Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston is a Canadian football star who has rapidly climbed the ranks of professional soccer, from Major League Soccer to the storied Scottish Premiership club Celtic. A dynamic right-back known for his tireless work rate and impactful play, he has also become a cornerstone of the Canada national team, representing his country on the world stage. His journey showcases a remarkable ascent through the challenging world of professional sports, marked by consistent excellence and ambition. Johnston's rapid professional rise saw him transition from collegiate soccer to MLS standout and then to European football with Celtic within just a few years. He quickly became a key player for Celtic, contributing significantly to a domestic treble in his debut season and solidifying his place with a long-term contract extension. As a vital part of the Canada national team, Johnston has represented his country in significant tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was named to the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Copa América.
AI Summary
Alistair Johnston is a Canadian football star who has rapidly climbed the ranks of professional soccer, from Major League Soccer to the storied Scottish Premiership club Celtic. A dynamic right-back known for his tireless work rate and impactful play, he has also become a cornerstone of the Canada national team, representing his country on the world stage. His journey showcases a remarkable ascent through the challenging world of professional sports, marked by consistent excellence and ambition.
- Johnston's rapid professional rise saw him transition from collegiate soccer to MLS standout and then to European football with Celtic within just a few years.
- He quickly became a key player for Celtic, contributing significantly to a domestic treble in his debut season and solidifying his place with a long-term contract extension.
- As a vital part of the Canada national team, Johnston has represented his country in significant tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was named to the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Copa América.
The Early Chapters
Born in Vancouver to a Canadian father and an Irish mother from Poleglass, Alistair Johnston's family moved frequently during his childhood. From Montreal, where he first kicked a ball with Lakeshore SC, to Aurora, Ontario, he immersed himself in youth soccer with clubs like Aurora FC and Richmond Hill SC, honing his skills from a young age.
His talent was recognized early, leading to his debut in the Canadian youth program at an U18 camp when he was just 16 in 2015. This period also saw him play for ANB Futbol and earn a tryout with French club Troyes AC, showcasing his ambition to play at a higher level. He also played a key role for Vaughan SC, helping them win titles like the 2015 U-18/U-19 Disney Soccer Showcase and the 2016 and 2017 U21 Ontario Cups.
Collegiate Ambition
Johnston initially attended St. John's University for two years, but his drive for greater challenges—both academically and athletically—led him to transfer to Wake Forest University in 2018. It was here, during his collegiate career, that he made a pivotal shift on the field, transitioning from a central midfielder to the dynamic right-back position he's known for today.
Even while pursuing his college education, Johnston remained active in Canadian club soccer. He regularly returned to play with Vaughan Azzurri in League1 Ontario from 2015 to 2019 during his offseasons, even participating in the 2019 Canadian Championship against professional clubs, where he was notably sent off in the second leg against HFX Wanderers.
A Pro Debut in MLS
Nashville SC
Johnston's professional journey truly began when he was selected 11th overall by Nashville SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and officially signed in February 2020. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included Nashville withdrawing from the MLS is Back Tournament due to an outbreak, his debut was delayed until August.
He made his substitute debut in August 2020 against FC Dallas and earned his first start just four days later, demonstrating his readiness for the professional game. By the end of Nashville's debut season, he had made 18 appearances, helping them reach the MLS Playoffs—a remarkable achievement for a new club.
His hard work paid off when he scored his first MLS goal in September 2021 during a resounding 5–1 victory over Inter Miami. Nashville clearly recognized his value, exercising his contract option to keep him at the club through the 2022 season.
CF Montréal
In a significant move in December 2021, CF Montréal acquired Johnston from Nashville SC for a substantial $1 million in allocation money, with Nashville also retaining a percentage of a future transfer fee. This transfer underscored his growing reputation and impact within the league, and he signed a new contract through 2023, with options for 2024 and 2025.
