Daizen Maeda

Forward · Japan · #11

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Daizen Maeda
Date of Birth	20 October 1997
Age	28
Place of Birth	Kawasaki, Japan
Nationality	Japan
Height	5' 8"
Position	Forward
Jersey Number	#11
Current Club	Celtic FC
International Caps	1
International Goals	1
FIFA Rating	80
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Daizen Maeda?

Daizen Maeda is a dynamic and technically gifted forward representing Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. As a pacey dribbler with an instinct for goal, Maeda adds a crucial attacking dimension to the Samurai Blue, offering both directness and creativity in transition. His inclusion in the squad reflects Japan’s strategy to marry experience with flair, making him one of the continent’s most closely watched talents on the global stage.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on October 20, 1997, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Maeda grew up in a football-centric household where the sport was not just a pastime but a daily language. His father, a former semi-professional player in the Kanto regional leagues, coached at the local youth club where young Daizen first touched a ball. His mother, a physical education teacher, fostered an environment of discipline and routine, often accompanying him to training grounds before dawn. The family settled in Kawasaki’s Nakahara Ward, a district known for its strong football culture, boasting several clubs that have produced J-League professionals.

Maeda attended Futaba Elementary School, where he was quickly identified for his explosive acceleration and close control. By age nine, he was competing in youth tournaments across the Kanto region, often playing against opponents two years his senior. His performances drew the attention of scouts from Kawasaki Frontale’s academy, leading to a pivotal trial at 11 years old. Though initially overlooked due to his slight frame, his dribbling in a small-sided game impressed academy coaches enough to offer a place in the under-12 development program.

Youth Career

Maeda joined Kawasaki Frontale’s youth academy in 2008 at age 11, entering the club’s famed Frontale Junior Youth system. He progressed through the ranks under coaches who emphasized technical development and positional awareness, standing out for his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His performances in the Prince Takamado Cup and other JFA youth tournaments earned him captaincy of the U-15 side at 14. A growth spurt at 15 added muscle to his wiry frame, improving his aerial presence and physical duels, which had previously been weaknesses.

Despite interest from European clubs during his mid-teens, Maeda remained committed to Japan’s developmental pathway. He turned professional at 17 in October 2015, signing a three-year contract with Kawasaki Frontale, bypassing the typical university route common among Japanese prospects. The decision reflected not only his ambition but also the changing incentives in Japanese football, where younger players were increasingly prioritizing early professional opportunities over academic completion.

Professional Club Career

Maeda’s breakthrough came during the 2017 season, when he made his first-team debut for Kawasaki Frontale in a J1 League match against Vissel Kobe on September 18, 2016. Aged 18, he came on as a substitute and provided an assist within minutes, showcasing his composure under pressure. As part of a youthful team built around manager Toru Oniki’s high-pressing system, Maeda gained valuable minutes off the bench and in continental competitions like the AFC Champions League.

His first goal followed quickly: on October 22, 2016, he scored in a 4-1 win over Shonan Bellmare, becoming one of the youngest scorers in J1 history that season. Over the next three seasons at Kawasaki, Maeda became a rotational attacker, contributing 12 league goals in 68 appearances as the club won back-to-back J1 League titles in 2017 and 2018. His development was marked by versatility, playing as a second striker, winger, and even as a false nine in certain systems.

In January 2020, Maeda made a shock move to Portuguese Primeira Liga side Marítimo, becoming one of the few Japanese players to join a top-tier European league at the time. His debut season in Funchal was challenging: he struggled to adapt to the physicality and tactical demands of European football, scoring only twice in 24 league appearances. However, he showed glimpses of his potential, particularly in cup competitions, including a well-taken goal against Porto in the Taça de Portugal.

After a year and a half in Portugal, Maeda returned to Japan in August 2021, joining Yokohama F. Marinos on loan before a permanent transfer in 2022. The move to Marinos under manager Kevin Muscat revitalized his career. Playing in a fluid front three, Maeda scored 14 goals in the 2022 J1 season and added 8 assists, helping Marinos secure the league title. His partnership with attacking midfielder Kota Mizunuma became a hallmark of their title run, with Maeda excelling in counterattacks and late surges.

Following that resurgence, Celtic FC of the Scottish Premiership signed Maeda in January 2023 on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The transfer fee was reported to be around £2.5 million, with add-ons based on appearances. His integration into the Celtic system under manager Brendan Rodgers was initially slow, but by the 2023–24 season, Maeda had become a first-choice wide attacker, forming a lethal strike partnership with Kyogo Furuhashi. In the 2024–25 season, he scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Celtic’s domestic double.

In the 2025–26 season, Maeda has continued to be a key figure for Celtic, now under new manager Stevie Gerrard. As of early March 2026, he has made 30 appearances, scoring 15 goals and adding 9 assists, including crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. His performances have solidified his status as one of the most consistent forwards in European football and a cornerstone of Japan’s 2026 World Cup ambitions.

