John Govan (16 January 1923 – 17 February 1999) was a Scottish footballer, who played for Hibernian and Ayr United.^[2] Govan, who was a key part of the successful post-war Hibs side, was capped six times by Scotland.^[3]

Govan grew up in Larkhall, a Lanarkshire town noted for its support of Rangers.^[3] He played for the local junior club Larkhall Thistle until he was signed by Hibernian in 1941.^[3] This move upset the people in Larkhall, who burned his Hibs training kit.^[3] Govan was a full-back, but had an attacking style that was ahead of its time.^[3]

Govan broke into the Hibs first team in 1943, eventually forming a partnership with Davie Shaw.^[3] This partnership formed the basis of Hibs success after the Second World War, as they won the league championship in 1948.^[3] Although Shaw was eventually replaced due to age and injury, Govan continued to enjoy success with Hibs, winning the league again in 1951 and 1952.^[3] He was transferred to Ayr United in 1954, where he finished his playing career.^[3]

After retiring as a football player, Govan worked as a mining engineer and played lawn bowls in Midlothian.^[3] He died in Leith on 17 February 1999, at the age of 76, and was survived by his wife and two children.^[3][4][5]