Choosing your favourite is often no easy task and asking Celtic supporters to pick their best team of the 21st century would rightly lead to fierce debate.
And that's understandable considering the Parkhead side's dominance domestically this Millennium. A mammoth trophy haul including 16 league titles plus five Trebles – it's been consistent glory with Rangers' three successive triumphs between 2009 and 2011 the only sustained period of success from across the city. There have been legendary European nights too, however, a continental itch remains unscratched with no knockout wins since 2004. That 19-year wait cannot be downplayed, of course, but neither can Celtic's knack of consistent trophy success.
But which Celtic team tops the table? The best teams of Martin O'Neill, Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou would likely make the top three for supporters – who have been able to savour an era which came off the back of Rangers securing 11 out of 12 titles. Wim Jansen's team who stopped the 10 appeared a singular moment of resistance rather than ushering in a new era. But Irishman O'Neill arrived and made a promise on the steps outside Celtic Park to do his best – and the rest is history. A word also for Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon with both managers winning both home and abroad while claiming three consecutive titles. Both enjoyed success in multiple seasons but there are three individual teams who stand out from the pack.
O'Neill's 2003/04 side fuelled by a revenge mission after their Seville and Helicopter Sunday heartbreak, Rodgers' all-conquering Invincibles of 2016/17 and the current side who have lost one league game since September 2021 – a bonkers run reinforced by Postecoglou's uncanny knack in the transfer market to instantly rebuild a side who lost the league to Steven Gerrard's Rangers by 25 points.
Record Sport weighs up the contenders in the running for the best Celtic team and the arguments for all three to come out on top.
Celtic 03/04 - 73 points after 25 league games
It's easy to forget now but few tipped Celtic to produce one of their most dominant ever domestic runs the season after the ultimate heartbreak. Losing a UEFA Cup Final and a league title on goal difference leaves a mark. But the ultimate agony rejuvenated rather than ruined O'Neill's side. The former Leicester boss had enjoyed major success in his first three seasons and his team were never more dominant as they left Alex McLeish's Treble winners from the previous campaign left in their dust. A misfiring 0-0 draw away to Dunfermline was followed by 24 consecutive wins with Rangers pulverised in the Ne'er Day Derby.
Henrik Larsson was basking in the glow of his Celtic swansong but that team were also boosted by some under-the-radar faces. Shaun Maloney continued his development and the late Liam Miller added a new dynamic before his shock transfer to Manchester United. Aiden McGeady was also brought into the fold after the league was won. Stan Varga was dominant and his frosted tints headed home a host of key goals while starting alongside Bobo Balde with Johan Mjallby on the treatment table.
Hibs ended their League Cup pursuit but Celtic romped to title glory and secured the Scottish Cup in Larsson's final match in front of a sun-kissed Hampden. Another significant European run was ended by a Juan Riquelme-inspired Villarreal side in the last eight of the UEFA Cup. But, perhaps, the finest moment of the year was the green and whitewash with five wins over Rangers sealed with a stunning chip from player of the year Chris Sutton as he left Frank De Boer on his backside.
Key stat: Larsson and Sutton were unstoppable as they netted an eye-popping 69 goals between them in all competitions.
Celtic 16/17 – 73 points after 25 league games
The crushing blow of losing to Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi final while they were still in the Championship signalled the end for Ronny Deila but few could have predicted the wild ride which would follow. Celtic needed a boost and Rodgers was certainly that. The former Liverpool boss was itching to prove a point as he soaked the adulation of 10,000-plus supporters at his unveiling on the Celtic Park pitch.
A blip against the Imps was rectified as Rodgers ended a three-year wait for Champions League football. A pair of draws against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was a highlight after a opening day 7-0 pasting against Barcelona. But it was on the Scottish stage where Celtic produced one of the finest season in the club's history with a Treble without compare. Rodgers masterminded an undefeated domestic season en route to Tom Rogic's legendary goal which defeated Aberdeen and landed the Scottish Cup Final. Aberdeen were their nearest challengers but Derek McInnes' side were defeated in both Hampden showpieces and their second-place finish was still 30 points behind Celtic. Unrivalled dominance which was followed up with three more Trebles with Rodgers and Lennon in charge.
Key stat: Celtic scored at least four goals in nine of their of away 19 league games.
Celtic 22/23 – 70 points after 25 league games
And now to the current crop. Postecoglou is adamant there is more to come from his Celtic team and that's a frightening prospect for the rest. In their last 57 games in Scottish football's top flight only St Mirren have emerged victorious. The Greek-Australian has his champions playing a brand of football which both thrills the fanbase and suffocates the opposition into submission.
Other Premiership managers move to talk up the Parkhead side and moral victories are often all that's left against a team who are on target for the club's fifth Treble in the past seven seasons after a double in Postecoglou's first at the helm. The 57-year-old is a transfer specialist and his incredible hit rate in the market means he's comfortable allowing players such as Giorgos Giakoumakis and Josip Juranovic to head for the exits ahead of a likely return to the Champions League. Celtic's first attempt in the UCL under Postecoglou had some high points, however, a killer instinct is needed with a host of gilt-edged chances across all six games in Group G going begging.
But the chance to experience those nights are based on coming out on top in the Premiership. It's 23 wins in 25 games and there's no signs of slowing down with 13 matches remaining. Aaron Mooy's magical form is providing an extra spark but there are match-winners everywhere with top scorer Kyogo supported by free-scoring stars such as Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada.
Key stat: Celtic have netted 78 goals in 25 games – their highest total since the days of Jock Stein.
But who comes out on top?
It's the perfect pub debate with likely multiple differing opinions but one aspects which cannot be argued is Celtic have fielded several sides of real merit this century.
But who is your pick? Have a vote in our poll to have your say.
