“Thank You…” — Celtic pay tribute to Top-class star who may have just played his final game in the famous Green and White shirt following 3-1 win vs Dunfermline at Hampden

Daizen Maeda strolled around Hampden with another trophy in his hands on Saturday evening, but one banner inside the Celtic support grabbed far more attention than many of the celebrations surrounding him.

As players completed their lap of appreciation after the Scottish Cup Final triumph over Dunfermline, a massive banner reading “Arigato Daizen” emerged among the Celtic supporters behind the goal.

It instantly sparked renewed conversation surrounding Maeda’s future.

Speculation involving the Japanese forward has continued throughout the second half of the season, particularly with interest once again growing from clubs in Germany and England.

Maeda has still not publicly pledged his future beyond next season and Celtic are aware they are approaching a risky contractual stage if discussions over a fresh deal fail to advance.

The timing of the banner felt intentional.

Supporters fully understand how crucial Maeda has become during the closing months of the campaign. Once the title race intensified, Celtic increasingly depended on his movement, pressing and relentless physical energy in matches that became tense and messy rather than flowing and technical.

Saturday’s final followed a similar script.

Maeda’s run in behind settled Celtic early after a shaky opening spell against Neil Lennon’s side. His goal completely shifted the mood of the afternoon and allowed Callum McGregor and Arne Engels to dominate midfield afterwards.

Even late in the match, with the final already slipping away from Dunfermline, Maeda was still charging back toward his own half to pressure defenders and shut spaces down.

That is why supporters reacted so emotionally toward him after full-time.

The banner itself looked straightforward enough, but it reflected the growing concern among fans that this may have been Maeda’s final major occasion in a Celtic jersey.

There are players supporters admire for their technical quality. Others become fan favourites because of their personality.

Maeda exists somewhere different because of the intensity and commitment he brings every single minute he is on the pitch. Celtic’s entire structure changes whenever he begins pressing aggressively from the front.

As he walked around Hampden holding the Scottish Cup trophy above his head, many supporters were likely wondering whether they were saying thank you rather than simply celebrating another winner’s medal.