Daizen Maeda, born in Taishi in 1997, transitioned from the J1 League to European competition before securing a move to the Premier League side Ipswich Town in 2026. A versatile forward capable of playing on either flank or as a central attacker, he established himself through high-intensity performances at Celtic, where his tactical adaptability became a hallmark of his career.
Early Career and Japanese Success
Maeda entered professional football with Matsumoto Yamaga, making his league debut on 28 February 2016 and scoring his first professional goal that August. After a loan to Mito HollyHock, where he registered 13 goals, he experienced a loan spell at the Portuguese club Marítimo starting in 2019. In 2020, he joined Yokohama F. Marinos on loan, a move later made permanent. His 2021 season proved particularly productive, as he tallied 23 goals to finish as a co-J1 League top scorer alongside Leandro Damiao and earned a place in the J.League Best XI.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure at Celtic
Signing for Celtic on 31 December 2021, Maeda marked his debut on 17 January 2022 with a goal against Hibernian. Over several seasons in the Scottish Premiership, he emerged as a vital component of the attack, signing an extension in 2023. His 2024–25 season saw him reach high output levels, including a notable run of scoring in eight consecutive home starts. By the end of the 2025–26 season, he played a crucial role in securing the club's 56th league title, contributing significant goals during the final weeks of the campaign.
International Representative
He featured prominently during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against Croatia in the round of 16. In March 2026, he assumed the captaincy for the first time during a friendly match against Scotland. He remained a part of the national setup through the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a goal against Sweden during the latter tournament.
Fast facts
- Born: 1997, Taishi, Japan
- Professional Debut: 28 February 2016
- 2021 J1 League Top Scorer: 23 goals
- Ipswich Town signing: 25 July 2026
- International debut: 17 June 2019
- Japan captaincy debut: 28 March 2026
Questions readers ask
Which positions does Daizen Maeda play?
He is primarily a left winger but can also operate on the opposite flank, as an attacking midfielder, or as a forward.
Has he played in the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, he made his debut in the competition against Real Madrid in 2022 and has scored against opponents including Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, and Bayern Munich.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
