Celtic clinched the Scottish Cup and league double on a night that felt like a farewell for Daizen Maeda. The Japanese striker opened the score in the final with a lob that left the keeper stranded, giving Celtic a 1‑0 lead that held until the last whistle. His goal marked his 17th of the campaign.

Maeda’s form exploded after a barren 17‑game run. He scored twice against Falkirk, once each against Hibs, Rangers, Motherwell and Hearts, and hit the net in the final. His 45 involvements in 54 appearances last season made him the engine behind Celtic’s surge from a turbulent start to title‑winning momentum.

Celtic paid £1.3m for Maeda in 2022, a bargain that yielded 28 goals this season and a vital escape route when the club struggled to replace Kyogo Furuhashi. Manager Martin O’Neill praised his Larssonesque determination, but the player’s contract is set to expire this summer, hinting at a possible exit before the new campaign.

With the double complete, Celtic’s season ends on a high note, yet uncertainty looms over both the manager and the striker. Fans celebrated O’Neill’s leadership while acknowledging Maeda’s decisive role. If the player departs, Celtic will miss his relentless work rate and sharp finishing, but the club’s trophy haul secures their place among Scotland’s elite.