John Robertson, one of Scottish football’s most respected and decorated players, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 72. Best remembered for his legendary spell at Nottingham Forest, Robertson played a pivotal role in the club’s golden era under Brian Clough, including their historic back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.
Renowned for his intelligence, precision on the left wing, and calmness on the biggest stages, he later carried his deep understanding of the game into a successful coaching career. In this article, we will look back at his personal life, football journey, family, and the legacy he leaves behind in both playing and coaching.
John Robertson Death — What Happened
Sad news to bring you this Christmas Day. #NFFC legend John Robertson has passed away. He was 72.
Robertson won two European Cups with Forest and is widely recognised as being one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/snRkFpazPW
— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) December 25, 2025
Football legend John Robertson has died at the age of 72, with Nottingham Forest confirming the news on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The club released a statement expressing deep sorrow over his passing, hailing him as a true great and club legend whose talent, humility, and devotion will never be forgotten.
While Robertson’s death was announced publicly, no official cause of death has been disclosed. Forest and fans around the world have been paying tribute to his remarkable legacy in football, remembering his pivotal role in the club’s golden era.
Early Life & Education, Family
John Robertson was born on 20 January 1953 in Viewpark, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and grew up in a working-class household. His father, Hughie Robertson, worked as a miner and later for the electricity board, while his mother was employed at the Tunnock’s biscuit factory.
From a young age, John showed a natural talent for football, representing Scotland at schoolboy and youth levels before playing for Drumchapel Amateurs, a club known for producing top Scottish players. His upbringing instilled strong discipline and humility, traits that later defined both his playing style and long, successful career in professional football.
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, John Robertson had an estimated net worth of around £1–2 million, built through his long career as a professional footballer and later as a coach at top clubs in England and Scotland. He was known to be private about his personal beliefs, and there is no public information confirming his religion.
In terms of ethnicity, John Robertson was White Scottish, born and raised in Scotland, and widely respected for his humble background and grounded personality throughout his life in football.
Personal life, Wife & Children
John Robertson was married to Sally, with whom he had two daughters. Their eldest daughter, Jessica, was born in 1983 with cerebral palsy, leaving her quadriplegic and unable to speak or control her movements. Doctors gave her a short life expectancy, and her condition had a profound impact on the family.
In 1994, John and Sally pursued legal action against the hospital where Jessica was born, believing a delayed Caesarean section had caused her injuries, but the case was unsuccessful. Robertson’s other daughter, Liz, later appeared on the very first episode of the BBC quiz show TNL: Who Dares Wins in 2007. Despite personal challenges, Robertson remained devoted to his family throughout his life until his passing in December 2025 at the age of 72.
Career Details
John Robertson began his football journey at the youth level with Scotland and Drumchapel Amateurs before joining Nottingham Forest in 1970. Although he struggled for regular starts early on, his career transformed under manager Brian Clough, who moved him to the left wing and unlocked his full potential.
Robertson went on to become one of Forest’s most important players, appearing in 243 consecutive matches and playing a decisive role in the club’s golden era. He scored the winning penalty in the 1978 League Cup Final replay, netted the winner in the 1980 European Cup Final, and provided the famous assist for Trevor Francis in the 1979 European Cup Final.
Later in his playing career, Robertson moved to Derby County in 1983, though injuries limited his impact. He briefly returned to Forest before finishing his playing days in non-league football. After retiring, he built a respected coaching career, working as assistant manager and scout alongside Martin O’Neill at clubs including Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa, Norwich City, and Wycombe Wanderers.
His legacy remains immense, so much so that he was voted Nottingham Forest’s greatest-ever player in a 2015 fan poll, a lasting tribute to his brilliance and influence on the club’s history.
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