Daizen Maeda produced the moment Celtic needed on Saturday, then followed it up with a celebration that had plenty of supporters asking the same question.
The Japanese forward scored twice in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Falkirk at Celtic Park, helping secure three massive points in one of the tightest title races in years.
His first goal was pure Maeda.
He pressed high up the pitch, forced the Falkirk defender into trouble, won the ball back, and then showed real composure to finish from range as the goalkeeper desperately tried to scramble back towards his line.
It was the sort of goal Celtic fans have come to associate with Maeda at his best. Relentless running, and sharp anticipation.
After the ball hit the net, though, the celebration caught the eye.
Maeda turned towards the stands, smiled, and made the “6-7” sign. It was a gesture many younger fans, and plenty of parents, will have recognised straight away.
Naturally, it sparked a bit of curiosity.
With Maeda, there is usually a good explanation. More often than not, it tends to be a wholesome one too.
That proved to be the case again.
Taking to his Instagram story on Sunday, the Celtic forward confirmed that his children had asked him to do the celebration if he scored.
So, being a good dad, he duly obliged.
What a bhoy.
Daizen Maeda celebrates Celtic’s opening goal 🟢 pic.twitter.com/wadN2Gwavs
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 25, 2026
It was a lovely little detail on the back of a hugely important afternoon for Celtic. In a season where Maeda has had to fight for rhythm and form, this felt like a throwback to the version of him supporters know can be so difficult to play against.
His energy lifted the crowd, his opener gave Celtic control, and his second goal made sure there would be no late drama after Falkirk had briefly threatened to make things uncomfortable.
Celtic needed someone to take responsibility, and Maeda stepped up.
The celebration will probably be the bit that gets shared around social media, especially now the reason behind it has been revealed. But the performance itself was every bit as encouraging.
With the title race going down to the wire, Celtic need players who can change games through more than just technical quality. Maeda’s pressing and sheer nuisance value can still be a major weapon.
Saturday was a reminder of that.
And for his kids, it was probably even better. Dad scored twice for Celtic, helped deliver three crucial points, and still remembered the celebration.
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