James Tavernier is set to make history once again. When the Rangers captain steps onto the Ibrox pitch against Motherwell tomorrow, he will reach an extraordinary milestone—his 500th appearance for the club. This achievement cements his status as one of the most significant players in Rangers’ modern history and, incredibly, sees him reach this landmark in the shortest time frame of any player in the club’s existence.
A Captain, A Leader, A Legend
Since arriving at Rangers in 2015, Tavernier has been a mainstay in the team, providing not just consistency but moments of brilliance from right-back. His attacking prowess, leadership, and set-piece ability have seen him rack up goals and assists at a rate unmatched by most full-backs in world football. Over the years, he has lifted silverware, delivered in high-pressure moments, and led Rangers through crucial European nights, making his mark as a true leader on and off the pitch. Remarkably, he has scored 129 goals for Rangers from right-back during this time, a staggering return for a defender.
Tavernier Joins Rangers’ Greatest
Reaching 500 appearances places Tavernier among an elite group of Rangers legends. To put his achievement into perspective, here’s the list of the club’s top 10 appearance holders:
- John Greig (1961–1978) – 755 games
- Sandy Jardine (1966–1982) – 674 games
- Ally McCoist (1983–1998) – 581 games
- Sandy Archibald (1917–1934) – 580 games
- David Meiklejohn (1919–1936) – 563 games
- Dougie Gray (1925–1946) – 555 games
- Derek Johnstone (1970–1983, 1985–1986) – 549 games
- Davie Cooper (1977–1989) – 540 games
- Peter McCloy (1970–1986) – 535 games
- Ian McColl (1945–1960) – 526 games
Tavernier will soon break into this elite group, and given his exceptional fitness and consistency, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him climb even higher up the list before his Rangers career is done.
A Modern-Day Icon
Tavernier’s numbers tell their own story, but his impact extends beyond stats. He has been an ever-present force during some of Rangers’ most defining moments of the past decade, from leading the club back to domestic dominance to inspiring European runs that reignited belief among supporters. Few players have shown the same unwavering commitment to the club, and his legacy at Ibrox is already secure.
As he steps out for his 500th game, it’s a moment for Rangers fans to celebrate a captain who has given everything for the badge. Here’s to James Tavernier—a true Rangers legend in the making.