Daizen Maeda: Celtic Park’s Relentless Rising Star Matches a Legendary Feat
Daizen Maeda has always been a player admired for his speed, commitment, and work ethic. But now, in the closing stages of the 2024/25 season, the Japanese international has elevated himself to an entirely new level—one that has seen him carve out a place among Celtic’s greats. With his goal in the 5-1 rout of Kilmarnock this afternoon, Maeda has now scored in eight consecutive starts at Celtic Park, a run that matches a record set by none other than Henrik Larsson, the King of Kings.
It’s a remarkable achievement—one that places Maeda firmly in the spotlight and cements his status as one of the club’s most valuable and influential players under Brendan Rodgers this season. Since his arrival from Yokohama F. Marinos, Maeda has impressed with his unrelenting energy and versatility, but this recent goalscoring streak has shown that he is much more than just a high-pressing forward—he’s a proven match-winner and a genuine goal threat, especially when playing in front of a roaring Celtic Park crowd.
The Start of Something Special: February 5th vs Dundee
Maeda’s historic run began on February 5th, in a dominant 6-0 victory over Dundee. That afternoon, he didn’t just score—he bagged a brace in a performance that defined everything he brings to this Celtic side: intelligent movement, clever positioning, and a near-telepathic understanding with his midfielders. His two goals set the tone for what would become an astonishing run of form at home, with Maeda now scoring in every single home start since that day.
That match was also significant in another way—it came just weeks after the shock departure of Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s talismanic striker. When Kyogo left in January, many wondered where the goals would come from. Rodgers himself admitted the need for other players to step up and shoulder the burden. Enter Maeda, who didn’t just answer the call—he embraced the responsibility and flourished in it.
A Relentless Run: Eight Straight Goals at Celtic Park
What makes Maeda’s achievement even more impressive is the consistency of his performances. Each home start has seen him grow in confidence, sharpening his instincts and adding a ruthless edge to his finishing. His goals have come in a variety of ways—smart tap-ins, driven finishes from tight angles, and even headers, proving his versatility as a forward. No matter the opposition or the pressure, Maeda has delivered.
His movement off the ball has been a nightmare for defenders. He presses from the front with endless energy, often forcing errors and winning back possession high up the pitch. But it’s his positioning in and around the box that has truly evolved. He now knows when to drift wide, when to cut inside, and crucially, when to arrive in the box at just the right moment.
Even in games where Celtic have dominated possession but struggled to break down deep defensive lines, Maeda’s tenacity and tireless running have helped unlock the door. Whether it’s creating space for Reo Hatate to thread a pass, or drawing defenders away to free up room for the likes of Luis Palma or Paulo Bernardo, Maeda’s impact goes far beyond just the goals.
Filling the Kyogo Void—and Then Some
When Kyogo left, many feared Celtic would lose that killer instinct in the final third. But in recent months, Maeda has not only stepped up—he’s redefined his role entirely. No longer just a winger or secondary striker, he’s now a central figure in Celtic’s attack. Rodgers has tweaked the system to get the best out of him, often deploying him as a narrow forward who can drift between full-backs and centre-halves, exploiting the smallest gaps with blistering acceleration.
His link-up with Reo Hatate, in particular, has been a joy to watch. The pair seem to understand each other instinctively, with Hatate’s vision and passing range perfectly complementing Maeda’s runs. Add to that the overlapping threat of Alistair Johnston on the right flank, and Celtic have found a deadly formula at home that’s hard to contain.
Joining Celtic Royalty: Matching Henrik Larsson’s Record
To match a record held by Henrik Larsson is no small feat. The Swedish icon scored in eight consecutive home starts during one of the most dominant periods in Celtic history, and his legacy as a club legend is firmly cemented. For Maeda to now share that distinction speaks volumes about his development, his importance to the team, and the remarkable level of form he has reached.
The last player who even came close to Maeda’s current streak was Leigh Griffiths, who scored in seven consecutive home starts—but even Griffiths, in his prime, fell just short of the Larsson benchmark. Now, Maeda stands shoulder to shoulder with the King of Kings, and he’s not done yet.
With several key home fixtures still to play—including a potential title-decider and crucial cup matches—there’s every chance Maeda could surpass Larsson’s record in terms of consecutive appearances with goals at home. If he does, he won’t just be writing headlines—he’ll be writing history.
The Road to the Treble: Celtic’s Relentless Pursuit of Glory
As Celtic march toward what could be a historic domestic treble, Maeda’s contributions are becoming increasingly vital. His goals have turned matches, swung momentum, and lifted the team during moments when inspiration was needed most. More importantly, his presence has raised the standards of those around him. In a squad already rich with attacking talent, Maeda’s work ethic and selfless play have set the tone.
Brendan Rodgers has often spoken about the importance of mentality in title runs. Players who can perform consistently under pressure, who thrive when the stakes are highest—those are the players that define seasons. Right now, Maeda is that player for Celtic. If his current form holds, it’s difficult to see anyone stopping the Hoops.
From Fan Favourite to Icon in the Making
Daizen Maeda has always had the backing of the Celtic faithful. His energy, humility, and fearless approach endeared him to fans early on. But now, as he continues this extraordinary run, he is transforming from cult hero to potential club icon.
He may not boast the same technical flair as some of Celtic’s past superstars, but what he does have is the heart of a warrior, the mindset of a champion, and a growing knack for delivering when it matters most. In a club built on legends, hard work, and glorious nights under the lights at Celtic Park, Maeda is writing his own chapter—one goal at a time.
And if he keeps this up, the banners won’t just feature Larsson, McGrory, or McNeill. They’ll bear the name Maeda—the man who ran, pressed, and scored his way into Celtic immortality.
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