James Wilson

Edinburgh born and Hearts through and through, James Wilson came through the club's academy after joining in 2016 and made his professional debut against The Spartans in the Scottish Cup in January 2024. The following season he became a regular in the first team, making 24 Scottish Premiership appearances and scoring five goals, with a further four in the Scottish Cup. He also converted a penalty in the shootout that took Hearts past St Mirren in the Scottish Cup fifth round, before the run ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Aberdeen in the semi-final.

On 24 March 2025, Wilson came on as a substitute against Greece in a UEFA Nations League play-off and, at 18 years and 17 days old, became the youngest player ever to represent Scotland's men's team, breaking a record held by John Lambie. He has also represented Scotland at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 level.

Interest from Manchester United, Celtic and Rangers followed his rise. In February 2026 he did leave on loan, joining Tottenham Hotspur for six months with an option to buy that was not taken up, and he returned to Hearts in May 2026. He has twin brothers, Alfie and Stanley, who play for Hearts' B-team, and he attended Balerno High School.