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Fullname: Sebastian Tounekti
aka: –
Born: 13 July 2002
Birthplace: Tromso, Norway
Signed: 1 Sep 2025 (est £5.2m from Hammarby IF)
Left: –
Position: Left-wing midfielder
Debut: Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic, League, 14 Sep 2025
Squad No.: 23
Internationals: Tunisia
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
Sebastian Tounekti arrived during what was widely seen as Celtic’s worst-ever transfer window—a period marked by poor management, despite the club having been in a position of strength. The humiliation of being knocked out of the Champions League play-offs by a lesser team only fuelled the fans’ frustration.
Revealed at the end of the transfer window, his signing did little to calm the storm, through no fault of his own. It was a difficult environment to join, but it gave him a clean slate to prove himself. On the other hand, he had played for seven clubs in seven years, a grand total of just ten goals in that time. He had a lot to prove for himself now as much as to Celtic.
His countryman and former TheRangers player Bilel Moshni remarked confidently about his ability:
“I’m very happy for Sebastian to get this opportunity for Celtic. To be honest, I wish he had signed for Rangers instead! I will always have a soft spot for my old team so I would say that. But, regardless of that, I am sure that he is going to be an excellent signing for Celtic. He won’t disappoint. Everyone in Tunisia rates Sebastian very highly. He has huge potential to go very far in the game. From my time in Scotland, I know what Scottish football is like and it will suit Sebastian down to the ground.”
Season 2025/26
He made an exceptional debut, twisting and turning his way to a man-of-the-match award in a 2-1 win against Kilmarnock (Sep 2025). Teammate Kelechi Iheanacho praised him for making a difference in both halves, while manager Brendan Rodgers was full of admiration:
“Sebastian Tounekti was so excited – he was so good for his first game. He’s brilliant. He has that physicality and speed. He can do everything, and he plays with joy, which is what it’s all about. We’ve been looking for that quality.”
He then scored his first goal in the next match, a fine move with Iheanacho in a 4-0 League Cup win against Partick Thistle (Sep 2025). Many saw a bright new talent emerging, and he began developing a strong partnership with full-back Kieran Tierney.
However, his form proved inconsistent. Even under interim manager Martin O’Neill—who had revitalised the careers of others, such as Wout Engels—Tounekti often found himself on the bench. It was a turbulent season for Celtic, with four different managerial spells: the abrupt departure of Brendan Rodgers, a disastrous short run under Wilfried Nancy, and two interim stints under the ageing O’Neill. For a young player adapting to a new club and culture under pressure, it was a tough introduction. There was little sympathy in a cut-throat environment, as Celtic trailed Hearts for much of the season and even Rangers for long periods.
He did show flashes of brilliance, though. His stunning goal against Auchinleck Talbot sealed a poor performance in the Scottish Cup (2-0, Jan 2026), and he scored the extra-time winner against Dundee (2-1, Feb 2026), earning the positive attention he needed to regain confidence. With new loan signings arriving, he had to prove himself or risk being frozen out like Yanga Balikwisha.
Perhaps his most important goal came when he curled in a long-range shot soon after coming on at half-time, sparking Celtic’s comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 away at Kilmarnock (Feb 2026). It was a real turning point, demonstrating what Tounekti could bring to the team.
His greatest non-scoring contribution came as a substitute in a pivotal 3-1 win against Rangers (May 2026). He set up Daizen Maeda’s wondergoal overhead kick, proving the difference he could make when on form. Yet, just a week earlier, in a game of two halves against Hibernian, Tounekti had started well but gave away a poor free-kick that led to an equaliser (Celtic still won), and his performance dipped sharply after that mistake.
His form for the rest of the season remained as inconsistent as before. In the title decider against Hearts (3-1, May 2026), where Celtic incredibly clinched the league against all odds, Tounekti was the only player singled out for a poor performance.
Despite this, Celtic went on to win the league and Scottish Cup double against all expectations, and Tounekti deserved credit for his role in this remarkable achievement. Moving forward, though, he needed to show more of his own talent—and, above all, consistency.
It wasn’t just at Celtic, as there were mixed reports on his time in his matches for Tunisia in AFCON 2025, but he still made their squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America. His Tunisia side faced Sweden in the opening match (containing Celtic teammate Nygren) and got hammerred 5-1! He came on late, but Tunisia were already 3-1 down by this point and facing an uphill battle already.
