Daizen Maeda Names Hampden Park as the Best Atmosphere He’s Ever Experienced
Celtic’s dynamic forward Daizen Maeda has revealed that Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium, stands out as the British ground with the best atmosphere he’s ever played in. The 27-year-old Japanese international, known for his relentless energy and knack for scoring in big games, made the declaration during a recent interview, reflecting on his time in Scotland since joining Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022. For a player who’s faced raucous crowds across Europe and Asia, Maeda’s choice has sparked delight among Scottish football fans—and perhaps a few raised eyebrows elsewhere.
Maeda, who has become a cult hero at Celtic Park for his pace and goal-scoring exploits, didn’t hesitate when asked to name his favorite British stadium atmosphere. “Hampden Park,” he said with a grin. “It’s incredible. The noise, the passion, the way it feels when the crowd gets going—it’s something special. I’ve played in a lot of places, but Hampden is the best I’ve experienced here.”
The endorsement comes from a player well-versed in high-stakes environments. Since arriving in Glasgow, Maeda has featured in Old Firm derbies, Champions League nights, and domestic cup finals, often thriving under pressure. Yet, it’s Hampden—the 51,866-capacity venue that hosts Scotland’s international matches and major cup finals—that left the deepest impression. His standout memory? The 2022 League Cup final against Rangers, where he scored in Celtic’s 2-1 victory, a moment he says was amplified by the electric atmosphere.
“When I scored at Hampden, the sound was unreal,” Maeda recalled. “It’s not just loud—it’s like the whole place is alive, pushing you forward. You feel the history there, too. For me, it’s the best in Britain.” That goal, a trademark darting run and finish, sealed his first trophy with Celtic and cemented his bond with the club’s supporters, many of whom will be thrilled to hear Hampden singled out over their own Celtic Park.
Maeda’s career has taken him to diverse footballing cultures, from Japan’s J1 League to Portugal’s Primeira Liga during a loan spell with Marítimo, and now to Scotland. He’s no stranger to passionate crowds—Celtic Park’s “Paradise” and Rangers’ Ibrox are among the most intimidating venues in Europe, while his Champions League outings have exposed him to iconic stadiums like the Bernabeu and Signal Iduna Park. Yet, Hampden’s unique blend of national pride and cup final intensity seems to have edged it for the forward.
The choice might surprise some, given Hampden’s reputation for patchy attendances at Scotland matches and occasional criticism for its dated facilities. However, when filled for a big occasion—like an Old Firm cup final or a crucial international qualifier—the stadium transforms into a cauldron of noise and emotion, a fact Maeda clearly cherishes. “It’s different from a league game,” he explained. “At Hampden, it’s one moment, one chance, and everyone knows it. The fans bring everything.”
Celtic fans have taken to social media to celebrate Maeda’s comments, with one tweeting, “Daizen picking Hampden over anywhere else—he gets it. That place erupts for us.” Another added, “Love that he said Hampden. The finals there are unreal, and he’s been massive in them.” Meanwhile, Scotland supporters will see it as a nod to the Tartan Army’s ability to turn the national stadium into a fortress when it matters most.
Maeda’s love affair with Scottish football shows no signs of slowing. With 15 goals this season and a knack for delivering in clutch moments—his strike in last month’s 3-0 rout of Rangers at Ibrox being a recent highlight—he continues to win hearts. Naming Hampden as his top British atmosphere only deepens that connection, proving once again that the unassuming speedster understands the pulse of the game in these parts.
As Celtic chase more silverware and Scotland gear up for their next Hampden outing, Maeda’s words serve as a reminder of the magic that venue can conjure. For a player who’s tasted football’s highs across continents, it’s a glowing testament to the enduring power of Scotland’s “Mount Florida cathedral.”
