If you caught the Old Firm derby this weekend, you already know—Daizen Maeda delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent Scottish football history. The Japan international stunned Rangers with an audacious overhead kick at Parkhead, extending Celtic's lead to 3-1 in a match that felt like a must-win for Martin O'Neill's side as they chase down league leaders Hearts.
Maeda's goal came just four minutes after his first of the afternoon, turning the tide in a fierce comeback against the old enemy. It was the kind of strike that makes you stop, rewind, and watch again—a moment that could very well keep the title race alive.
That breathtaking effort got us thinking: where does it rank among the best Old Firm goals of the century? Let's take a trip down memory lane.
Henrik Larsson vs Rangers (2001)
Martin O'Neill's first taste of the rivalry ended in a memorable 6-2 demolition of Rangers. The highlight? Larsson's mazy run and delicate chip over goalkeeper Stefan Klos—a goal that's been replayed countless times and still sends chills down the spine of every Celtic fan.
Alan Thompson vs Rangers (2004)
Thompson scored some absolute screamers during his Celtic career, but few felt sweeter than this one. A sublime, swerving strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar, settling an early-season Old Firm clash in August 2004. Pure power and precision.
David Weir vs Celtic (2007)
An unlikely hero for Rangers. The center-back scored the only goal of the game for Walter Smith's side with a stretching, acrobatic effort that defied his defensive reputation. Sometimes, the most memorable goals come from the most unexpected sources.
Pedro Mendes vs Celtic (2008)
A 4-2 win at Celtic Park, capped off by a rocket of a goal from Mendes, was the perfect introduction to the Glasgow derby for the Portuguese midfielder. It was the kind of strike that announced his arrival in no uncertain terms.
As for Maeda's wonder goal—unfortunately for him, the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season award for 2025/26 has already been claimed. Youssef Chermiti took the prize for his own overhead effort in a 2-2 draw with Celtic back in March. And honestly, it's hard to argue—just look at the height he got on that leap.
Still, Maeda's moment will live long in the memory. In a rivalry defined by drama, passion, and sheer brilliance, he added another chapter to the storied history of the Old Firm.