Early Life and Football Beginnings
Findlay Curtis, born on October 1, 2006, is a highly regarded Scottish footballer currently playing as a central midfielder for Rangers FC, one of Scotland’s most illustrious football clubs. A product of Rangers’ youth academy, Curtis has been with the club since the age of six, demonstrating remarkable longevity and commitment to his development within a structured elite environment.
Curtis’s early footballing journey began at a local club soccer school, where his technical proficiency and natural athleticism caught the attention of Rangers scouts. Initially deployed as a striker, he later evolved into a dynamic central midfielder capable of operating in both box-to-box (No. 8) and attacking (No. 10) roles.
Development Through the Rangers Academy
The midfielder’s progression through the Rangers Academy reflects both the player’s dedication and the club’s emphasis on youth development. Over a span of 12 years, Curtis trained under a cohort of experienced coaches, including Kieran Reilly, Greg Statt, John Lawson, Drew Todd, Stephen Wright, Todd Lumsden, and Steventan Johansson. These mentors were instrumental in shaping his football intelligence, technical consistency, and mental fortitude.
Curtis’s standout moment at youth level came in 2024, when he played a pivotal role in securing the Scottish Youth Cup for Rangers’ Under-18 squad. His contributions in pressure scenarios—including scoring decisive penalties in both the semi-final and the final—underscore his composure and leadership qualities on the pitch.
First Professional Contract and Early Senior Integration
Curtis signed his first professional contract with Rangers in July 2022, at the age of 15. By January 2023, following a year of strong performances, the club extended his contract—reaffirming their belief in his long-term potential. This was again renewed in May 2024, before a further extension was signed in January 2025, though the length of this most recent deal remains undisclosed. His current contract runs until 2027.
The 2024–25 season marked a turning point in Curtis’s career as he began making appearances for the Rangers first team. His competitive debut came on January 19, 2025, in a Scottish Cup tie against Fraserburgh, where he was introduced in the 62nd minute and provided an assist in a commanding 5–0 win.
European Breakthrough and Recognition
Curtis’s second appearance—arguably one of the most significant milestones of his young career—arrived just four days later when he featured in the UEFA Europa League against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although Rangers lost 2–1, Curtis’s disciplined performance and intelligent passing display earned acclaim from fans and analysts alike, establishing him as one to watch in European football.
Impact Under Russell Martin’s Management
The appointment of Russell Martin as Rangers manager in July 2025 catalysed Curtis’s rise to greater prominence. Martin, known for his focus on youth integration and progressive football philosophy, made a bold statement by selecting the 18-year-old for the Champions League qualifying match against Panathinaikos—his very first competitive game in charge.
Curtis repaid the manager’s faith with a spectacular long-range goal, opening the scoring in a 2–0 first-leg win. Despite a challenging first half, Curtis responded with determination and flair in the second half, demonstrating his mental resilience and technical class. Martin hailed his character post-match, stating Curtis possessed “the mentality and the professionalism to wear the Rangers badge with distinction.”
Adding to the occasion, Curtis was congratulated after the match by Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former Manchester United manager, who visited the Rangers dressing room. Curtis later described the moment as “another dream come true.”
Playing Style and Technical Attributes
Findlay Curtis is known for his versatile midfield capabilities. Although naturally a central midfielder, he shows adaptability by seamlessly shifting between advanced attacking roles and deeper playmaking responsibilities. Wearing jersey number 52, Curtis is recognised for his:
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Excellent vision and passing range
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Quick decision-making under pressure
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High work rate and positional awareness
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Accurate shooting from distance
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Set-piece reliability
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Leadership and calmness beyond his years
He is often praised by his coaches for his mature mindset, coachability, and eagerness to improve tactically and physically, making him a dependable option in high-stakes encounters.
International Career and Youth Recognition
Curtis has also made an impression on the international stage, having earned caps for both Scotland Under-18 and Scotland Under-20 national teams. Although his appearances have been limited to one for each age group as of July 2025, his inclusion signals growing recognition from the national setup, and further call-ups are anticipated as he gains more senior-level experience.
Club Contributions and Performance Stats (as of July 2025)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 |
| Club | Rangers FC |
| Position | Midfielder (CM/CAM) |
| Appearances (Senior) | 6 |
| Goals (Senior) | 1 |
| Assists (Senior) | 1 |
| National Team Caps | 2 (Youth) |
| Jersey Number | 52 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
Curtis as a Symbol of Academy Success
Findlay Curtis is increasingly being seen as a flagbearer of Rangers’ academy success. His transition from academy product to Champions League goal-scorer within a single year stands as testament to the club’s developmental model. Rangers FC, long known for its passionate fan base and historic stature, now finds in Curtis a player who embodies both tradition and modernity: grounded in Glaswegian football roots, but equipped for the demands of elite European competition.
Outlook and Future Potential
As of the summer of 2025, Curtis is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Scotland. With continued support from the Rangers coaching team and regular exposure to top-tier football, his ceiling appears extraordinarily high. Expectations are building around his future involvement in the Scotland senior national team, and speculation is already mounting regarding potential interest from Premier League clubs.
However, Curtis remains grounded and focused. His recent interviews reflect humility and a team-first attitude. With Russell Martin continuing to place trust in him, Findlay Curtis is poised to become a mainstay at Ibrox and a critical figure in Rangers’ domestic and European ambitions over the coming years.
