Celtic stars unite as Daizen Maeda helps Japan win shootout

Former Celtic favourite Daizen Maeda once again demonstrated his composure from the penalty spot after scoring the decisive spot-kick as Japan defeated Ecuador in a dramatic shootout this week, with another Hoops icon playing an important role in the victory.

Maeda was trusted with the responsibility of taking Japan’s fifth penalty after former Celtic midfield maestro Shunsuke Nakamura helped determine the order of the takers. The decision ultimately proved to be an inspired one as the former Celtic attacker kept his nerve and delivered when his country needed him most.

Daizen Maeda of Japan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Japan and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Japan’s friendly against Ecuador took place in Yokohama and ended without a goal after 90 minutes. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the contest went directly to a penalty shootout, where the Japanese national team needed to maintain its composure to secure another positive result during its current run of international fixtures.

Nakamura, who remains one of the most recognisable Japanese players to have represented Celtic, has taken on a coaching role with the national team this year. The former midfielder has been given considerable responsibility within the coaching setup, particularly in areas involving set pieces and dead-ball situations.

Given his outstanding reputation as one of the greatest free-kick specialists of his generation, Nakamura’s involvement in deciding Japan’s penalty strategy was hardly surprising.

When it came to selecting the order for the shootout, Nakamura placed Maeda in the crucial fifth position. That meant the former Celtic star could potentially have the opportunity to finish the contest if Japan successfully converted its opening four penalties.

That scenario eventually materialised.

Japan’s first four penalty takers all found the net, putting Maeda in the position of potentially sealing the victory. The forward then stepped forward knowing that a successful effort would give his team another win and allow them to celebrate in front of their home supporters.

Maeda showed no sign of nerves.

The former Celtic attacker struck his penalty high into the net, leaving the Ecuador goalkeeper with little chance of keeping it out. His successful effort immediately sparked celebrations among his teammates, who surrounded Maeda as Japan completed the shootout victory.

The result represented another encouraging moment for Japan as they continued their sequence of friendly matches against South American opposition. It also extended their winning run to three consecutive victories during this particular series of international fixtures.

Former Celtic player, Daizen Maeda arrives at the stadium before the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For Maeda, however, the successful penalty carried additional significance because it added another chapter to his history of shootout involvement following his time at Celtic.

During his spell in Glasgow, Maeda was never required to take a penalty for Celtic during normal playing time. However, he did step forward on two occasions when the club’s matches went to shootouts.

His most memorable success came during the 2024 Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers.

With the pressure of a major domestic final weighing heavily on the players, Maeda accepted the responsibility and converted his penalty. His effort was sent beyond Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, contributing to Celtic’s shootout success and their eventual lifting of the trophy.

That moment remains one of the more memorable examples of Maeda handling pressure during his Celtic career.

However, his second shootout experience with the Hoops produced a very different outcome.

Maeda was again selected to take a penalty when Celtic faced Kairat in a Champions League play-off shootout. On that occasion, though, his effort was saved, leaving the forward on the wrong side of a painful European exit.

His latest effort for Japan therefore provided an opportunity to rewrite the narrative surrounding his penalty-taking record. Rather than being remembered for the disappointment of the Kairat shootout, Maeda once again showed that he can handle the responsibility when placed in a decisive position.

There was also something particularly fitting about Nakamura’s involvement in the moment.

Both players have represented Japan at international level and both have built strong connections with Celtic. Nakamura became a legendary figure during his time in Glasgow, earning widespread admiration for his technical ability, spectacular goals and remarkable free kicks.

Maeda, meanwhile, became a popular figure among Celtic supporters because of his relentless work rate, pace, movement and ability to contribute important goals. Although he eventually moved on from the club, his performances in a Celtic shirt ensured he remained a familiar name among supporters.

Now, years after Nakamura established himself as one of Celtic’s most celebrated Japanese players, the former Hoops star is helping guide another former Celtic favourite at international level.

The combination produced a memorable moment in Yokohama.

Nakamura’s decision to place Maeda fifth gave the forward the chance to become Japan’s match-winner, and Maeda responded by delivering a confident penalty when the pressure was at its highest.

For Celtic supporters watching from afar, it was another reminder of the enduring Japanese connection between the club and its former players.

Nakamura helped make his name at Celtic with his extraordinary set pieces and technical quality, while Maeda earned his reputation through his energy, determination and attacking contribution.

On this occasion, their paths crossed again in a very different setting.

With Nakamura helping make the key decision and Maeda providing the decisive finish, two former Celtic favourites combined to help Japan claim another victory.

And for Maeda personally, the successful spot-kick provided another demonstration that, when the pressure rises and everything rests on one penalty, he is capable of stepping forward and delivering.