John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, a legendary Celtic striker, has died at the age of 79.
Former Celtic attacker John ‘Yogi’ Hughes has died at the age of 79, according to his family. From 1959 until 1971, the Coatbridge native scored 189 goals for Celtic.
“John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, age 79, passed away peacefully in hospital today, after a brief illness,” his family said in a statement. He was surrounded by the love of his family. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. His wife Theresa, his sons Kevin, Martin, and John, his daughter Joanna, and his six grandkids and extended family will always remember and celebrate him with love. He is now among those who will live on as long as there is a Glasgow Celtic. The family requests privacy during this extremely difficult time, and will provide information about his burial plans in due course.”
Celtic released the following statement on its official website: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club is extremely sad to hear of the passing of Lisbon Lion, John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, who has died at the age of 79, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with John’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Hughes appeared in the 1965 Scottish Cup final, in which Jock Stein won his first trophy as Celtic manager. He went on to win six Scottish titles and four League Cup finals, scoring two penalties in a 2-1 win over Rangers in one of them.
He won the European Cup in 1967 but was not a member of the Lisbon Lions side that defeated Inter Milan in the final. Hughes also scored in Celtic’s 1970 European Cup semi-final win against Leeds and scored five goals in one game against Aberdeen in January 1965.
Hughes joined Crystal Palace in 1971 and afterwards joined Sunderland alongside his younger brother, Billy. He later took over as manager of Baillieston Juniors and Stranraer.
