For Celtic, the name of Daizen Maeda rings a visionary tune. Born on the 20th of October, 1997 in Japan, Maeda, a forward who principally occupies the left wing, has stamped significant imprints in the sand of play for the esteemed club. Standing at 1.73m (5ft 8in) tall and tipping the scales at 68kg (10st 9lb), the energy-packed offensive player dons the shirt bearing the number 38, a number that has, over the years, come to represent his audacious moves and skillful executions on the field. His contributions to the Japan national team are also quite noteworthy.
The rising star, at present, commands an extortionate market value, positioned somewhere in the region of €12.00m (£10.5m), as disclosed by Transfermarkt.
Tracing the roots of his progression, Maeda initiated his professional journey with Matsumoto Yamaga in the Japan Lower Leagues in January 2016. His inaugural outing with the team saw him participate in nine primary league matches. Following a loan spell to Mito Hollyhock in the J2 League, Maeda returned to Matsumoto Yamaga. By the concluding period of 2019, he fortified his portfolio with 18 primary appearances and a pair of successful strikes on target.
In July 2019, Marítimo in the Liga Portugal 2 in Portugal enjoyed Maeda's dazzling presence on a loan stint, with the player partaking in 23 matches and registering three goals. Post his brief session in Portugal, the ambitious forward moved back to Japan to join Yokohama F. Marinos in the J1 League, perpetuating his goal-scoring record with 23 successful attempts in 36 appearances during the 2021 season.
In a captivating crescendo, January of 2022 heralded Maeda's much-anticipated debut season with Celtic, following his transfer from Yokohama F. Marinos, for a fee reportedly around £1.4m. Since joining the Premiership heavyweights, Maeda has performed with distinct impressive prowess. From his initial season, to the present enlistment of 2025 - 2026, the Japanese international has represented the club in no less than 138 primary matches, registering 43 hits on target.
Extending his impactful prowess beyond league matches, Maeda has been a vital presence for Celtic in the Scottish Cup and League Cup. His performance in the Champions League Qualifiers and Europa League, where he made several match appearances, is also praiseworthy. Expanding his influence beyond the Scottish confines, Maeda has represented Japan in the World Cup Qualifiers Asia 2024 - 2026, demonstrating his profound versatility on the global stage, embodying the spirit of the unwavering Celtic warrior.
