DAIZEN MAEDA GOES VIRAL AFTER SELFLESS SKY SPORTS MOMENT AS CELTIC STAR DEMANDS MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD BE GIVEN TO H.YANG AFTER RANGERS MASTERCLASS
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has once again captured the hearts of football fans around the world — not only because of his sensational display against fierce rivals Rangers, but because of the incredible humility he showed after the final whistle in a moment that instantly went viral across social media.
The Japanese international was undoubtedly one of the standout performers during the heated Old Firm clash, producing an electrifying performance filled with relentless pressing, explosive pace, dangerous attacking runs, and nonstop energy that completely tormented the Rangers defence from start to finish. Supporters inside the stadium were left stunned by his intensity, while viewers watching around the world flooded social media with praise, many calling it one of the best derby performances of the season.
However, despite delivering what many fans described as an “out of this world” performance, Maeda shocked everyone during his post-match interview with Sky Sports when he humbly insisted that the Man of the Match award should instead go to his teammate Hyeok-kyu Yang, commonly known as H. Yang.
The unexpected gesture immediately sent fans into meltdown online.
While pundits and supporters expected Maeda to fully embrace the praise coming his way after another unforgettable derby display, the Celtic attacker instead chose to shine the spotlight on his teammate, praising Yang’s contribution, work rate, composure, and impact during one of the most intense matches of the campaign.
That single moment quickly became one of the biggest talking points after the game.
Fans across social media platforms described Maeda as “the definition of a team player,” while others praised the incredible chemistry and unity currently inside the Celtic dressing room. Clips of the interview rapidly started trending, with thousands of supporters reacting emotionally to the striker’s humility and respect for his teammates.
One fan wrote:
“This is why Celtic fans adore Daizen Maeda. World-class mentality on and off the pitch.”
Another supporter posted:
“Scores, runs nonstop for 90 minutes, destroys Rangers, then gives all the credit to Yang. What a player.”
The reaction from Celtic supporters has been overwhelmingly positive, especially considering the pressure and emotions surrounding every Old Firm encounter. Matches against Rangers are never ordinary fixtures — they are battles filled with intensity, aggression, expectation, and enormous pressure from both sets of supporters.
Yet Maeda handled the occasion with remarkable maturity.
Throughout the match, the Japanese forward looked unstoppable whenever he attacked the Rangers backline. His movement created chaos repeatedly, forcing defensive mistakes and opening up spaces for his teammates to exploit. Every time he touched the ball, the atmosphere inside the stadium intensified as Celtic fans sensed danger.
But alongside Maeda’s brilliance, H. Yang also delivered a performance full of determination and intelligence. The South Korean midfielder worked tirelessly in possession and without the ball, helping Celtic maintain control during difficult phases of the game while also contributing creatively in attacking transitions.
It was clear after the final whistle that Maeda deeply appreciated Yang’s contribution, and his decision to publicly hand credit to his teammate only strengthened the admiration supporters already have for him.
Even several football pundits praised the moment, describing it as a perfect example of leadership, humility, and team spirit — qualities that often separate great players from fan favourites.
For Celtic supporters, the viral moment represented something bigger than football itself. It highlighted the togetherness currently driving the squad forward and showed why this team continues to thrive under pressure during the biggest matches.
As celebrations continued after the derby, one thing became crystal clear: Daizen Maeda may have delivered the headlines with his breathtaking performance, but his selfless post-match gesture toward H. Yang is the moment fans will remember for a very long time.