From J-League standout to Premier League winger: the rise of Daizen Maeda
In short: Few players transition from the Japanese leagues to European stardom as dynamically as Daizen Maeda. After dominating the J1 League with Yokohama F. Marinos, the versatile forward became a prolific force in Scotland, breaking long-standing scoring records and proving his worth on the world's biggest footballing stages.
Maeda's ascent began in earnest during the 2021 J1 League season. Playing for Yokohama F. Marinos, he finished as the league's top scorer, sharing the title with Leandro Damiao after both players netted 23 goals. His season was defined by remarkable scoring bursts, including a four-goal performance against Tokushima Vortis in March 2021 and a second hat-trick against FC Tokyo in November.
His move to Celtic in early 2022 marked a significant chapter in his career. Maeda quickly adapted to the Scottish Premiership, scoring within four minutes of his debut against Hibernian. He became a standout performer in UEFA competitions, notably scoring against giants like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. During the 2024–25 campaign, his scoring reached new heights, making him the first Celtic player to net four goals in a single UEFA competition since the 1977–78 season.
On the international stage, Maeda has been a fixture for Japan since 2019. He played a pivotal role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring a crucial goal against Croatia in the round of 16. Known for his exceptional conditioning—described by former coach John Hutchinson as a "machine"—Maeda’s ability to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker has made him an indispensable asset for both club and country.
After helping Celtic secure their record 56th league title in May 2026, Maeda made the move to the English Premier League, signing with Ipswich Town in July 2026.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Daizen Maeda
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