles, five Scottish Cups and two League Cups with Celtic.
- McGrain played 663 times for Celtic (1970–1987) and earned 62 Scotland caps.
- He had one season with Hamilton Academical (helping them to promotion) and later managed Arbroath for two seasons.
- The family informed supporters via Celtic’s website so McGrain can continue to receive the club’s support; the diagnosis was made “some time ago.”