Naoki Maeda

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Career

On 7 October 2012, Maeda was promoted to Tokyo Verdy's first team from the 2013 season. At the start of the 2014 season, he was made a vice-captain.

On 9 January 2015, Maeda was announced at J1 League club Matsumoto Yamaga on a one year loan deal.

On 30 December 2015, Maeda was announced at Yokohama F. Marinos on a permanent transfer. On the opening day of the 2017 season, he scored a goal to win the game in the 90th+2nd minute.

On 11 January 2018, Maeda was announced at Matsumoto Yamaga on a permanent transfer.

On 19 July 2018, Maeda was announced at Nagoya Grampus on a permanent transfer.

In January 2022 he was loaned to FC Utrecht of the Dutch Eredivisie on a six-month loan spell. He made his debut on 16 January 2022 in a match against AFC Ajax, starting on his debut and played for 11 minutes before being forced off due to a broken leg following a tackle from Ajax’s Lisandro Martínez. It was announced on 31 August 2022 that Utrecht signed Maeda on loan again for the 2022–23 season.

On June 30 2023, it was announced that Maeda returns to Grampus following the end of loan spell at Utrecht. He was subsequently given the number 25 shirt of the clubs' first-team.

In January 2024, Maeda transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds ahead of the 2024 season.

On 27 March 2025, Maeda was announced at Sanfrecce Hiroshima on a permanent transfer.

Career statistics

Honours Nagoya Grampus J.League Cup: 2021