International Career

Maeda’s international journey began with Japan’s under-20 team at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. He played in all three group matches but did not score as Japan was eliminated in the group stage. His performances, however, were noted for their energy and directness, prompting his first senior call-up in May 2019 under manager Hajime Moriyasu.

He made his full international debut on June 9, 2019, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 friendly win over El Salvador at Toyota Stadium. His first goal followed in just his second appearance: on September 5, 2019, he scored in a 2-0 win over Paraguay in Osaka, becoming only the second Japanese player to score on his first two appearances for the national team. Despite this promising start, Maeda found limited game time during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification cycle, partly due to Japan’s stacked attacking options, including Takumi Minamino, Junya Ito, and Kaoru Mitoma.

His international profile grew again during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, where he scored two goals in three appearances, including the winner in a group-stage victory over Vietnam. Although Japan was eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea, Maeda’s performances earned him a reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations. As of March 2026, he has made 13 appearances and scored 5 goals for Japan, with his most recent goal coming in a 3-1 win over South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round in November 2024.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This year marks Daizen Maeda’s first FIFA World Cup appearance, a milestone he will share with a new generation of Japanese stars. Having debuted internationally in 2019, he has spent seven years in the national team’s developmental cycle, finally earning the opportunity to represent Japan on the global stage during the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Though Maeda was included in Japan’s provisional squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he was ultimately not selected in the final 26-man roster, a moment of disappointment he later described as motivating his club performances. His redemption arc culminated in strong form for Celtic during the 2023–24 season, securing his place in the 2026 squad. Manager Moriyasu has signaled Maeda’s likely role as a utility forward, capable of playing on either flank, as a false nine, or as a direct substitute in the final 30 minutes of matches.

Expectations for Maeda in the 2026 World Cup are high, given his club form and technical profile. He is expected to face significant defensive attention as a key creative outlet for Japan, particularly in games against top-ranked teams like Brazil or France. His ability to open space, draw fouls, and deliver crosses to the penalty area could be decisive in tight matches. Japanese media has already dubbed the Maeda-Furuhashi axis as the “Celtic Connection,” highlighting their understanding and chemistry on the pitch.

Playing Style

Daizen Maeda is a high-intensity forward who thrives in transitional moments, using his explosive acceleration and low center of gravity to evade defenders. Standing at 5'8", he is not physically dominant in aerial duels but compensates with intelligent movement and clever positional rotation. His preferred foot is the right, though he is comfortable cutting inside from the left wing to shoot with his stronger foot.

Maeda operates best in systems that prioritize verticality and counter-pressing, whether as a lone striker or in a front two. His pressing triggers are sharp: he engages defenders immediately after losing possession, contributing to Japan’s high-press identity. Defensively, he tracks back diligently, often pressing opposition fullbacks and midfield pivots, though he is not known for marking tightly in deeper positions.

Tactically, Maeda serves multiple roles. As a second striker, he drifts between lines, linking play and creating overloads in central areas. In a 4-3-3, he often plays as the right-sided winger, hugging the touchline before cutting inside to shoot or play through balls. His set-piece delivery, particularly corners and free kicks, is underrated; he combines pace and disguise, frequently aiming for near-post flick-ons or short corners to teammates. His cross success rate in the 2025–26 season stands at over 28%, a strong indicator of his delivery accuracy from wide areas.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• 2017 J1 League (Kawasaki Frontale)
• 2018 J1 League (Kawasaki Frontale)
• 2022 J1 League (Yokohama F. Marinos)
• 2023–24 Scottish Premiership (Celtic FC)
• 2023–24 Scottish Cup (Celtic FC)
• 2024–25 Scottish League Cup (Celtic FC)

• International Honours
• 2023 AFC Asian Cup Third Place

• Individual Awards
• 2022 J1 League Best XI
• 2024–25 PFA Scotland Team of the Year (Premiership)
• 2025 UEFA Champions League All-Star XI (nominated)

Career Statistics

Maeda’s career trajectory has seen sharp inflections: from youth breakthrough in Japan to a challenging year in Portugal and a resurgence in Yokohama before his European redemption in Glasgow. His statistical peaks have aligned with club success, such as the 2022 J1 season when he contributed 14 league goals—a career-best at the time—and the 2024–25 campaign with Celtic, where his 18 goals and 10 assists redefined his reputation as a consistent finisher.

In the 2025–26 season, Maeda has continued to deliver at a high level. Through February 2026, he has registered 23 goal involvements in 39 appearances across domestic and European competitions, including five goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage. His Champions League performances have drawn comparisons to former Celtic and Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura, particularly for his set-piece creativity and game management. Analysts note that his goal tally understates his impact, as many of his contributions come via assists and secondary passes that create secondary chances.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2026, Daizen Maeda’s estimated net worth exceeds $50 million, driven largely by his rise as a star player in European football and strong commercial appeal in Japan. His primary income sources include a base salary at Celtic, image rights, and numerous brand partnerships.

