Takefusa Kubo is often referred to as the "Japanese Messi" due to his exceptional technical skills.
He has represented Japan at various levels, including the U-20 team and the senior national team, making his debut in 2019.
Kubo played for Real Madrid from 2019 to 2022, furthering his experience in one of the world's top leagues.
Biography
Early Life
Takefusa Kubo, nicknamed "Take" (タケ), was born in Japan and began his football journey at the tender age of seven, playing for local clubs in Kawasaki. His talent was evident early on, as he was awarded MVP at the FC Barcelona Soccer Camp when he was just eight years old. Kubo's skills continued to shine, leading him to join FC Barcelona's prestigious youth academy, La Masia, in 2011 after impressing during trials.
Career
Kubo's career took off at FC Barcelona, where he became the top goalscorer in his league during his first full season. However, due to FIFA regulations regarding under-18 transfers, he returned to Japan in 2015 to continue his development with FC Tokyo. He made his professional debut at the remarkable age of 15, setting a J.League record. Kubo's career has since seen him play for several clubs, including RCD Mallorca, Villarreal CF, and Real Sociedad, showcasing his skills as a right winger.
On the international stage, Kubo has represented Japan at various levels, from U-15 to the senior national team. He made his senior debut in 2019 and was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played against football giants Germany and Spain. His journey continues as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further solidifying his status as a key player for Japan.
Personal Life
Fluent in Spanish and proficient in English, Kubo's adaptability off the pitch complements his dynamic playing style. His technical ability has earned him the nickname "Japanese Messi," reflecting the high expectations and admiration he garners from fans and analysts alike.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Early career
At the age of seven, Kubo started playing football for some local clubs in his hometown, Kawasaki. In August 2009, he was awarded the MVP at FC Barcelona Soccer Camp in which he participated at the age of eight. In April 2010, he was selected as a member of FC Barcelona School team and participated in Sodexo European Rusas Cup held in Belgium. He was awarded MVP even though his team finished third. After returning home, he began to play for the Kawasaki Frontale junior youth team.
Barcelona
In August 2011, Kubo had been invited to join FC Barcelona's youth Academy, La Masia, after passing the trial. He began to play for Barca Aleví C (U11). During his first full season (2012–13), he was top goalscorer in the league with 74 goals in 30 games. In his third full season (2014–15), he was promoted to Barca Infantil A (U14). The Spanish club was later found to have violated FIFA's international transfer policy for under-18 youths, making Kubo ineligible to play for the club. He returned to Japan in March 2015 in search of playing time, signing with FC Tokyo’s junior youth team.
FC Tokyo
Kubo joined FC Tokyo U-18 team in 2016. In September 2016, he was promoted to the senior side at the age of fifteen. On 5 November, he made his formal debut for the reserve team in the J3 League as a halftime sub for match against AC Nagano Parceiro. He made his professional debut at the J.League record of 15 years, five months and one day. On 15 April 2017…
Kubo has been involved in Japan national teams from U-15 to senior level. At the age of fifteen, he was selected to the Japan U-20 national team for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Shortly before turning eighteen, Kubo was named in the squad for the 2019 Copa América, which marked his first call up to the senior squad. He made his debut on 9 June 2019 in a friendly against El Salvador, as a 67th-minute substitute for Takumi Minamino. In July 2021, he was included in the 22-player squad of the under-23 team for the 2020 Summer Olympics. On 22 July 2021, Kubo scored Japan's first goal against South Africa in the 2020 Olympics. On 1 November 2022, Kubo was named in the Japan squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he started in the group stage victories over Germany and Spain, despite being subbed off early in both matches. On 15 May 2026, Kubo was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Club
As of match played 3 September 2026
International
As of match played 14 June 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kubo goal.
- Club
- FC Tokyo (2016–2019)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2019–)
- Club
- RCD Mallorca (2019–2020)
- Club
- Villarreal CF (2020–2021)
- Club
- Getafe CF (2021–2021)
- Club
- RCD Mallorca (2021–2022)
- Club
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (2019–2022)
- Club
- Yokohama F. Marinos (2018–2019)
- Club
- Real Sociedad (2022–)
- National team
- Japan
Personal
Clubs
Played together with
Abdelaziz BarradaGetafe CF · 2011–2013- Abdeljalil HaddaYokohama F. Marinos · 2000–2000
Abdoul CamaraRCD Mallorca · 2014–2014
Abdoulay DiabyGetafe CF · 2020–2021
Achraf HakimiReal Madrid Club de Fútbol · 2017–2020
Adam BuksaRCD Mallorca · 2026- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaFC Tokyo
Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorYokohama F. Marinos · 2015–2015- Adhemar Ferreira de Camargo NetoYokohama F. Marinos · 2005–2005
Adnan JanuzajReal Sociedad · 2017–2022
Ado OnaiwuYokohama F. Marinos
Adolfo AldanaReal Madrid Club de Fútbol · 1988–1992
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Takefusa Kubo , nicknamed Take (タケ), is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a right winger for La Liga club Real Sociedad and the Japan national team. He has been dubbed "Japanese Messi" by Japanese football fans because of his technical ability.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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