GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 10: Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring to make it 3-1 during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on May 10, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Sunday’s double took Daizen Maeda’s tally in the Glasgow Derby to a Magnificent Seven. Or eight if you want to include the deciding penalty in the 2024 League Cup Final.
There are a few recurring themes through the compilation.
Maeda racing past James Tavernier and the cocktail of hopelessness and despair on Jack Butland’s face.
Magnificent viewing for any Celtic fan.
Maeda really is unique in the history of Celtic players.
Comparisons can always be made between players from different eras.
There is something of Paul McStay in the way Callum McGregor plays.
Alistair Johnston can be compared with Danny McGrain, there are traits that they share.
THERE’S ONLY ONE DAIZEN MAEDA
But without doubt there is only one Maeda. A unique combination of pace and energy topped off with the priceless ability of scoring in the Glasgow Derby.
Poor old Tav?
— Neil Binns (@NeBnns) May 12, 2026
It was overlooked at the time but Maeda made his debut in the Glasgow Derby the day after he had played for Japan. Two connecting flights later and he had a cameo in the famous 3-0 victory in February 2022.
Eleven months later he scored his first goal. Racing past Connor Goldson and Tavernier to shoot past Allan McGregor at Ibrox. That 2-2draw is better remembered for Kyogo Furuhashi’s late equaliser.
Maeda’s goal collection is very different from Henrik Larsson.
The Swede was mostly about skill and technique. With Maeda it revolves around pace. Blistering pace that never lets up over 90 minutes.
His presence has utterly dominated Tavernier, the former Wigan man will forever be associated with Maeda. And not in a good way.
The head goes back and the hands go up as Maeda races past the Ibrox skipper to put away another vital goal.
On Sunday Maeda struck in the 53rd and 57th minutes. Tavernier was substituted in the 59th minute. To the cheers and taunts of the gloating Celtic support.
Maeda still had another half hour in him.
There wasn’t a hat-trick but his legacy is established.
We won’t see another like Maeda.
I’ll always love that Mieda taunted The Media Scummy’s !!!