Maeda! – Celtic Player of the Year Awards Round-up | OneFootball

Celtic have once again asserted their dominance in Scotland this season, having clinched both the league title and the Premier Sports Cup…

Celtic Player of the Year Awards.Photo Celtic FC

In just a few weeks, the Scottish Cup and a potential domestic Treble are within reach, with Aberdeen set to challenge Brendan Rodgers’ side in the upcoming showpiece final at Hampden.

As a collective, Celtic have been unstoppable, and at the Player of the Year event last night, one individual mirrored that success by claiming a hat-trick of awards.

It’s no shock that Daizen Maeda took home multiple awards to round off an outstanding season for the Japanese forward, with three league matches and the season finale still ahead to further boost his remarkable tally. In 48 appearances this season, he has scored 33 goals and registered 12 assists.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Nicolas Kuhn has also enjoyed his most memorable season of his career to date. After a slight dip in form, the German returned to his best with a brace against Dundee United, bringing his tally for the campaign to 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 matches.

Here are Celtic’s award-winners as follows:

Academy Player of the Year – Kyle Ure

A season to cherish, Ure has had standout displays both domestically and in European competition. Gaining valuable experience in the UEFA Youth League with Celtic, he made seven appearances and scored once in a group phase of teams consisting of Dortmund, Atalanta, Leipzig, and Salzburg.

Ure was also part of a Celtic B side that finished second in the Lowland League, trailing champions East Kilbride, with only four defeats in 34 matches. The youngster, who claims the top academy award, scored five goals in 31 appearances this season. Maybe we will see him make his senior debut between now and the end of the season.

Women’s Player of the Year and Goal of the Season – Shannon McGregor v FC Gintra

Both Celtic’s men’s and women’s sides each made lasting impressions during an unforgettable Champions League run this season. Celtic Women’s POTY Shannon McGregor won’t soon forget her stunning goal against FC Gintra, cutting inside and bending a brilliant shot into the net from the edge of the box. Celtic went on to secure a place in the Champions League group stage for the first ever time, where they faced European giants like Chelsea and Real Madrid in Europe’s elite club competition.

Men’s Goal of the Season – Cameron Carter-Vickers vs Kilmarnock

Since joining Celtic in 2021, the American has been a vital presence and has once again distinguished himself as a standout performer. Typically recognised for his defensive duties, CCV claimed Goal of the Season with an incredible strike against Kilmarnock. After collecting a pass, he drove into an attacking position before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner giving Killie stopper Kieran O’Hara absolutely no chance.

Men’s Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year – Daizen Maeda

It will be no shock to anyone that Daizen walked away with both honours. His teammates consistently commend his relentless work rate and commitment, both in possession and when tracking back. Maeda has delivered an exceptional season, with his goals and assists reaching remarkable heights given he’s only played in a central striking role for four months. The 27 year-old’s Hoops teammates have rightly acknowledged his quality, but with three league matches and the Scottish Cup Final against the Dons ahead, he’ll be keen to add another winner’s medal and a few more goals to his sublime campaign.

Young Player of the Year – Arne Engels

Though it took him some time to find his feet, adapting to a new lifestyle at a young age, the Belgian has displayed glimpses of quality throughout the season. With an £11 million price tag, expectations are high, but Brendan Rodgers has consistently pointed out that Engels is still young and remains a big prospect for the future. For the time being, the 21 year-old has been performing well and is expected to play a significant role for the Premiership champions next season, particularly in what the Hoops aim to be another prosperous Champions League run.

Women’s Players’ Player of the Year – Celya Barclais

The French defender has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence throughout the season. While scoring two goals, it’s Barclais’ steady defensive performance that has stood out, earning her well-deserved praise from her teammates in Elena Sadiku’s squad.

Men’s & Women’s top goalscorers – Daizen Maeda and Saoirse Noonan

Maeda has stepped up since the departure of Kyogo in January and has never looked back since. With 33 goals and still adding to his tally, his compatriot’s absence has hardly been felt. Meanwhile, Noonan has an equally impressive record of 23 goals in 26 appearances for the Hoops, despite starting only 21 of those matches.

Special Recognition Award – James Forrest

The Celtic Park academy graduate made history by becoming the most decorated player in the club’s history. Forrest overtook Bobby Lennox’s record as the Hoops secured their 13th title in 14 years by defeating Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice last weekend. Jamesy is now up to 26 major honours and counting.

Conor Spence

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