Hiroki Itō is a professional footballer born in 1999, known for his defensive skills.
He began his professional career with Júbilo Iwata, where he debuted in 2018.
In June 2021, Itō joined VfB Stuttgart, where he quickly made an impact by scoring his first Bundesliga goal in November 2021.
Biography
Early Life
Hiroki Itō, born in 1999, is a talented Japanese professional footballer who has made a name for himself as a versatile defender. Growing up in Japan, he developed a passion for football at a young age, which led him to join the youth ranks of Júbilo Iwata. His dedication and skill on the pitch quickly propelled him through the ranks.
Career
Itō made his professional debut in March 2018 during the J. League Cup and soon after appeared in the J1 League in August of the same year. In 2019, he was loaned to Nagoya Grampus, where he gained valuable experience with nine appearances across all competitions. His career took a significant turn in June 2021 when he joined VfB Stuttgart on loan, where he was quickly promoted to the first team. He made an impressive start, scoring his first Bundesliga goal in November 2021 and helping Stuttgart secure a contract extension until June 2025. In August 2023, he further extended his contract until June 2027, playing a crucial role in the team's success.
In June 2024, Itō signed with Bayern Munich after they activated his release clause, marking a new chapter in his career. Unfortunately, he faced a setback with a metatarsal fracture during preseason, but he made his debut for the club in February 2025.
International Career
On the international stage, Itō has represented Japan at various youth levels, including the U23 team during the 2018 AFC Championship and the U20 team in the 2019 FIFA World Cup. He made his senior debut for Japan in June 2022 and was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored his first international goal against Peru in June 2023 and was called up for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, showcasing his growing importance to the national team. Itō was also selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his status as a key player for Japan.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Ito played for the youth teams of Japan, including the U23 team during the 2018 AFC Championship, the U19 team in the 2018 AFC Championship, and the U20 team in the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Ito made his debut for the senior Japan national team on 2 June 2022, during a 4–1 friendly win over Paraguay. Later that year, on 1 November, he was selected in 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored his first goal for Japan against Peru on 20 June 2023 during the Kirin Challenge Cup. On 1 January 2024, he was called up for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. On 15 May 2026, Itō was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Júbilo Iwata
After growing through Júbilo Iwata youth ranks, Hiroki Ito was promoted to the first team in 2018. He debuted as a pro in March 2018 in J. League Cup, and would soon make his first appearance in J1 League in August 2018. In 2019, he was loaned out to Nagoya Grampus, where he made nine appearances in all competitions.
VfB Stuttgart
In June 2021, Ito joined Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart on loan, and was assigned to play for the second team in the Regionalliga Südwest. However, he was instantly promoted to the first team by coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, and started his first match in a 6–0 away win against BFC Dynamo in the DFB-Pokal. Afterwards that year, on 26 November, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 2–1 win over Mainz. On 20 May 2022, VfB Stuttgart exercised a purchase option which tied Ito to the club with a contract until June 2025. In August 2023, he extended his contract with Stuttgart until June 2027. In the 2023–24 season, he played a crucial role in his club's runner-up finish and qualification to the Champions League.
Bayern Munich
On 13 June 2024, Ito signed for fellow Bundesliga club Bayern Munich until 2028, after they had triggered his release clause of an estimated €30 million. However, he sustained a metatarsal fracture during the summer preseason which kept him sidelined for the first half of the 2024–25 season. He made his debut for the club on 12 February 2025, during a 2–1 away victory over Celtic in the…
Club
As of match played 23 May 2026
International
As of match played 29 June 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first.
- Club
- Nagoya Grampus
- Club
- Júbilo Iwata
- Club
- VfB Stuttgart
- National team
- Japan
Personal
Clubs
Played together with
- Abdelaziz AhanfoufVfB Stuttgart
Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016- Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016
- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaJúbilo Iwata · 2015
- Ademir SantosJúbilo Iwata · 1987–1991
- Adhemar Ferreira de Camargo NetoVfB Stuttgart · 2001–2003
Adilson BatistaJúbilo Iwata · 1997–1999
Adrian GrbićVfB Stuttgart- Adrian KnupVfB Stuttgart · 1992–1994
- Adriano PimentaNagoya Grampus · 2001–2001
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaJúbilo Iwata · 2014–2014
Ahmed Salah HosnyVfB Stuttgart · 1998–2001
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Hiroki Ito is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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