Johnston wasted no time making his mark in Montreal, debuting in February 2022 as a substitute during a CONCACAF Champions League tie against Liga MX side Santos Laguna. He continued his offensive contributions, scoring his first goal for the club in May, helping secure a 2–0 victory against Charlotte FC.
Across the Atlantic: Celtic
The allure of European football became a reality in December 2022, when CF Montréal announced Johnston's transfer to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, effective January 1, 2023. He signed a five-year deal with the Glasgow club, signaling a major step in his career and a new challenge.
A significant influence on his decision was former Celtic and current CF Montréal midfielder Victor Wanyama, who shared insights into the historic club. Johnston's Celtic debut was a trial by fire—starting in the fiercely contested Old Firm derby against rivals Rangers, playing the full 90 minutes in a thrilling 2–2 away draw.
He quickly found his scoring touch for Celtic, netting his first goal in March 2023 during a dominant 5–1 away win against St Mirren. Johnston's immediate impact was undeniable, as he helped Celtic secure a domestic treble in his very first season, winning the Premiership, League Cup, and Scottish Cup.
His importance to the team was further cemented in November 2024, when he signed a new five-year contract, committing his future to Celtic until 2029. This extension solidified his status as a key figure for the club for years to come.
International Stardom
Johnston's impressive club form soon translated to the international stage. He received his first call-up to the Canada national team camp in January 2021, marking the beginning of his journey as a national representative. His debut came just two months later in a World Cup qualifier against Bermuda.
In the very next match, he scored his first goal for Canada in an astonishing 11–0 victory over the Cayman Islands. This wasn't just a personal milestone; it became the largest victory in the history of the Canada men's national team, a truly memorable moment.
His consistent performances ensured his inclusion in major tournaments. Johnston was named to the preliminary and then final squad for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and played in all three of Canada's matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his reliability on the biggest stage.
Johnston continued to be a stalwart for his country, participating in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. In 2024, he earned a call-up for the Copa América, where his exceptional play saw him named in the Team of the Tournament—a significant honor as the only non-South American player included.
Looking ahead, Johnston has also been called up for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and, notably, was named to Canada's 26-man squad for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host.
Beyond the Pitch
Personal Life
Football talent clearly runs in the Johnston family. Alistair's younger brother, Malcolm Johnston, is also a professional player, having been selected in the first round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by New York City FC, continuing the family's legacy in the sport.
Career Statistics
Club
Club Season Division Apps Goals National cup League cup Continental Other Total Vaughan Azzurri 2015 League1 Ontario 2 0 — — — — — — 2 0 Vaughan Azzurri 2016 League1 Ontario 1 0 0 0 — — — — — — 1 0 Vaughan Azzurri 2017 League1 Ontario 5 0 — — — — — — — — 5 0 Vaughan Azzurri 2018 League1 Ontario 1 0 0 0 — — — — — — 1 0 Vaughan Azzurri 2019 League1 Ontario 6 1 2 0 — — — — — — 8 1 Total 15 1 2 0 — — — — — — 17 1 Nashville SC 2020 Major League Soccer 18 0 — — — — 3 0 21 0 Nashville SC 2021 Major League Soccer 26 1 — — — — 2 0 28 1 Total 44 1 — — — — 5 0 49 1 CF Montréal 2022 Major League Soccer 33 4 1 0 — 3 0 2 0 39 4 Celtic 2022–23 Scottish Premiership 14 1 5 0 1 0 — — — — 20 1 Celtic 2023–24 Scottish Premiership 32 1 4 0 0 0 6 0 — — — — 42 1 Celtic 2024–25 Scottish Premiership 32 4 4 0 3 0 10 0 — — — — 49 4 Celtic 2025–26 Scottish Premiership 7 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 — — — — 11 1 Celtic 2026–27 Scottish Premiership 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — — — 2 0 Total 87 6 14 0 5 1 18 0 — — — — 124 7 Career total 178 12 17 0 5 1 21 0 7 0 228 13
International
National team Year Apps Goals Canada 2021 18 1 Canada 2022 15 0 Canada 2023 6 0 Canada 2024 12 0 Canada 2025 5 0 Canada 2026 7 0 Total 63 1
International Goal
Here is a breakdown of Alistair Johnston's single international goal for Canada, scored during a historic victory:
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 March 29, 2021 IMG Academy, Bradenton, United States Cayman Islands 6–0 11–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
Honours and Accolades
Alistair Johnston's trophy cabinet reflects a career already rich with achievement, both domestically and internationally:
Category Awards Scottish Premiership 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26 Scottish Cup 2022–23, 2023–24, 2025–26 Scottish League Cup 2022–23, 2024–25 Copa América Team of the Tournament 2024
Article
Alistair Johnston
Alistair William Johnston (born October 8, 1998) is a Canadian professional football player who plays as a right-back for Scottish Premiership club Celtic and the Canada national team.