To compound matters, in the World Cup in North America (2026), his national side had a disastrous tournament losing all three group games and ending with a goal difference of -10 (conceded 12 goals)! His group included Japan & Sweden whose squads contained colleagues from Celtic. However, he got some backing from countryman and ex-TheRangers player Bilel Moshni who commented:
“It was a disastrous World Cup campaign. Tounekti wasn’t able to do much. Obviously, I rate him highly, but he didn’t really have a chance. You can’t blame him. It was his first World Cup tournament, but nothing went right in those three group games. For a forward like Tounekti, it must have been even more frustrating. What can you do when it is like this?”
[…]
Season 2026/27
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Quotes
“I’m very happy for Sebastian to get this opportunity for Celtic. To be honest, I wish he had signed for Rangers instead! I will always have a soft spot for my old team so I would say that. But, regardless of that, I am sure that he is going to be an excellent signing for Celtic. He won’t disappoint. Everyone in Tunisia rates Sebastian very highly. He has huge potential to go very far in the game. From my time in Scotland, I know what Scottish football is like and it will suit Sebastian down to the ground When I saw the news that he had signed for Celtic, I thought right away that he couldn’t have hoped for a much better move. I think the Celtic fans will really love his style. He will bring excitement and a real creative streak. Celtic already have Daizen Maeda on one side of the field. He is an unbelievable player. ‘But I would say that Sebastian, while less rapid, is more skillful and has more individual technique.”
Countryman and ex-TheRangers player Bilel Moshni (2026)
“It was fine. I know my quality. The reason I came to Celtic is because it suits my playing style and it showed today. Hopefully I can make goals and more assists.”
Tounekti after his man of the match debut v Kilmarnock (Sep 2025)
“Sebastian Tounekti was so excited – he was so good for his first game. He’s brilliant. He has that physicality and speed. He can do everything really and he plays with joy, which is what it is about and we’ve been looking for that quality.”
Rodgers on Tounetki (Sep 2025)
“A Joy to play with him”
Kieran Tierney on Tounetki (Sep 2025)
“I try to stay after training and to improve that because I know that repetition will help… It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time.”
Sebastian Tounekti on doing extra work in Celtic training (Feb 2026)
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Playing Career
[Table to indicate clubs played for, including dates, transfers and fees where known [e.g. soccerbase table]]
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2025-26 | 27 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 44 |
| Goals | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 2026-27 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2027-28 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2028-29 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| Total | |||||
| Goals |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
- 2025-26, […]
Scottish Cup
- 2025-26, […]
Scottish League Cup
- […]
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Notes
Articles
Welcome to Celtic, Sebastian Tounekti
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/september/01/welcome-to-celtic–/
First Team
By Celtic Football Club
Share
01 Sep 2025, 11:17 pm
Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti on a five-year deal, subject to international clearance.
The 23-year-old joins the Celts from Swedish side, Hammarby IF, having previously spent the early part of his career in Norway, where he won two league titles with Bodø/Glimt.
Sebastian represented Norway at various international youth levels before committing his international future to Tunisia. He has made two appearances for his country so far, with his debut coming in a 3-0 win against Mauritania in 2022.
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers said: “I’m really happy that Sebastian has joined the Club and I am sure he will be a really exciting addition to our squad.
“He will give us that real added attacking intent and I am sure he can make a big difference to us.
“He is a quick, clever winger who can operate on both sides, creating opportunities for himself and others. Myself and our coaches are really looking forward to working with Sebastian.”
Celtic star puts December exit to one side as Shaun Maloney takes him under wing
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
Published 8th Nov 2025, 22:30 GMT
Updated 9th Nov 2025, 09:41 GMT
Sebastian Tounekti has gone through a lot already during his first two months as a Celtic player.
The 23-year-old winger signed on transfer deadline day in September for a fee in excess of £5 million from Swedish side Hammarby. Since then, his manager has changed, he has won an Old Firm match, reached a final, experienced fan unrest and also qualified for next summer’s World Cup with his nation Tunisia.
Life at Celtic comes at you fast. Tounekti has impressed supporters with his pace down the left flank as he tries to settle into a new club and a new country. The change has undoubtedly been made harder by the departure of Brendan Rodgers and disharmony seeping down from the stands onto the pitch.
Celtic go into Sunday afternoon’s match with Kilmarnock nine points behind Premiership leaders Hearts. There is little margin for error when Stuart Kettlewell’s men visit Parkhead, with the hosts needing to swiftly get over a midweek 3-1 defeat by Midtjylland in the Europa League.
It could also be caretaker boss Martin O’Neill’s final match in charge of Celtic. There is an expectation that the board may accelerate on plans to land Rodgers’ permanent successor during the upcoming international break.
“It’s been positive for me so far,” Tounekti said of his move. “It’s always difficult to come to a new club, especially a club like Celtic – so big. But it’s been positive as I’ve developed and I’m learning every day. Hopefully I’ll take more and more steps.
