Junya Itō is a professional footballer from Japan, born in 1993.
He played for Kashiwa Reysol from 2016 to 2020, where he developed his skills as a forward.
Itō made his Champions League debut with K.R.C. Genk in September 2019.
Biography
Early Life
Junya Itō was born in 1993 in Japan and has made a name for himself as a professional footballer. He began his journey in football at Kanagawa University, where he honed his skills for four years before turning professional.
Career
Itō's professional career kicked off with Ventforet Kofu in 2015, where he quickly became a Special Designated Player. His impressive performances caught the attention of Kashiwa Reysol, who signed him in January 2016. During his time at Reysol, Itō showcased his talent as a forward and winger, leading to a loan move to K.R.C. Genk in January 2019. He made his Champions League debut shortly after, starting against Red Bull Salzburg. By March 2020, Itō secured a permanent deal with Genk, where he continued to develop his game.
In July 2022, Itō joined Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims, where he made an immediate impact, scoring the winner in a match against Auxerre. However, after Reims faced relegation in the 2024-25 season, Itō returned to Genk, signing a three-year contract.
International Career
Itō's international career began in 2017 when he debuted for the Japan national team. He was selected for the 2022 World Cup squad and, more recently, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking significant milestones in his career as he represents his country on the global stage.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Early club career
After attending Kanagawa University for four years, Itō first became a Special Designated Player for Ventforet Kofu, and obtained a new contract with the J1 League side. His first professional season attracted attention from Chiba-based Kashiwa Reysol, which signed him in January 2016. On 31 January 2019, Itō moved from Kashiwa Reysol to Genk on a one-year loan. On 18 September, he made his Champions League debut as a starter in the group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg. On 30 March 2020, Itō signed permanently with Genk on a three-year contract.
Stade Reims and return to Genk
On 29 July 2022, Itō joined Ligue 1 club Reims. On 23 October, he scored the winner in a 2–1 victory against Auxerre. In the 2023–24 Ligue 1 opening game on 12 August 2023, Itō scored a stunning opening goal against Marseille, but Reims eventually lost 2–1. In August 2025, following his club's relegation from Ligue 1 in the 2024–25 season, Itō returned to Genk and signed a three-year contract.
Itō made his Japan national team debut in 2017. He was selected for Hajime Moriyasu's final World Cup squad in October 2022. On 15 May 2026, Itō was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Club
As of match played 28 August 2026
International
As of match played 29 June 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Itō goal.
- Club
- Kashiwa Reysol (2016–2020)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2017–)
- Club
- Ventforet Kofu (2015–2015)
- Club
- K.R.C. Genk (2019–2020)
- Club
- K.R.C. Genk (2020–2022)
- Club
- Stade de Reims (2022–)
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Genk
Belgian First Division A: 2018–19 Belgian Cup: 2020–21 Belgian Super Cup: 2019 Reims
Coupe de France runner-up: 2024–25 Individual
Belgian First Division A Team of the Season: 2020–21 Belgian First Division A top assist provider: 2021–22 Belgian First Division A Goal of the Season: 2021–22 Japan Pro-Footballers Association Best XI: 2022, 2023, 2024
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team2017current
- Stade de Reims2022current
- Ventforet Kofu2015–2015
- Kashiwa Reysol2016–2020
- K.R.C. Genk2019–2020
- K.R.C. Genk2020–2022
Played together with
Aaron MokoenaK.R.C. Genk · 2003–2005
Abdelhamid El KaoutariStade de Reims · 2016–2016- Abdelhamid El KaoutariStade de Reims · 2016–2016
Abdoulaye DialloStade de Reims
Adam NemecK.R.C. Genk · 2008–2009- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaVentforet Kofu
- Adebayo AdigunKashiwa Reysol · 2009–2010
Adriano Ferreira MartinsVentforet Kofu · 2015–2015
Adrie van KraayK.R.C. Genk · 1982–1984- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaKashiwa Reysol · 2008–2009
- Akihiro HyodoKashiwa Reysol · 2011–2011
- Akimi BaradaKashiwa Reysol · 2009
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Junya Itō is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a forward for the Belgian Pro League team Genk and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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