Max Johnston (born 26 December 2003) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz and the Scotland national team.
Club career
Johnston signed for Motherwell at 12 years old, progressing through the club's academy system, then joining up with the first-team squad ahead of the 2020–21 season. Johnston debuted for the Steelmen on 13 February 2021, as a substitute in the Lanarkshire derby versus Hamilton Academical.
On 1 September 2021, Johnston signed for Queen of the South on a season long loan deal, with the former Doonhamers manager being his father Allan. He was then loaned to Cove Rangers in September 2022. After making 10 appearances with Cove, Johnston was recalled on 1 January 2023. He then became a regular in the Motherwell first team, and won the SFWA Young Player of the Year award for 2022–23.
On 25 July 2023, Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz announced the signing of Johnston on a contract until the summer of 2027.
International career
Johnston represented Scotland at under-16 level, scoring on his debut versus Australia in 2019. On 17 March 2022, Johnston was called up late to the Scotland under-19 squad.
He was added to the full Scotland squad for the first time in October 2023, following withdrawals by Aaron Hickey and Andrew Robertson. He made his senior debut on 20 March 2025 as a late substitute for Billy Gilmour in a UEFA Nations League victory over Greece.
Personal life
Johnston's father is former Scotland international Allan, and his uncle Sammy is also a former player.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 16 March 2025
International
- As of match played 20 March 2025
Honours
Sturm Graz
- Austrian Cup: 2023–24
- Austrian Football Bundesliga: 2023–24
Individual
- SFWA Young Player of the Year: 2022–23
References
