Kodai Sano

Fagiano Okayama

A graduate of the Yonago Kita High School, Sano signed his first professional contract with J2 League side Fagiano Okayama in October 2021. He made his professional debut for the club during the 2022 season, scoring three goals in 28 league matches.

NEC

On 14 August 2023, Fagiano Okayama announced that they reached an agreement with Dutch side NEC for the transfer of Sano on a permanent deal; the deal was made official three days later, as the player signed a five-year contract with the Eredivisie club. In the process, Sano became NEC's second Japanese-born signing of the season, following Koki Ogawa. He made his debut for the club on 16 September 2023, coming on as a substitute for Rober in the 59th minute of a 4–0 league loss to PSV. On 17 Jan 2026, Sano would score a dramatic late winner in the third minute of stoppage time in a 4–3 win over NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. This extended NEC's unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches; which started on 9 November 2025 with a 2–0 win over Groningen, where Sano also scored the opener.

PSV

On 8 August 2026, Sano signed a five-year contract with PSV.

Sano has represented Japan at under-20 level, having taken part in both the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup and the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Club

As of 13 September 2026

Notes

International

As of match played 29 March 2026

Sano is the younger brother of fellow professional footballer Kaishu Sano.