In the heat of Lisbon
European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan The Celtic team line up, Mannschaftsbild, Totale before defeating Inter Milan to win the European Cup. Back Row Left to Right: Jim Craig; Tommy Gemmell; Ronnie Simpson; Billy McNeill; Bobby Murdoch; and John Clarke. In front, left to right: Stevie Chalmers; Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone; Bobby Lennox; and Bertie Auld. 27 May 1967. Portugal Photo TopFoto (IMAGO) – The Celtic Star.
However, the pinnacle moment came in Portugal, creating an icon of McNeill which remains seared in the very DNA of Celtic. After a gruelling 90 minutes, the Celts beat Inter Milan to claim the European Cup, and then Billy famously stood alone holding the trophy for all to see.
1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan Billy McNeill, captain of Scotland s Celtic Club, holds the European Cup aloft after his team had defeated Inter Milan by 2 -1 in the final. 27th May 1967. imago/United Archives International (The Celtic Star)
Billy McNeill was renowned as Celtic’s leader, and he was given the nickname of Cesar
Billy McNeill was renowned as Celtic’s leader, and he was given the nickname of Cesar. Initially, this was because he drove the same type of car as the American star Cesar Romero. However, many of the Lisbon Lions say it eventually became a tribute to his leadership abilities, akin to a Roman emperor.
Billy McNeill holding the European Cup that Celtic won in 1967 football Lisbon Lions. Photo SMN (The Celtic Star)
