Celtic winger Jota back stronger after wrestling ‘demons’ during injury lay-off

Celtic winger Jota says he has emerged stronger after overcoming an 18-month absence caused by a severe knee injury. The 27-year-old Portuguese player made his return to Celtic Park on Sunday, coming off the bench as a half-time substitute in Celtic's 7-1 win against Hearts. Jota described wrestling with his personal demons during his lengthy rehabilitation, explaining that the time away gave him renewed perspective and gratitude for playing football.

Jota originally suffered the injury in April 2025 during Celtic's title-clinching match against Dundee United at Tannadice. Prior to his Parkhead return, the former Benfica attacker endured difficult spells with Saudi side Al Ittihad and French club Rennes. Although he is not currently registered in Celtic's Europa League squad, Jota stated that his immense passion for football fueled his recovery process.