Alistair Johnston was born on 10 October 2000 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He developed through the Canadian youth pathway and earned a professional career with CF Montréal in MLS, where he established himself as one of the most dynamic right backs in the league. His attacking instincts, crossing ability and defensive solidity made him one of the standout fullbacks in North American football during his time at the club.
His performances at CF Montréal attracted significant European interest, and in January 2023 he completed a move to Celtic in Scotland — one of the most high-profile transfers for a Canadian player in recent memory. At Celtic he became a first-team regular under Brendan Rodgers, contributing to Scottish Premiership title challenges and European competition. The move confirmed his status as one of the best fullbacks Canada has produced.
For Canada, Johnston became a key component of the national team's right side during the 2026 World Cup cycle. His attacking threat and defensive reliability gave coach Jesse Marsch a dynamic option at right back. His technical quality — sharpened by the demands of Champions League and Europa League competition at Celtic — elevated the standard of the position for Canada.
Standing 1.76 m, Johnston is a technically refined right back whose career trajectory — from MLS to one of Britain's biggest clubs — mirrors the accelerating pace of Canadian football development. His Hamilton background and Celtic career have made him one of the most recognisable Canadian players of his generation.