Scottish football has long been defined by the dominance of Celtic and Rangers. Since the top-flight’s inaugural 1890-91 season, the Old Firm has claimed the vast majority of titles, with only rare interruptions by clubs like Aberdeen. Yet the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic in recent memory, with both Glasgow giants faltering on and off the pitch.
Celtic’s Woes
Celtic began the season in disappointment after a stellar 2024-25 campaign. Brendan Rodgers’ side secured the league by 17 points but struggled to strengthen adequately during the summer transfer window. Key departures, such as Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn, were poorly replaced, leaving fans frustrated.
Supporter unrest has been highly visible. The “Not Another Penny” campaign saw fans protest during matches, including throwing tennis balls and tangerines onto the pitch, signaling dissatisfaction with the board rather than Rodgers himself. Despite Rodgers’ efforts, Celtic have only taken 17 points from a possible 24 in the Premiership and have yet to register a win in European competition this season.
Rangers’ Turmoil
Across Glasgow, Rangers have also stumbled. The club underwent a major ownership overhaul, with a consortium including the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers acquiring a controlling stake. Yet managerial appointments failed spectacularly. Russell Martin, initially brought in to instill a possession-heavy philosophy, clashed with fans and players alike, culminating in a disastrous European campaign and his eventual dismissal after just a few months.
Danny Röhl’s arrival has brought cautious optimism. Emphasizing structure, early wins, and man-management, Röhl appears more aligned with both supporters and club traditions. However, Rangers’ Premiership form remains precarious, highlighting the depth of the crisis at Ibrox.
European Failures
The Old Firm’s European ambitions have also faltered. Celtic were eliminated by Kairat Almaty in the Champions League qualifiers after a penalty shootout, while Rangers suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge, marking one of the worst European results in the club’s history. These setbacks have only intensified scrutiny on both clubs’ management and squad depth.
Hearts’ Rise
Amid the chaos, Hearts have emerged as serious contenders. Tony Bloom, who holds stakes in Brighton, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Melbourne Victory, has invested strategically in the Edinburgh side. Under Derek McInnes, Hearts remain unbeaten through the first eight Premiership matches, demonstrating the potential to challenge the Old Firm’s long-standing duopoly.
With an unbeaten streak and a squad bolstered by 16 summer signings, including league top scorer Claudio Braga, Hearts are positioned to take full advantage of Glasgow’s turmoil. Their upcoming clash with Celtic presents a pivotal moment, potentially allowing them to widen the gap at the top of the table.
Outlook
The 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season could redefine the landscape of domestic football. Celtic and Rangers, once untouchable, are now vulnerable, facing off-field controversies, managerial instability, and poor European form. Hearts, meanwhile, are seizing the opportunity to stake a claim for supremacy. If Glasgow’s giants fail to stabilize, the season may be remembered as the one where the Old Firm’s dominance finally faced a serious challenge.