Ethan Laidlaw

Ethan James Laidlaw (born 2 January 2005) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Falkirk.

Laidlaw is a product of the Hibernian academy and began his professional career with the club. He transferred to Brentford in 2023, for whom he exclusively played B team football until beginning his senior career with Falkirk in 2026. Laidlaw was capped by Scotland at youth level.

Club career

Hibernian A forward, Laidlaw began his youth career at Longniddry Villa, under the coaching of his father. He entered the Hibernian academy at age 8. Laidlaw was a part of the U14 squad which won the 2018 Foyle Cup and progressed through the academy to sign his first professional contract in February 2021. He was an unused substitute during seven first team matches between April 2021 and January 2023. which subsequently entered the 2022–23 UEFA Youth League. for an undisclosed "six-figure" fee. Laidlaw received a winner's medal in recognition of his contribution earlier in the competition. Often injured with "little niggles and bits that just take him out of his stride" during his first two seasons with the club, the option on Laidlaw's contract was taken up for the 2025–26 season. He was an unused substitute during a first team pre-season friendly. Deployed centrally and out wide, Laidlaw scored 15 B team goals and was part of the squad which finished as regular season champions of the Professional U21 Development League. Laidlaw turned down the offer of a new contract and transferred out of the club in June 2026.

Falkirk On 9 June 2026, Laidlaw transferred to Scottish Premiership club Falkirk and signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, He made five appearances early in the 2026–27 season, which required surgery.

International career Laidlaw was capped by Scotland at U17, U18 and U19 levels. He scored a hat-trick on his international debut and was a part of the Scotland's 2022 UEFA European U17 Championship squad.

Personal life Laidlaw is the son of former Scottish League footballer Steven Laidlaw and his brothers Keir and Josh also became footballers. He grew up in Port Seton and attended Preston Lodge High School.

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Honours Brentford U21 Players' Player of the Year: 2025–26