Maeda Toshiie was born the fourth son of Maeda Toshimasa in Owari Province. He served Oda Nobunaga beginning in 1551 at the age of 13. When his father died in 1560, his oldest brother Toshihisa succeeded as head of the Maeda Clan, but in 1569 Toshiie suddenly became clan head by Nobunaga's decree.

After Nobunaga's death at Honnou Temple, Toshiie battled Toyotomi Hideyoshi under Shibata Katsuie but was defeated at the Battle of Shizugatake. Thereafter he served Hideyoshi and became one of his greatest generals, eventually being named by Hideyoshi to the Council of Five to protect and guide Hideyoshi's son Toyotomi Hideyori. However, Toshiie died of illness a year after Hideyoshi.