Daizen Maeda: Celtic's 'physical beast' makes mark yet again

A quick glance at Celtic forward Daizen Maeda's social media accounts reveals two things about him: he loves football and he deeply loves his family. Beyond that, there seems to be little else, showcasing his dedication to both his profession and personal life.

Whether in English or his native Japanese, his interviews come across as brief and understated, giving the impression of someone quiet and reserved. While those who know him best might disagree, this is how he appears to the outside world, projecting an image of humility and focus.

Before Kyogo Furuhashi's move to Rennes in January, he was frequently making headlines for Celtic, thanks to his knack for scoring crucial goals, and in great numbers. But coaches describe Maeda as a "machine" and a "physical beast" with boundless stamina. Now, he is enjoying his best season yet at Celtic, with 27 goals so far, including 13 in his last 13 games, demonstrating his consistent performance and growing impact.

Five of those goals have come in the Scottish Cup, the most recent being in Sunday's quarter-final win against Hibernian. Former Celtic midfielder John Collins said on Sportsound: "That goal summed up his season. He’s full of energy, quick to get there, and hungry in and around the box," highlighting Maeda's key attributes and their contribution to his success.

After Celtic began their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for Maeda. Former Celtic and Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart used a clip of the 27-year-old preventing a Slovan counter-attack on BBC Sports' Champions League highlights show. Maeda pressed the Slovan right-back and centre-half, winning the ball back. Rodgers cited that moment, saying he doubted "there’s anyone in world football better than him at setting the tone from the front," underscoring Maeda's vital role in the team's pressing game.

In this season's League Cup final, he outpaced Rangers defender Leon Balogun, winning the ball and racing through to score. Perhaps the most telling moment of his attitude and speed came near the end of a 6-0 win over St Johnstone in September, when Celtic lost the ball in the attacking third and he sprinted the length of the pitch to win it back, with the game long since won. Rodgers applauded on the touchline at the time, as he would for any goal, acknowledging Maeda's unwavering commitment.

His former coach at Yokohama F. Marinos, John Hutchinson, knew exactly what Ange Postecoglou was getting when he recruited him from his old club. "I’ve never seen anyone as fit as Daizen Maeda in terms of speed and repeat sprints," he said in 2022. "Daizen Maeda is a physical beast. You could put him anywhere in Europe and he wouldn’t have a problem because it’s not an issue for him. He’s a machine," reaffirming Maeda's exceptional fitness levels and adaptability.

Rodgers was similarly effusive after yet another crucial contribution, this time removing the danger from a potentially tricky cup tie against an in-form Hibernian side. "Daizen is so honest. His anticipation and the ground he covers… his work and intensity is a great example for young players," the manager said. "He frightens opponents, they can’t relax in front of him. As he’s getting more confident, he’s getting calmer in his finishing. He’s not a traditional target man but he’s a goalscorer," praising Maeda's work ethic and growing composure in front of goal.

Maeda's close-range finish against Hibernian took his tally to 24 goals in 41 games this season, making it his most productive in Scotland to date. Not bad for a player who has spent most of the season playing out wide, until Kyogo Furuhashi's departure. Four of those goals have come in the Champions League, including a wonderful curling effort to snatch a vital point against Club Brugge and a goal away to Bayern Munich, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Finishing has been the main criticism leveled at Maeda. Not that he lacks the ability to score good goals, but that he has been guilty of some glaring misses. But his conversion rate has improved markedly this season, and his goals have come in a variety of forms. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner said on BBC Sportsound: "Not only does he work extremely hard and use his energy and pace, but it looks as if any chance that falls to him, he’s putting it in the net," highlighting Maeda's improved finishing and overall effectiveness.

Perhaps with that in mind, Rodgers has often opted to play Maeda through the middle in 2025 instead of Adam Idah. The Irish forward himself came on and scored the second goal against Hibernian and was full of praise for his team-mate. He told Premier Sports: "I don’t know how many games in a row he’s scored now. It’s not just his goals, his work rate is unbelievable. He’s the first name on the team sheet, I don’t know where we’d be without him," acknowledging Maeda's importance to the team.

Maeda apologized to the fans after being sent off in Celtic's penultimate Champions League group game against Young Boys. He wrote on X: "I feel very sorry for causing trouble to the team in such a wonderful atmosphere." There were plenty of responses along the lines of: "Do what you want, mate," demonstrating how highly he is regarded by many and the impact of his performances.

Similarly, his rare off-field appearances have endeared him to the fans and cemented his status as a popular figure. Whether it’s having his children as mascots, or a recent cameo appearance during an interview with his team-mates. Even ditching his previous habit of shaving his head before games and growing his hair – apparently to appease his daughter, who said she didn’t like him bald – has added to his cult hero status. Daizen Maeda is now a key figure for Celtic, and proved the difference once again on Sunday, solidifying his place in the hearts of the fans.