Daizen Maeda delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat-trick in Celtic’s 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers, while his two children watched proudly from the stands—having taken part in the pre-match ceremony alongside their dad.
The Maeda family were the last out of the tunnel as Callum McGregor led the team onto the pitch. As Celtic’s players high-fived the Raith Rovers squad, many of the visiting players made the effort to acknowledge Daizen’s kids.
Be prepared to have your orbitofrontal cortex triggered to extremes as Soyo & Tensei join Super Dad Daizen Maeda on the pitch before today’s Celtic – Raith Rovers Scottish Cup tie.
Love the way wee Tensei gets to pitchside after proceedings & is reluctant to leave his dad. pic.twitter.com/843CNgFi7Z
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) February 8, 2025
However, once the whistle blew, Maeda showed no mercy, launching an onslaught on the Raith defence that saw him bag a hat-trick, taking his Celtic tally to 50 goals, with 21 of those coming this season alone.
His first goal came in the sixth minute, setting the tone for a dominant Celtic performance. By the 77th minute, he was racing in at the back post to complete his hat-trick, leaving Raith’s defence chasing shadows.
While his kids enjoyed the pre-match spotlight, it was their dad who stole the show.
Sadly for Maeda, he’ll have to join his kids in the stands for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at Celtic Park, as he’s suspended for the first leg.
He’ll be available for the return match next week, though.
