Naoki Maeda is a Japanese winger and attacking midfielder who played for Tokyo Verdy, Matsumoto Yamaga, Yokohama F. Marinos and Nagoya Grampus before a spell with Utrecht in the Netherlands. He later returned to Japan, continuing his J.League career with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Maeda is a left-footed attacker known for dribbling, quick changes of direction and creating chances from wide areas.