How Celtic winger Daizen Maeda is inspiring a new Japanese sports star

Being a player at a club like Celtic is more than just about winning trophies. I mean winning silverware is important but as a player of this club, it is also your job to represent the green and white Hoops in the best way you can.

The influence Celtic players have on their fans cannot be denied. How often growing up di you model yourself on one of your heroes whilst kicking a ball about with your friends?

My heroes growing up were Peter Grant and Paul McStay. I idolised them. But unfortunately, I didn’t have a quarter of the skill they had to make a career in the Game.

But it seems that Celtic’s iNFLuence reaches further than just Football. In fact, there is an up-and-coming Sports star in Japan who is hoping that the success of Daizen Maeda at Celtic, will help him become a champion at his sport.

Shoto Sasaki inspired by Celtic hero

Shoto Sasaki is a speedboat racer in Japan and admits Celtic winger, Daizen Maeda is one of his heroes.

Recently snapped wearing the famous green and white Hoops and the Celtic winger’s once once-famous trademark bald look, the racer was asked the reason for the dramatic image change.

Sasaki said [Sponichi], “It was just a feeling [to cut off his hair], it’s not like I did anything wrong.

“I’m not worried about that, but I’m wearing the shirt of Celtic FC of the Scottish league, so I can’t help but look like Maeda.”

Sasaki currently comPetes in the G3 Series in Japan and having just entered the A-1 level, is using Daizen Maeda as an inspiration to become a champion boat racer.

Once a highly-rated baseball player in Japan, Sasaki was once scouted by the likes of the Chicago Cubs after winning the 2014 Koshien Tournament in Japan. [The Washington Post]

The tournament was a hotbed for young Japanese baseball talent but despite having one of the fastest deliveries in the game, Sasaki failed to pursue his dream.

Let’s hope the Celtic winger will be the inspiration to motivate Sasaki to succeed in his boat racing dream.