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Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left-back and has also been used as a centre-back.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kieran Tierney is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left-back and has also been used as a centre-back. He has represented Scotland at senior international level since 2016 and has played club football for Celtic, Arsenal, and Real Sociedad, before returning to Celtic in 2025.

Early life and youth career

Tierney was born in Douglas on the Isle of Man and joined Celtic as a child. He progressed through the club’s academy before reaching the first team as a teenager.

Club career

He established himself at Celtic, then moved to Arsenal in 2019 and later played for Real Sociedad on loan in 2023–24. In 2025, he returned to Celtic for a second spell.

International career

Tierney became a Scotland senior international in 2016. He featured at UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and scored his first international goal against Poland in March 2022.

Playing style and position

Tierney is primarily a left-back, though he has also played as a centre-back. Sources describe him as a defender known for his strong tackling and defensive work.

Honours and recognition

His career includes domestic success with Celtic, FA Cup success with Arsenal, and individual recognition in Scotland through multiple Young Player of the Year awards.

Key facts

  • Came through Celtic’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in April 2015.
  • Joined Arsenal in August 2019 from Celtic and later spent a season on loan at Real Sociedad.
  • Returned to Celtic in the summer of 2025 on a five-year deal.
  • Has been a senior Scotland international since 2016.
  • Won multiple major trophies with Celtic, including domestic trebles, and won the FA Cup with Arsenal.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Kieran Tierney play?
He is primarily a left-back, though he has also played as a centre-back.
Which club does Kieran Tierney play for?
As of the latest available club profile, he is with Celtic.
When was Kieran Tierney born?
He was born on 5 June 1997.
Which national team does Kieran Tierney represent?
He represents Scotland at senior international level.
Has Kieran Tierney played in major international tournaments?
Yes. He appeared at UEFA Euro 2020 and UEFA Euro 2024 for Scotland.
What is Kieran Tierney known for at Celtic?
He came through the academy, made his senior debut as a teenager, and won multiple major trophies in his first spell with the club.

References

  1. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/kieran-tierney
    Supports: Date of birth, nationality, Arsenal debut, first goal, previous clubs, Scotland caps, return to club context.
  2. Celtic FC — https://www.celticfc.com/players/kieran-tierney
    Supports: Youth academy background, debut, appearances, trophies, return to Celtic in 2025.
  3. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/kieran-tierney/profil/spieler/300716
    Supports: Birthplace, position, foot, club history, contract/transfer details.
  4. Sky Sports — https://www.skysports.com/football/player/133978/kieran-tierney
    Supports: Position, date of birth, transfer history from Celtic to Arsenal.
  5. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250067541--kieran-tierney/
    Supports: Position, date of birth, height, competition participation and club registration.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/214794/kieran-tierney
    Supports: Basic bio information including club, position, height, and nationality.