Daizen Maeda – Celtic Forward’s Career, Stats and World Cup Goals
Daizen Maeda has become one of the most recognisable Japanese footballers in European football. The 28-year-old forward has established himself as a key figure for Celtic FC and the Japan national team, with his pace, work rate, and goal-scoring ability drawing attention from fans and pundits alike. From his breakout season in the J1 League to his Champions League exploits, Maeda’s career has followed a steep upward trajectory.
Born in Taishi, Osaka, Maeda’s journey to the top of Scottish football involved stops at several Japanese clubs and a brief spell in Portugal. His move to Celtic in January 2022 proved transformative, turning him into a fan favourite at Parkhead and a regular contributor for the Samurai Blue. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, his profile continues to grow.
What Is Known About Daizen Maeda’s Personal Life?
- Maeda has been a standout performer for Celtic in the 2024–25 season with 33 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances, according to recent media reports.
- He is a key member of the Japan national team and played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring against Croatia in the Round of 16.
- Maeda expressed in a recent interview that he wants “to continue doing my best in Scotland” and feels loved by the Celtic fans.
- Despite transfer speculation, no official confirmation of a departure exists as of now.
- His market value has increased significantly since joining Celtic in January 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 20 October 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Taishi, Osaka, Japan |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 67 kg (148 lbs) |
| Jersey Number | #38 (Celtic) |
| Position | Forward / Left Winger |
| Current Club | Celtic FC (since Jan 2022) |
| National Team | Japan (senior debut in 2019) |
| Market Value | €13 million (May 2025 estimate) |
Is Daizen Maeda Married?
There is no publicly confirmed information about Daizen Maeda’s wife or marital status. The available records from Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, and other major sports databases do not mention a spouse. This is consistent with many Japanese athletes who keep their personal relationships private.
What Is Daizen Maeda’s Religion?
No reliable source has disclosed Daizen Maeda’s religious affiliation. None of the major biographical profiles or interviews available address this aspect of his life.
Who Is Daizen Maeda’s Family?
Specific details about his parents or siblings are not widely documented. However, his upcoming autobiography, set for release on May 13, 2026, is described as revealing the “untold story” of his family and career struggles, suggesting his family background plays a significant role in his personal narrative.
Daizen Maeda maintains a relatively private personal life. While his age, birthplace, and career statistics are well-documented, information about his wife, religion, and net worth is not publicly available in any of the major biographical sources.
How Has Daizen Maeda Performed at Celtic and on the International Stage?
Maeda’s career at Celtic has been marked by consistent goal-scoring and a tireless work ethic. His 2024–25 season was particularly remarkable, with the forward scoring over 30 goals and significantly improving his form from January onward, according to his Wikipedia profile.
What Are Daizen Maeda’s Stats for Celtic?
During the 2024–25 season, Maeda recorded 33 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His Champions League form was notable: he scored his first goal in the competition against Slovan Bratislava, then added three more against Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, and Bayern Munich. This made him the first Celtic player to score four UEFA competition goals in a season since Joe Craig in 1977–78.
He is also tied with Shinji Kagawa and Takumi Minamino for the most Champions League goals by a Japanese player, a testament to his impact at the highest level of European club football.
Did Daizen Maeda Play in the World Cup?
Yes. Maeda represented Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He started as the striker against Germany in the opening match and was substituted in the 57th minute. In the Round of 16 against Croatia, he scored Japan’s goal in the 43rd minute, though the match ended 1–1 and Japan lost on penalties. He has since been named in Japan’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is Daizen Maeda Leaving Celtic?
Despite being a recurring topic among fans and media, no reliable source has confirmed that Maeda plans to leave Celtic. His contract with the club runs until May 31, 2027, and his recent public comments suggest he is happy in Scotland. In a BBC Sport interview, he stated, “I want to continue doing my best in Scotland.”
Transfer rumours around successful players like Maeda are common. However, as of the most recent available information, no official bids or confirmed interest from other clubs have been reported. His current contract and recent World Cup call-up indicate he remains a stable part of both Celtic and the Japan national team setup.
What Number Does Daizen Maeda Wear?
Maeda wears jersey number 38 for Celtic FC.
What Is Daizen Maeda’s Net Worth and Contract Situation?
Publicly available information about Daizen Maeda’s net worth is not available. None of the major biographical sources or financial databases provide a verified figure. His autobiography, priced at ¥1,760 (approximately £8.35) and set for release in May 2026, offers no indication of his personal wealth.
