Just as lockdown was kicking in six years ago John McGinn discovered a very unusual footballer while on EA.
A little known Japanese forward by the name of Daizen Maeda who was producing the most ridiculous stats.
It seemed almost freaky, as if EA had been corrupted.
Maeda excelled at everything. Yet he was only playing for Yokohama F Marinos in the J-League.
Little did McGinn know the part that Maeda would play in his life during the decade opening up.
In 2020 the goals of Maeda helped Yokohama win the 2020 J-League. McGinn would soon become familiar with his manager, Ange Postecoglou.
Stick him up front with Vardy and the goals won’t stop.
— Mal (@Mal_TQ) April 15, 2020
In the years since that tweet Maeda has won five SPFL title, three Scottish Cups, two League Cup and scored in two World Cup Finals.
MCGINN WATCHES MAEDA BLOOM SPECTACULARLY
His Yokohama manager hasn’t done too badly either. After winning five trophies out of six for Celtic he led Spurs to their 2025 Europa League victory over Manchester United. This year McGinn lifted the same trophy. It had been a long wait for success for Spurs and Villa.
Maeda is no longer a secret. He is more than an absolute nuisance.
He signed off his domestic season with nine goals in seven matches to help Celtic to the double.
His contribution will never be forgotten. There is a decent case for making him Man of the Match in every game. McGinn would have enjoyed watching every performance, goal and trophy.
Maeda took that form to the World Cup Finals.
Last night he gave Brazil’s celebrated defence a match like they’ve never known before.
For 90 plus minutes he pressured opponents from Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool like they’ve never known before.
Alas it wasn’t enough. Martinelli of Arsenal scored the winner in stoppage time to end Japan’s World Cup dream.
Maeda will bounce back in a few weeks. Hopefully after signing a new improved contract for Celtic.
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???????????????????????@jfa_samuraiblue #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/1GqwigZ3uM— ?? ?? Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) June 30, 2026
Mate, he is gone and why not, the club treated him shabbily, god! The club treats everyone that way but heck if celtic were run better, cared for players and rewarded success whilst being ambitious do you reckon he would want to go?.
Leave that one with you.