Daizen Maeda talks Samurai Blue's fight and his own past

Samurai Blue forward Daizen Maeda has opened up about a moment when he almost quit football. With the 2026 World Cup looming, he said, "If I hadn't been there then, Japan wouldn't be where it is now," reaffirming his commitment to the national side. Japan recently beat Bolivia 3-0 on 2025-11-18 and is on a WWWDL run in its last five matches.

Why did Maeda consider leaving football?

Maeda explained that a series of injuries and reduced playing time after turning pro pushed him to the brink. The long lay‑off in the latter half of the 2023 season amplified his doubts. "Going to the training ground felt like a punishment," he recalled, admitting he seriously weighed quitting.

The turning point and his impact on Samurai Blue

The comeback came in a 2024 domestic league match where Maeda netted a hat‑trick, directly securing the win. The coach praised his mental strength, noting it rippled through the squad. Since then, Maeda has become a staple in the national team, delivering a decisive assist in a 2025 friendly and cementing his role as an attacking linchpin.

Expectations for the 2026 World Cup and upcoming challenges

Japan is riding a strong qualifying run, yet defensive solidity remains a concern. Maeda stressed, "It's not just about my goals; the whole team needs balance," pledging contributions on both ends of the pitch. The next fixture pits Japan against a South American heavyweight, a result that could seal their World Cup berth. Fans eagerly await the next chapter of Maeda's redemption story and Samurai Blue's return to the global stage.