Daizen Maeda’s tweet about Japan’s World Cup exit has amassed an astonishing 500,000 likes on X/Twitter.
Users of the platform will be familiar with just how rare a feat this is, making it one of the most liked tweets of the World Cup so far.
Maeda posted an apology and acknowledgement after he and Japan were eliminated from the tournament by Brazil in heartbreaking circumstances.
Reaction to the post has been overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of Japanese fans congratulating Maeda for his effort.
Is Daizen Maeda a Celtic legend?
Daizen Maeda’s World Cup tweet surpasses 500,000 likes
Maeda wrote on his profile: “I’m truly sorry for not meeting your expectations.
“However, over these past three and a half years since the Qatar World Cup, everything we’ve built together with the players, staff, families, and all the fans and supporters is my pride.
READ MORE: Celtic ‘bidding’ for Nobel Mendy a year on from failed Rangers medical
“Thank you so much for all the support.”
The tweet currently has more likes than any by Neymar, Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland at the tournament so far.
Forget social media numbers — Maeda’s sprinting numbers are also surpassing the rest, with a FIFA report putting him far above anyone else on the pitch in terms of sprints.
Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for his ex-player, describing his physical capacity as ‘world-class’ as a pundit.
Maeda started the match and played 90 minutes, impressing with his performance and earning plaudits from pundits who both were and weren’t familiar with him.
After his stellar end to the season with Celtic, an exit was already expected this summer — though he has now indicated even further at this desire.
Daizen Maeda scores at a second consecutive World Cup 🔥
His Japan and Benjamin Nygren's Sweden both ensured progression in the 1-1 draw 👇
Daizen Maeda: ‘I need to make another step forward’
Via Sky Sports News, Maeda said after the defeat: “I personally feel that I need to keep improving and take another step forward.
“It made me realise that I can’t stay at my current level and that I need to become a better player.”
On the game itself, he said: “We fought a great game, but the opponent was strong and I think we still have a long way to go.
“Of course we had the feeling that we could do it, but Brazil is just so skilled and powerful and we ended up spending a lot of time defending.
“I think it was just a matter of time before they scored, to be honest — but what we’ve done up until now remains unchanged.
“I want to return to Japan with my head held high.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
