Daizen Maeda has etched his name into Celtic history, becoming the first player since Moussa Dembélé to score three hat-tricks in a 12-month period.
The Japanese forward continued his sensational cup form by bagging a Scottish Cup treble against Raith Rovers, adding to his previous hat-tricks against Aberdeen (League Cup, November 2024) and Livingston (Scottish Cup, March 2024).
Notably, Maeda’s last three hat-tricks have all come in cup competitions, underlining his ability to deliver in high-stakes knockout ties. His latest feat means he is now in the same company as Dembélé, who famously netted three hat-tricks between September 2016 and February 2017, including a derby demolition of The Rangers.
Chasing Henrik Larsson’s Record
With three hat-trick’s already to his name, Maeda is now on the verge of matching Henrik Larsson, the last Celtic player to score four hat-tricks in a 12-month span back in 2002. Should he hit another three goals in one game before March, he will equal the King of Kings’ record—an achievement that would further cement his growing reputation among Celtic’s great attacking figures.
Maeda’s relentless work rate has always been his calling card, but his finishing ability has reached new levels this season. With Celtic still fighting on multiple fronts, another hat-trick before March isn’t out of the question. If he does, he’ll be joining truly legendary company.
