Daizen Maeda Returns to Celtic Park: A Hero’s Farewell for the Man Who Carried Celtic to Glory
The Japanese hero returns to Paradise before the Rangers match as Celtic supporters finally get the chance to thank the man who helped carry them to a glorious double.
Phillip Cooney 
Daizen Maeda returns to Celtic Park tomorrow, and the Japanese hero is about to receive the farewell he so richly deserves.
Before Celtic face Rangers, Maeda will step onto the Paradise turf one final time to thank the supporters who embraced him and his family throughout four unforgettable years.
He personally requested the opportunity after leaving for Ipswich Town without saying goodbye.
And what a reception awaits him.
Daizen Maeda Returns to Celtic Park as a Modern Hero
Some players become legends through extraordinary skill. Others earn that status through sheer determination, sacrifice and an unbreakable connection with supporters.
Maeda gave Celtic all of that.
He arrived from Japan in January 2022 and quickly became one of the most beloved figures at Paradise.
His relentless running, extraordinary work rate and willingness to chase seemingly lost causes embodied everything Celtic supporters admire.
He never knew when to stop.
However, his contribution went far beyond effort.
When Celtic needed someone to drag them towards the finishing line last season, Maeda answered the call.
Nine goals in the final seven matches helped deliver the League and Cup double.
Nine goals when the pressure was enormous. Nine goals when Celtic needed inspiration.
It was an astonishing contribution that deserves to live forever in the club’s history.
A Farewell Celtic Supporters Will Never Forget
Across his Celtic career, Maeda collected ten trophies, including five Premiership titles.
He scored 79 goals in 212 appearances and swept the individual awards in 2024/25, becoming Celtic, SPFL and PFA Scotland Player of the Year.
Yet statistics cannot adequately explain why supporters took this remarkable Japanese forward into their hearts.
It was his humility. His infectious energy. His willingness to give absolutely everything for the badge.
Maeda embraced Celtic, and Celtic embraced Maeda.
When he departed for England, he spoke movingly about Glasgow becoming his family’s second home.
He even revealed that his young son dreams of wearing the Celtic shirt and playing at Paradise one day.
That tells its own beautiful story.
Tomorrow, ten minutes before kick-off, Maeda will finally have his moment.
The supporters will have theirs, too.
An opportunity to thank a man who never gave anything less than his absolute best.
An opportunity to celebrate a player who helped carry Celtic over the finishing line when it mattered most.
And an opportunity to remind him that leaving Celtic does not mean leaving the Celtic family.
Thank you, Daizen.
For every goal, every trophy, every impossible sprint and every unforgettable moment.
Paradise will always be your home.
Key Takeaways
Daizen Maeda returns to Celtic Park tomorrow at 11:50 am for his farewell.
He scored nine goals in Celtic’s final seven matches last season.
The Japanese forward won ten trophies and scored 79 goals in 212 appearances.
Supporters will finally have the opportunity to give their hero a proper goodbye.
The durasell bunny deserves all our respect and more. He is in our hearts and I think we most definitely are in his. Take a bow Daizen. No-one has the speed and running ability that you did. You made your own mark on us and for that we will be eternal grateful.
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