“It’s always nice to get that bond with the fans. I’m a player who gets that bond more easily because of my playing style. The support has been really amazing and I want to give something back because I think I’ve got more to give.”
First Celtic Park goal means a lot to winger
Tounekti netted his first goal at Celtic Park in O’Neill’s first match, a 4-0 win over Falkirk on October 29. “It was a really amazing feeling – one of the best feelings I ever had,” said the Tunisian. “It was really special to get my first goal at Celtic Park. It’s something I was looking forward to. Hopefully I’ll keep doing that because it was an amazing feeling.
“The [Falkirk] game was really good on every level. The intensity was good and we scored many goals with good relationships through the players. We have to keep that going. It’s going to be a hard game on Sunday against a physical team. We want to go out on Sunday and bounce back from the result on Thursday. We want to win the game.”
Tounekti could easily hide behind the change of management, although he is quick to point out some of the positive changes both O’Neill and his assistant Shaun Maloney have brought to the team. Maloney played as a left winger during his playing career and has been giving pointers to the current wide man.
“It’s been difficult for everyone,” admitted Tounekti. “Brendan was a great coach and he did really well here. As a player, you just have to keep moving forward. It’s the business we are in. Everything can happen. We had a game two days later and it was difficult. Now we just have to look forward.”
On O’Neill, he continued: “From the first day, he gave us motivation and the courage to believe we are a great team with great players. He has been motivating us a lot. He’s been really great.
“You can see the history he has. He knows so much about the game. He speaks with individual players so well. We have spoken a little bit but the main thing is speaking with the group and get us together on how we want to play.
“I have also spoken a lot with Shaun Maloney as he played in my position. I got some great tips from both of them and I will learn and develop and bring it into my game.”
While defeat in Denmark was painful, it came on the back of last weekend’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final win over Rangers at Hampden. “It was maybe the biggest game in my life,” said Tounekti. “To win that game was really amazing. It was unbelievable to see the support of the fans through the game. It was a really cool game to play in.”
Tounekti’s Tunisia commitments
The likelihood is that Tounekti won’t be involved in the next Old Firm clash. Scheduled for January 3 at Celtic Park, the winger will be away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Tunisia, who are one of the favourites for the competition and will be keen to put down a marker ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
“The tournament starts in December, the end of the month,” said Tounekti. “I’m not sure what will happen. We will see. I have to do well here because the team there is really good. The only focus is here at Celtic as we have so many games.
“We have the Europa League, the cup final and the league. Personally, it could be a big year. As a team here, we have to stick together. We have so many important games. I just take it game by game and hopefully we can keep up a winning streak here.
“When you play for Celtic, you want to win and you have to win every game. It’s the standard. Of course, in reality we wanted to be first and to lead the league. Now we are behind and we are chasing.
“I still think we will do well. It’s early days and there are so many games left. We have to keep going and keep fighting. I’m sure we will end up doing well this season.”
Tounekti not viewing Celtic as a stepping stone
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c98d9m2ld3ro
Sebastian Tounekti was man of the match in his debut against Kilmarnock
Published
16 September 2025
Deadline-day signing Sebastian Tounekti says he is not viewing Celtic as a stepping stone to one of Europe’s top leagues and insists he sees himself “being here for many years”.
The 23-year-old winger, who was named man of the match on his debut against Kilmarnock on Sunday, was only five months into a five-year deal with Hammarby before being leaving for Celtic for a reported £5m fee, external last Monday.
Asked if seeing players move from the Scottish champions to top-five European leagues was a motivation, Norway-born Tounekti said: “To play for Celtic is massive.
“For a player of my age, it is the best step I could have made and I know the playing style should suit me. I told my agent it was my only choice if I was to leave Hammarby at this stage.
“My only focus is to be here now and perform. I want to play for Celtic for a long time. I see myself being here for many years.”
The early tale of Celtic’s two new wingers
Published
16 September 2025
Tounekti Celtic debut no surprise to former manager
Published
16 September 2025
Tounekti, who has signed a five-year deal, revealed other clubs were interested before he completed his move in the final moments of a “hectic” final day of the summer transfer window.
Celtic’s failure to reach the Champions League was no deterrent to Tounekti, who was delighted to make “a nice start” at Rugby Park.
He gave Kilmarnock a tough time down Celtic’s left, but stressed his ability to play on the opposite flank.
“My strongest position is on the left, but I have also played some games on the right so I can play there if the manager wants me to play there,” he said.
“I feel like it is only the beginning. I have so much more to show, so hopefully I’ll bring more out throughout the season.”