Reo Hatate’s Hampden Quest: Celtic’s Midfield Maestro Eyes a Personal First at the National Stadium
Since stepping through the doors of Celtic Park in January 2022, Reo Hatate has become more than just another signing from the J.League — he has emerged as a symbol of Celtic’s new era. A player who personifies the club’s fusion of technical finesse, tactical intelligence, and relentless ambition. Now 27 years old, Hatate’s Celtic career has been decorated with moments of brilliance and silverware, yet as Celtic prepare for a massive Scottish Cup semi-final showdown against St Johnstone, one surprising fact stands out: Reo Hatate has never scored a goal at Hampden Park.
It’s a surprising statistic when you consider how successful he has been in the famous old stadium. Across nine appearances at Hampden, Hatate has helped Celtic win four trophies — two Scottish League Cups and two Scottish Cups — without ever tasting defeat in a final. And yet, despite his consistent performances, despite his role in helping Celtic conquer one of the most pressure-filled arenas in Scottish football, a Hampden goal has eluded him. But now, as the Hoops look to book their place in another cup final, Hatate is determined to finally end that curious drought.
The Arrival: Hatate’s Lightning Start at Celtic
Reo Hatate arrived at Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale during Ange Postecoglou’s transformative rebuild — a time when the club was in need of fresh ideas, creative energy, and a renewed sense of purpose. From the moment he touched the pitch, Hatate exuded calmness and confidence, quickly endearing himself to supporters with a wonder-strike against Hearts and a truly memorable performance against Rangers in his first Glasgow Derby — a match that Celtic won 3-0 and which many still point to as a turning point in the title race that season.
That night at Celtic Park felt like a statement from Hatate — and from Postecoglou — that Celtic were back. The Japanese midfielder seemed to have everything: vision, passing range, composure under pressure, and a knack for showing up in big games. He was a player built for the occasion, and in the seasons that followed, he lived up to that billing time and again.
A Growing Influence
As his influence in the team grew, so did the expectations. Alongside fellow midfielders like Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley, Hatate became a key figure in Celtic’s relentless pursuit of domestic dominance. His performances helped Celtic to back-to-back league titles, a clean sweep of the domestic cups, and even some bright moments in Europe. Even when injuries disrupted his momentum — as they did in late 2023 — Hatate always returned with a hunger to contribute. And contribute he has, especially at Hampden Park.
Hampden Heroics Without a Goal
Nine matches. Four trophies. A flawless record in cup finals. Hatate’s Hampden resume is one most players would envy — and yet, he’s never found the back of the net there.
In a recent interview with Celtic TV, Hatate admitted the curious stat had not escaped his notice:
“I play for the team in every game. For me, it is important to score, and I do my best, but it is all about the next game. I have never scored a goal at Hampden Park, so I would like to try score a goal in the next game! It’s important to win the next game.
“I have good memories of Hampden Park. We won the Scottish Cup and the League Cup before, but I want to win the next match there. If we show the same play, we will win the game. I don’t change my preparation for this game. I think it will be the same.”
A Look at Hatate’s Hampden Record
Let’s break down Hatate’s record at Hampden in more detail:
Scottish Cup at Hampden
17 April 2022: Celtic 1-2 Rangers (AET) – Hatate’s first Hampden outing ended in semi-final heartbreak, but his influence was clear.
30 April 2023: Celtic 1-0 Rangers – A tightly contested Old Firm semi-final that saw Celtic edge their rivals thanks to gritty midfield work.
3 June 2023: Celtic 3-1 Inverness CT – Hatate helped control the midfield as Celtic secured a historic treble.
20 April 2024: Celtic 3-3 Aberdeen (6-5 pens) – Hatate played through a tense semi-final that required penalty drama to progress.
25 May 2024: Celtic 1-0 Rangers – Another classic cup final win over Rangers; Hatate once again instrumental in dictating play.
Scottish League Cup at Hampden
14 January 2023: Celtic 2-0 Kilmarnock – A composed semi-final victory where Hatate’s technical quality stood out.
26 February 2023: Rangers 1-2 Celtic – One of the season’s standout performances, Celtic lifted the League Cup after a fiery final.
2 November 2024: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen – Total domination, with Hatate helping orchestrate a midfield masterclass.
15 December 2024: Celtic 3-3 Rangers (5-4 pens) – Another dramatic win on penalties, this time in the League Cup final.
These performances, while not featuring goals for Hatate, have shown his impact in abundance. Whether linking play, winning the ball back, or threading incisive passes, he’s been at the heart of Celtic’s success. But for a player of his ability, the absence of a Hampden goal remains one of the few unchecked boxes.
Why It Matters Now
This weekend’s clash with St Johnstone represents more than just a semi-final — it’s an opportunity for Celtic to stay on course for yet another domestic treble, and for Hatate, a chance to rewrite his personal story at Hampden. His words suggest a player aware of the occasion, but not overwhelmed by it. He knows his role, and he trusts in the team’s process. But make no mistake — he wants that goal.
There’s something poetic about a player who has already won it all still being hungry to achieve more. Hatate doesn’t need to score at Hampden to be remembered as a Celtic great — his performances have already earned him that status. But players like him are always chasing perfection. That goal would be a symbol, not of validation, but of completeness.
Celtic Fans Will Be Watching
As the Hoops faithful descend on Hampden once again, they’ll be dreaming of another final, another trophy, and more moments of magic. And if one of those moments comes from Reo Hatate finally finding the net at the national stadium, you can bet the roar will be deafening.
Because while the team’s success always comes first, fans love a narrative — and Hatate finally scoring at Hampden would be the perfect chapter in a story that has already brought so much joy to the green and white half of Glasgow.
Do you think this could finally be Hatate’s moment at Hampden? Or is he destined to continue pulling the strings while someone else gets the glory in front of goal?