Johnston began his senior career with Vaughan Azzurri. He later had spells with Major League Soccer teams Nashville SC and CF Montréal before signing for Celtic in late 2022. He made his debut for Canada in 2021 and represented the country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
Early life
Alistair Johnston
Johnston was born in Vancouver to a Canadian father and an Irish mother from Poleglass. His family moved to Montreal when he was four, where he began playing soccer with Lakeshore SC. The family again moved to Aurora, Ontario when he was seven. There, he played youth soccer with Aurora FC and Richmond Hill SC.
He made his debut in the Canadian youth program at an under-18 camp in 2015, when he was 16. He played youth soccer with ANB Futbol, and earned a tryout with French club Troyes AC while there. In 2015, he joined Vaughan SC, helping them win the 2015 U-18/U-19 Disney Soccer Showcase, the 2015 OYSL U-18 League title, and the 2016 and 2017 U21 Ontario Cup.
College career
Alistair Johnston
Johnston attended St. John's University for two years, before moving to Wake Forest University in 2018 in search of a bigger challenge both in soccer and academically. He switched positions from central midfield to right-back upon joining Wake Forest.
Club career
Early career
While in college, Johnston returned to Canada to play with League1 Ontario side Vaughan Azzurri from 2015 to 2019 during the college offseason. He played in the 2019 Canadian Championship for Vaughan Azzurri and was sent off in the second leg of the away goals defeat to the HFX Wanderers.
Nashville SC
On January 9, 2020, Johnston was selected 11th overall by Nashville SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He officially signed with the club on February 25, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included Nashville withdrawing from the MLS is Back Tournament due to an outbreak amongst the team, his debut was delayed until August 12 against FC Dallas, coming on as a substitute. He made his first start four days later, also against Dallas. He helped the club reach the MLS Playoffs in their debut season, making 18 appearances.
On September 22, 2021, Johnston scored his first MLS goal in a 5–1 victory over Inter Miami. In December 2021, Nashville announced they were exercising Johnston's contract option, keeping him at the club through the 2022 MLS season.
CF Montréal
On December 23, 2021, CF Montréal acquired Johnston from Nashville in exchange for $1 million in allocation money, with Nashville also retaining a percentage of a transfer fee in a future sale. Montreal confirmed the deal on December 27 and announced Johnston had also signed a new contract taking him through 2023, with options for 2024 and 2025.
He made his debut for Montreal on February 23, as a substitute against Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the club's second leg of their 2022 CONCACAF Champions League tie. Johnston scored his first goal for Montreal on May 14, the second goal in a 2–0 victory against Charlotte FC.
Celtic
Johnston with Celtic in 2023
In December 2022, CF Montréal announced they had transferred Johnston to Scottish Premiership side Celtic, taking effect January 1, 2023. He signed a 5-year contract with the Glasgow club. Upon the announcement, Johnston stated at a press conference that former Celtic and current CF Montréal midfielder Victor Wanyama was a major influence on his decision to move to the Bhoys.
