Maeda was born in Kyoto on May 13, 1954. After graduating from Hosei University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Furukawa Electric in 1977. The club won the champions in 1985/86 Japan Soccer League, 1986 JSL Cup and 1986 Asian Club Championship. He retired in 1989. He played 209 games and scored 35 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven in 1980 and 1982.