We are delighted to reveal that Antti Niemi, the legendary former Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper, Julien Brellier, the tough midfielder signed to Hearts by George Burley, and cult hero goalscorer José Quitongo will be our VIP guests at the 2025 Big Hearts Gala.
Antti, Julien and José will make a special return to Tynecastle Park on Saturday 6th September to support our charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year!
**click on this link to book**
The Club have been blessed with fantastic goalkeepers over the years and without doubt Antti Niemi is one of them. He joined Hearts in late 1999 and quickly became a fans favourite. An incredible goalkeeper who made save after save. Southampton came calling for Antti early in the 2001/02 season, with the fee reported at around £2M, but only after a final home game at Tynecastle Park, the famous 5-1 win over Hibs in the “de Vries” derby.
Julien Brellier joined Hearts in the summer of 2005 as part of an influx of signings under new manager George Burley. Julien played a significant role over the course of two seasons at Tynecastle, anchoring the midfield while allowing the likes of Paul Hartley and Rudi Skacel to do the more creative part of the game. Julien’s first league appearance came in a resounding 4-0 victory over Hibs at Tynecastle and he would go on to be part of the team which lifted the Scottish Cup in May 2006.
Celebrated for his charisma and flair, José won over Hearts fans in the late ’90s as a vital squad member. His equalising goal deep in injury time against Celtic in February 1998 will always be remembered for that cartwheel amongst chaos at Tynecastle Park. José also famously scored in a 2-0 win over Hibs at Tynecastle and rounded off the win against Albion Rovers during the eventually triumphant Scottish Cup campaign in 1998.
The Big Hearts Gala promises to be an extra special evening, celebrating our milestone year, honouring the lives changed through our charity’s work and reflecting on the journey we have shared as a community.
Supporters can secure their seats via our Event Booking page.
Join us as we welcome football legends, charity heroes, and fellow supporters and celebrate the power of football to change lives.
– August 2025
