Daizen’s Meteoric Rise: Celtic’s Japanese Buzzbomb Transforms into Overnight Star

Daizen Maeda: From Understudy to Celtic’s Goal-Scoring Sensation
(Images: Maeda celebrating a goal; Maeda in World Cup action; Maeda with Brendan Rodgers)

When Daizen Maeda started as Japan’s striker at the 2022 World Cup, Scottish fans were puzzled. At Celtic, he’d been a backup to Kyogo Furuhashi, who’d netted 13 goals in 16 games that season. Yet Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, omitted Furuhashi entirely, relying instead on Maeda’s relentless energy. While initially seen as a bench option, Maeda’s journey since has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From Squad Player to Record Breaker
(Image: Maeda scoring against Bayern Munich)
Maeda joined Celtic in January 2022 as a high-energy substitute, admired more for his work rate than his finishing. By the 2023/24 season, however, he’s transformed into a clinical striker. After Furuhashi’s £10m move to Rennes in January, Maeda seized his chance, scoring 15 goals in 12 games. His brace against Hearts in March took his season tally to 30, putting him within reach of Leigh Griffiths’ 40-goal Celtic record (2015/16).

European Acclaim
(Image: Bayern Munich’s dressing room stats board)
Maeda’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. During Celtic’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, defender Cameron Carter-Vickers revealed Eric Dier told him Maeda’s running stats were pinned in Bayern’s locker room. “Harry Kane and the guys were analyzing his heat maps,” Carter-Vickers said—a testament to Maeda’s growing reputation.

Rodgers’ Revelation
(Image: Maeda and Brendan Rodgers)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers initially planned to sign a striker after Furuhashi’s exit but now admits Maeda has made that unnecessary. “He’s shown finishing quality with both feet and his head,” Rodgers said, adding that Maeda “earns every penny and deserves more” amid contract talks. The 27-year-old’s current deal runs until 2027, but improved terms are likely.

World Cup Resilience
(Image: Maeda consoled after Japan’s World Cup exit)
At Qatar 2022, Maeda’s tournament mirrored his career—full of grit. After a subdued start, he scored in Japan’s dramatic group-stage win over Spain and netted against Croatia in the last 16, though Japan lost on penalties. His resilience there foreshadowed his Celtic resurgence.

Chasing History
(Image: Leigh Griffiths celebrating a goal)
With nine games left this season, Maeda could join Celtic legends like Henrik Larsson and Griffiths in the 40-goal club. Only eight players in the club’s history have achieved this feat. “Next game, I score a hat-trick,” Maeda joked after his Hearts double—a hint of his relentless ambition.

Legacy in the Making
Once viewed as a utility player, Maeda now embodies Celtic’s fighting spirit. His blend of speed, stamina, and newfound finishing has made him indispensable. Whether he stays or is lured by a big transfer, he’s already etched his name among Parkhead’s cult heroes.

(Image: Maeda celebrating with teammates)
From World Cup curiosity to Celtic’s main man, Daizen Maeda’s story is a testament to perseverance—and a reminder that sometimes the best answer to doubters is simply to outrun them.