Reo Hatate has truly made a lasting impact at Celtic. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, like those goals against Hearts and Rangers, really showcases his quality and has solidified his place as one of the club’s standout signings in recent years. His quick adaptation and powerful performances since 2021 have made him a fan favorite and an invaluable player.
Despite appearing to thrive on the pitch, Reo Hatate has revealed that his early days at Celtic were far from easy. The Japanese midfielder recently shared that behind his impressive performances lay personal struggles, showing that his journey to success at Celtic involved overcoming significant challenges that fans never saw.
Reo Hatate’s transition to Celtic wasn’t as seamless as it may have appeared. After making an electrifying debut in a 2-0 win over Hibs in January 2022, Hatate went on to play in nearly every game during the remainder of the season. Yet, the Japan international recently opened up on Celtic TV, admitting that he “really struggled” in those early months. Reflecting on his path, Hatate shared, “Since graduating college and entering the professional world, I haven’t had as long a career as players who turned pro straight out of high school.” His words reveal the challenges he faced adapting to the demands of both a new country and the intense pace of Scottish football, despite his impressive performances on the pitch.
Hatate’s journey hasn’t been as effortless as his on-field presence suggests. He revealed, “In a way, it feels like things haven’t gone quite as smoothly for me. There were times I wasn’t selected for matches, and when I first moved abroad, I struggled with my conditioning for about six months.” This period was marked by “invisible struggles” that fans rarely saw, yet Hatate remains grateful for his success. “I’m fortunate enough to have won numerous titles, starting from my time at Kawasaki and now here with Celtic.” His resilience has been crucial to his growth, both at Celtic and earlier in his career in Japan.
Reo Hatate’s ambition to secure silverware with Celtic is clear. “Competing for titles has always been a major source of motivation,” he shared, emphasizing his passion for winning. “I’ve developed a strong drive to win titles since I became a pro; it’s something I don’t want to hand over to others easily.” For Hatate, each challenge has only fueled his desire to fight for Celtic’s success. “Every title means a lot to me. And if all the hardships I’ve endured result in another title, I feel it’s all been worth it.” His words highlight a deep commitment to both personal and team achievements, underscoring the pride he takes in representing Celtic at the highest level.
In just under three years with Celtic, Reo Hatate has become a mainstay in the squad, making 103 appearances for the Scottish champions. During this time, the 26-year-old has amassed an impressive collection of silverware, winning three league titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup. His success on the club stage has also translated to international recognition, earning him nine caps for Japan. Hatate’s dedication and talent have solidified his status as one of Celtic’s standout signings in recent years.
Adding to his accolades, Reo Hatate has enjoyed significant success in the Glasgow Derby, with Celtic winning eight of the 13 encounters he’s played against Rangers, drawing three, and losing only three. Having overcome the initial struggles of adapting to life in Glasgow, Hatate is now in a position to thrive. When he’s at his best, the dynamic midfielder is a formidable force, both in Scotland and on the European stage. Fans will be hoping to see more of Hatate’s skill and determination as he continues to deliver for Celtic.