Johnston made his debut for Celtic on January 2, starting against rivals Rangers and playing the entire match in a 2–2 away draw. He then made his home debut a few days later, starting again in a 2–0 win against Kilmarnock.
On March 5, 2023, Johnston scored his first goal for Celtic in a 5–1 away win against St Mirren. Johnston ended his first season at Celtic Park having helped them to a domestic treble, winning the Premiership, the League Cup and the Scottish Cup. On November 22, 2024, Johnston signed a new five-year contract with Celtic, keeping him at the club until 2029.
International career
Alistair Johnston
Johnston with Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Johnston accepted an invitation to the Canada national team camp in January 2021. He made his debut for Canada on March 25, 2021, as a 69th-minute substitute against Bermuda in the first round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying. He scored his first goal for his country in the following match, an 11–0 win against the Cayman Islands, which became the largest victory in the team's history.
In June 2021, Johnston was named to the 60-man preliminary squad for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and on July 1 he was named to the final squad.
In November 2022, Johnston was called up to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all three of Canada's matches. In June 2023, he was named to Canada's 23-man squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.
In June 2024, Johnston was named in Canada's squad for the 2024 Copa América. Following the conclusion of the competition, he was named in the Team of the Tournament, being the only non-South American player included. In July 2025, Johnston was called up to Canada's squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In May 2026, Johnston was named to Canada's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Personal life
Alistair Johnston
Johnston's younger brother, Malcolm, is also a football player and was selected in the first round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by New York City.
Career statistics
Club
<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Club</th><th rowspan="2">Season</th><th colspan="3">League</th><th colspan="2">National cup</th><th colspan="2">League cup</th><th colspan="2">Continental</th><th colspan="2">Other</th><th colspan="2">Total</th></tr><tr><th>Division</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="6">Vaughan Azzurri</td><td>2015</td><td rowspan="5">League1 Ontario</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>2</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>5</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>6</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Total</th><th>15</th><th>1</th><th>2</th><th>0</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th>17</th><th>1</th></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">Nashville SC</td><td>2020</td><td rowspan="2">Major League Soccer</td><td>18</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>21</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>26</td><td>1</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>28</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Total</th><th>44</th><th>1</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th>5</th><th>0</th><th>49</th><th>1</th></tr><tr><td>CF Montréal</td><td>2022</td><td>Major League Soccer</td><td>33</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>39</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="6">Celtic</td><td>2022–23</td><td rowspan="5">Scottish Premiership</td><td>14</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>20</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2023–24</td><td>32</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>42</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2024–25</td><td>32</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>49</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>2025–26</td><td>7</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>11</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2026–27</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td colspan="2">—</td><td>2</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Total</th><th>87</th><th>6</th><th>14</th><th>0</th><th>5</th><th>1</th><th>18</th><th>0</th><th colspan="2">—</th><th>124</th><th>7</th></tr><tr><th colspan="3">Career total</th><th>178</th><th>12</th><th>17</th><th>0</th><th>5</th><th>1</th><th>21</th><th>0</th><th>7</th><th>0</th><th>228</th><th>13</th></tr></tbody></table>
International
<table><thead><tr><th>National team</th><th>Year</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="6">Canada</td><td>2021</td><td>18</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>15</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>6</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>12</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>5</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>7</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Total</th><th>63</th><th>1</th></tr></tbody></table>
As of March 29, 2021 Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Johnston goal.
<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>Date</th><th>Venue</th><th>Opponent</th><th>Score</th><th>Result</th><th>Competition</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>March 29, 2021</td><td>IMG Academy, Bradenton, United States</td><td> Cayman Islands</td><td>6–0</td><td>11–0</td><td>2022 FIFA World Cup qualification</td></tr></tbody></table>
Honours
Alistair Johnston
• Scottish Premiership: 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26 • Scottish Cup: 2022–23, 2023–24, 2025–26 • Scottish League Cup: 2022–23, 2024–25
• Copa América Team of the Tournament: (/wiki/2024CopaAmérica#Awards)