How Long Does Daizen Maeda’s Contract Last with Celtic?
According to Transfermarkt, Maeda’s contract with Celtic runs until May 31, 2027. He joined the club on a permanent basis in July 2022 after an initial loan spell, and his current deal makes him a long-term asset for the Scottish champions.
Career Timeline: Daizen Maeda’s Journey
- 20 Oct 1997: Born in Taishi, Osaka, Japan.
- 2016–2021: Played for Matsumoto Yamaga and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
- Jan 2022: Joined Celtic FC on loan with an obligation to buy.
- Summer 2022: Move made permanent; won Scottish Premiership and League Cup.
- Nov–Dec 2022: Represented Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
- 2023–2025: Continued success at Celtic, becoming a fan favourite and key goalscorer.
- May 2025: Quoted saying he wants to stay in Scotland; transfer speculation remains a topic.
What Information About Daizen Maeda Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Age and date of birth confirmed by multiple official sources. | Marital status and spouse identity not publicly confirmed. |
| Current club affiliation (Celtic FC) is confirmed. | Religion not stated in any known interviews or profiles. |
| Height, weight, position, and jersey number are verified. | Net worth is not officially disclosed; online figures are speculative. |
| World Cup participation (2022) is confirmed. | Contract length and salary details are not publicly available. |
| Recent goals and assists figures (33 goals, 11 assists in 48 games) are reported by media. | Future transfer status remains unconfirmed despite search queries. |
What Is the Broader Context of Maeda’s Career?
Daizen Maeda has become an integral part of Celtic’s attack since his arrival. His high work rate, pace, and finishing ability have made him a fan favourite at Parkhead. At the international level, he provides depth for Japan’s forward line and has even captained the national team in a friendly against Scotland in March 2026.
The query about “leaving Celtic” reflects typical transfer speculation around successful players, but as of now no reliable source indicates a departure. His net worth is a common curiosity but lacks verifiable data. The absence of personal life details such as wife and religion is consistent with many Japanese athletes who keep their private lives private.
Where Do the Facts About Maeda Come From?
The most comprehensive source of career information about Daizen Maeda is his Wikipedia entry, which provides detailed statistics about his club and international performances. Transfermarkt offers additional data on contract length, market value, and transfer history. ESPN FC and BBC Sport have provided recent interviews and match coverage.
“I want to continue doing my best in Scotland.”
— Daizen Maeda, quoted by BBC Sport
“There is absolutely no doubt that Maeda has been the standout player for Celtic this season, boasting 33 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances.”
— Premier Sports TV, via Facebook
Summary: What’s Next for Daizen Maeda?
Daizen Maeda remains a central figure for both Celtic and Japan. Transfer rumours are likely to persist in upcoming windows, but with a contract until 2027 and public commitment to the club, immediate departure appears unlikely. His role in Japan’s 2026 World Cup campaign will be crucial, and further goal-scoring milestones at Celtic are anticipated. For more detailed biographical profiles of other footballers, see Mason Greenwood – Career, Stats, Transfer News and Legal Case and Alisson Becker – Stats, Age, Wife, and Injury Update.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daizen Maeda
What number does Daizen Maeda wear for Celtic?
Daizen Maeda wears jersey number 38 for Celtic.
How many goals has Daizen Maeda scored for Celtic?
As of the 2024–25 season, he has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, according to recent media reports.
What is Daizen Maeda’s height and weight?
He is 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) tall and weighs 67 kg (148 lbs).
Where was Daizen Maeda born?
He was born in Taishi, Osaka, Japan.
What position does Daizen Maeda play?
He plays as a forward, primarily as a left winger or striker.
Did Daizen Maeda score in the World Cup?
Yes, he scored Japan’s goal against Croatia in the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Is Daizen Maeda leaving Celtic?
No official confirmation of a departure exists. His contract runs until May 2027, and he has expressed a desire to continue in Scotland.
Has Daizen Maeda captained Japan?
Yes, he captained Japan for the first time in a friendly against Scotland on March 28, 2026.
What is Daizen Maeda’s market value?
Transfermarkt estimates his market value at €13 million as of May 2025.
When is Daizen Maeda’s autobiography being released?
His first autobiography is scheduled for release on May 13, 2026, priced at ¥1,760 (£8.35).
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