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 Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
With two goals in four minutes Daizen Maeda turned the course of the Glasgow Derby, possibly the SPFL title race.
The Japanese forward is likely to leave Celtic at the end of this season. If he does he leaves supporters with plenty of magical memories.
Maeda was in inspired form to help Celtic win the 2024 League Cup Final. Slotting the final penalty past Jack Butland.
Earlier that year he panicked James Tavernier into a rushed first minute clearance that ended up flying past Jack Butland. In the first minute.
With a title on the line yesterday in the Glasgow sunshine Maeda came up with something very special.
In the 53rd minute he edged Celtic in front when he drilled a low shot across Butland from a Kieran Tierney cut-back.
That was the warm up to something very spectacular.
MAEDA MAGIC MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Sebastian Tounekti’s cross into the goalmouth was cleared by Connor Barron.
Maeda tamed it with his left foot that fired a high, looping overhead kick into the net with Butland rooted to the spot.
No Celtic fan will forget the moment.
That goal defined the match. It keeps Celtic on course to win the title. For Butland and his team-mates it is all over for another season.
That’s the angle, right there ? pic.twitter.com/qIdxy33vSv
— Highland__Paddy (@Highland__paddy) May 11, 2026
The steady hand in the video clip is impressive.
The reaction of team-mates is telling.
Arne Engels puts his hands on his head in disbelief at what he has witnessed.
Maeda’s team-mates attempt to swamp him but he gives them the slip to celebrate solo. Then there is the pile on.
As the Maeda song rings around Celtic Park.
After something of a winter goal drought Maeda is alive and kicking in spring time.
It started against St Mirren at Hampden when he charged down a second minute goal.
Celtic have two SPFL matches and a Scottish Cup Final to play.
With Maeda in top form there could be two more winners medals being added to his collection.
It’s great having him firing again
Lol at their pain on SSB yesterday,for the first 15 -,20 minutes all they did was run Maeda into the ground about how wasteful he has been this sesson.
Then they moved on to ho w poor Celtic are with no goal threats to sevco.
BOOM! Take that up the road with you all.
it’s the ooohhhh when he hits it as everyone thinks he’s skyed it followed by the Roar when it went in but what a goal
The funniest part about that amazing goal,
is the reaction of the sevco players.
All of the them – including Buttland – just freeze lack statues in disbelief.
Brilliant! 🙂
Daizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzen – Dazzlin Daizen…
Mieda SICKENS Media !!!
Clever Clach…..