Former Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata made headlines with an absolute screamer in the FA Cup, bringing Birmingham City level against Premier League side Newcastle United.
The Japanese midfielder, not known for his goalscoring prowess, unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box, leaving the keeper with no chance and sending St Andrew’s into raptures.
Iwata’s moment of brilliance came after a challenging spell at Celtic, where he struggled for regular game time. Initially brought in by Ange Postecoglou, the 26-year-old arrived in Glasgow with a strong reputation from the J-League, having won the league’s MVP award in 2022 with Yokohama F. Marinos.
However, despite his versatility in both midfield and defence, he failed to establish himself as a consistent starter.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Iwata found opportunities even harder to come by. The competition in Celtic’s midfield—led by captain Callum McGregor, along with Reo Hatate and new signings—meant he was often limited to substitute appearances or cup games. With his career at a crossroads, the decision was made for him to move on in search of first-team football, ultimately leading him to Birmingham.
Now thriving in the English League One, Iwata has quickly become a key figure for the Blues. His goal against Newcastle showcased his ability and justified his desire for more minutes on the pitch. While his time at Celtic may not have gone as planned, his resurgence in England suggests he still has plenty to offer at a high level.
Celtic fans may be left wondering what could have been, but for Iwata, his FA Cup heroics prove he made the right choice to move on.