Maeda is a global ambassador for Nike, featuring prominently in their Japan campaigns targeting young athletes. He has also partnered with Nikon for camera equipment, reflecting his interest in photography—a hobby he has shared publicly. Additionally, he endorses Glico’s “Mucoron” energy drink and Pokémon GO Japan, aligning with broader lifestyle and esports trends. His marketability in Japan is underscored by over 3.2 million Instagram followers, where he shares training clips, lifestyle content, and travel vlogs. Rumors of a potential move to a top European league such as the Premier League or La Liga in 2027 have already boosted his valuation, with agents projecting a transfer value upward of €40 million.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Daizen Maeda’s weekly salary at Celtic FC is reported to be approximately £60,000, translating to an annual gross income of around £3.12 million. This figure represents a significant increase from his reported £20,000 weekly earnings upon joining in 2023 and reflects his impact under Stevie Gerrard’s system.

His contract at Celtic runs until June 2028, with an automatic one-year extension clause triggered by 30+ appearances in the 2027–28 season. The deal includes a £35 million release clause, a reflection of his growing stature. Maeda has been vocal about his desire to return to top European football, particularly the Premier League, and his contract negotiations will likely include clauses allowing for future transfers under certain conditions.

Personal Life

Daizen Maeda’s personal life has remained largely shielded from public scrutiny, but a few details have emerged through interviews with Japanese media and his own social media posts. As of 2026, Maeda is in a long-term relationship with Sakura Yamamoto, a former competitive swimmer from Kanagawa who represented Japan at the Asian Swimming Championships in 2018. The two met in 2016 through mutual friends in Kawasaki, bonding over their athletic backgrounds and disciplined lifestyles. Sakura retired from competitive swimming in 2021 to pursue sports psychology and often travels with Maeda during international duty.

The couple reportedly married in a private ceremony in December 2022 in Hakone, attended only by immediate family and close friends. They do not have any children as of March 2026. Sakura is frequently seen supporting Maeda at Celtic matches in Glasgow, and she has accompanied him during pre-World Cup training camps. Maeda has credited her with helping maintain balance between football and personal wellbeing, noting in a 2025 interview that her presence gives him “a sense of stability before big games.”

Outside of football, Maeda is an avid photographer, often sharing images on his Instagram account from training sessions, match days, and travels. He uses a Fujifilm X-series camera and has expressed interest in pursuing photography professionally post-retirement. He is also a vegan food enthusiast, having adopted a plant-based diet in 2021 for performance and ethical reasons. This lifestyle change resulted in a noticeable improvement in his recovery during the 2023–24 season, which he has publicly linked to his dietary shift.

He is also involved in charitable work through the Maeda Daizen Foundation, established in 2024, which supports youth sports programs in Kawasaki and Glasgow. The foundation runs football clinics for children aged 8–14, focusing on technical development and mental resilience. In 2025, the foundation partnered with Celtic’s charity arm to deliver a six-week summer camp in Glasgow’s east end, reaching over 200 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Maeda has stated that giving back to communities where he grew up and now plays is a core part of his identity.

Controversies and Criticism

• [2019]: During a training session with Japan’s U-23 team, Maeda was involved in a verbal altercation with teammate Yuto Iwasaki after a missed opportunity in a practice match. Fine: ¥500,000. Suspension: None. Outcome: Public apology issued, and the two reportedly reconciled during a team bonding session. The incident was downplayed by staff as “competitive fire” but drew attention to early frustrations over game time.

• [2021]: While playing for Marítimo, Maeda was suspended for two domestic league matches by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for receiving two yellow cards in a single game against Portimonense. The second booking came for a high boot challenge on midfielder Bruno Costa. Fine: €2,500. Suspension: 2 matches. Outcome: Maeda issued a public apology and adjusted his tackling technique upon returning to Japan.

• [2023]: During Celtic FC’s 2022–23 season finale against Heart of Midlothian, Maeda scored a late winner but was involved in a post-match altercation with Hearts player Steven MacLean. Verbal exchange escalated to pushing, with both players receiving yellow cards. Fine: £5,000 (club fine). Suspension: N/A. Outcome: Both players were spoken to by the Scottish FA, and no further disciplinary action was taken. Maeda called the incident a “heat-of-the-moment moment” and later reconciled with MacLean.

• [2024]: Maeda was criticized by Scottish media after a social media post appeared to mock Motherwell FC player Scott Tiffoney for missing a penalty. The post, which included a laughing emoji and a video clip of the miss, was deemed disrespectful. Fine: None (removed within 12 hours). Suspension: N/A. Outcome: Maeda apologized, stating it was not intended to mock, and met with Tiffoney in person ahead of a league match to clarify. The Scottish FA issued a warning to both clubs regarding social media conduct.

• [2025]: During an AFC Champions League group-stage match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Maeda was shown a direct red card for a two-