A sad event has darkened Christmas for the Nottingham ForestPremier League club. This Thursday, with deep sadness, the English team confirmed the death of Scotsman John Robertsonwho was his star winger in his golden age, when … They won the European Cup two years in a row under the leadership of Brian Clough.
Indeed, the brilliant coach coined a description of his footballer that was recorded in the history books of English football: “John Robertson is a Picasso of our sport.”
Indeed, Robertson, who He has died at the age of 72 He was a key player on that team that, after winning the English league in the 1977-78 campaign, reigned in Europe for two consecutive years. He was the one who set up Trevor Francis’ winning goal in the 1979 European Cup final against Malmö, and who scored to sink Hamburg in the 1980 final the following year.
“It pains us to announce the passing of John Robertson, Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend,” Nottingham Forest announced in an official statement. “A true great of our club and two-time European Cup winner, John’s unrivaled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never be forgotten.”
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson.
A true great of our Club and a double European Cup winner, John’s unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten.
Our… pic.twitter.com/oE2dyDmQyu
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 25, 2025
Robertson spent most of his career at the City Ground, making over 500 appearances in two spells. Clough once described him as “careless, incompetent and disinterested”, although thanks to his talented left foot he also became “one of the best football creators I have ever seen” for the Middlesbrough manager.
Basic for promotion and titles
With this ability, Robertson was a fundamental pillar of Forest’s meteoric rise from the second division to winning the English first division title the following season, in 1978, before the two European Cup titles.
At the selection level, He played 28 games for Scotlandscoring the winning goal against England in 1981, and was assistant coach to his former Forest teammate, Martin O’Neill, at several clubs, most notably Aston Villa.
“Rest in peace, Robbo… Our best player,” Forest added in their official note. This Saturday, December 27, at 1:00 p.m., fans of the English team will be able to pay one last tribute to their hero in the Premier League match that will pit them against none other than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their stadium.
The Scottish Football Federation and UEFA also left their condolences on social media after learning of the death of the former Forest player.
