Ryunosuke Sato

Tokyo

Early career

Born in Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Satō began his career with Hekizan SC in 2013, before moving to JACPA Tokyo, graduating from the programme in 2018. Enrolled in the academy of professional side Tokyo since 2016, where he played at their facility in Kodaira, he was moved to their Musashi team in 2019. Having watched him play at under-13 level, FC Tokyo's then-academy director Takashi Okuhara stated that, while he showed good technique, he was physically weak and did not show enough determination. At national team training sessions while still an under-13 player, he set himself the goal of reaching the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, having been pushed by coaches Yoshiro Moriyama and Nozomi Hiroyama.

2023–2024: First-team debut

He made his professional debut for FC Tokyo on 8 March 2023, starting in their 1–0 J.League Cup loss to Cerezo Osaka. In making his debut, he became the youngest player to ever play for FC Tokyo, beating the record held by Takefusa Kubo. On 26 August 2023 Satō signed his first professional contract with FC Tokyo. Having only featured in three league games in the 2024 season, Satō expressed his disappointment at not featuring more often, stating it had affected him mentally.

2025: Loan to Fagiano Okayama

In January 2025, Satō joined fellow-J1 League side Fagiano Okayama on a year-long loan deal. He scored for Fagiano Okayama in the inaugural "China Derby" against fellow-Chūgoku region-based side…

Youth

Having returned early from the 2024 Maurice Revello Tournament after withdrawing from the squad, Satō was called up to the Japan under-23 side for a friendly against France on 17 July 2024. Just one week later he featured for Japan's under-19 side, scoring two goals against the Ryukoku University in a 4–2 training match win. Called up to the under-20 side for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, Satō featured in four of Japan's five games, scoring in their 3–0 win against Thailand. He later expressed his disappointment in not being able to help Japan win the tournament, after they were knocked out in the semi-final by Australia. He was called up to the under-20 side again for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, stating that his "personal goal is to score three goals and get three assists, and as a team, I want to aim to win the championship".

Senior

In June 2025, he was called up to the Japan national football team for the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. In making his debut against Indonesia in Japan's 6–0 win on 12 June 2025, he beat Shinji Kagawa's record as the youngest player to represent Japan in World Cup qualification, as well as being the fourth-youngest player to ever play for Japan. After his fifth cap, in a 2–0 friendly win against Ghana, Satō expressed his desire to beat Nobutoshi Kaneda's record as Japan's youngest goal-scorer.

Primarily a midfielder, capable of playing in both attacking and defensive roles, Satō was utilised as a right-winger and a wing-back during his time with Fagiano Okayama. He is known for his stamina, able to cover vast distances in games.

Club

As of 6 March 2026

Notes

International

As of match played 10 December 2025.