Yukinari Sugawara is a professional footballer known for his role as a defender in Japan's national team.
He began his professional career with Nagoya Grampus, where he made his debut at just 17 years old.
Sugawara had a successful loan spell at AZ Alkmaar, where he became a regular player in the Eredivisie.
Biography
Early Life
Yukinari Sugawara is a talented Japanese professional footballer born into a culture that reveres the sport. He began his journey in football at a young age, showcasing his skills early on, which led to his registration as a player with Nagoya Grampus on February 23, 2018. Just a day later, he made his debut in the J1 League against Gamba Osaka, becoming the second youngest player to start in the league's opening match at just 17 years and 7 months old.
Career Progression
Sugawara's career took off rapidly as he signed his first professional contract with Nagoya Grampus on April 6, 2018, making him the youngest player in the club's history to do so. His potential was recognized internationally when he joined AZ Alkmaar on loan in June 2019, where he made his first-team debut in the Europa League. Sugawara's performances in the Eredivisie earned him accolades, including being named Eredivisie Talent of the Month in January 2022 and making several appearances in the Team of the Month.
In 2020, he made his debut for the Japan national team, and by 2026, he was selected for the squad for the FIFA World Cup. His international career has been marked by significant contributions, including assists in crucial matches against teams like Germany.
Legacy and Honors
Sugawara's achievements extend beyond club football; he played a pivotal role in Japan's U19 team, securing third place in the AFC U-19 Championship in 2018. His individual accolades include being part of the Eredivisie Team of the Calendar Year in 2023 and the JPFA Awards Best XI in 2024. As he continues to develop his career, Sugawara is poised to leave a lasting impact on Japanese football, both at the club and international levels.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Nagoya Grampus
On 23 February 2018, it was announced that Nagoya Grampus had registered Sugawara as a player. Sugawara made his debut the following day, the opening day of the 2018 season, in a match against Gamba Osaka. At 17 years, 7 months, and 27 days, Sugawara's starting appearance in the J1 League opening match was the second youngest record in history (the youngest being Junichi Inamoto at 17 years and 6 months). On 6 April 2018, Sugawara signed his first professional contract with Nagoya Grampus, the youngest in the club's history to sign a professional deal, at 17 years and 10 months.
Loan to AZ
Sugawara joined Eredivisie club AZ on 21 June 2019 on a season-long loan. He made his first-team debut on 25 July, as a 59th-minute substitute during AZ's 0–0 home draw against BK Häcken in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. At AZ he was mainly utilised as a right back, where he competed with the older Jonas Svensson, and was set to become his future successor. On 4 August 2019, Sugawara started in the home match against Fortuna Sittard and scored the final goal in the 84th minute, to make it 4–0 after preliminary work by Calvin Stengs. Both in the league and group stage of the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League, Sugawara was a regular rotational player during the season, while also making some appearances for the reserve team of Jong AZ in the second-tier Eerste Divisie. During this season he played 16 league games in which he scored two…
Sugawara represented Japan at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his debut with the senior Japan national team in a friendly 0–0 tie with Cameroon on 9 October 2020. In March 2023, Sugawara made his first start for Japan against Uruguay. In September of the same year, he provided the assist for the first goal against Germany and was also the starting point for the second goal. On 15 May 2026, Sugawara was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Club
As of match played 9 May 2026
International
As of match played 29 June 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sugawara goal.
- Club
- Nagoya Grampus
- Club
- AZ Alkmaar
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2020–)
- Club
- Southampton F.C. (2024–)
- Club
- SV Werder Bremen (2025–2026)
- Club
- Cagliari Calcio (2026–)
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Japan U19
AFC U-19 Championship third place: 2018 Individual
Eredivisie Talent of the Month: January 2022 Eredivisie Team of the Month: January 2022, March 2023, August 2023, September 2023, October 2023 Eredivisie Team of the Calendar Year: 2023 JPFA Awards Best XI: 2024 Records
Most appearances for AZ in UEFA club competitions
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team2020current
- Southampton F.C.2024current
- Cagliari Calcio2026current
- AZ Alkmaarcurrent
- Nagoya Grampuscurrent
- SV Werder Bremen2025–2026
Played together with
Aaron HuntSV Werder Bremen · 2004–2014
Aaron RamsdaleSouthampton F.C. · 2024- Abdelkrim El HadriouiAZ Alkmaar · 1998–2002
- Adam HammillSouthampton F.C. · 2007–2008
Adam LallanaSouthampton F.C. · 2006–2014- Adam LallanaSouthampton F.C. · 2024–2025
Adam MaherAZ Alkmaar · 2010–2013
Adam ObertCagliari Calcio · 2021
Adil RamziAZ Alkmaar · 2004–2006- Adriano PimentaNagoya Grampus · 2001–2001
AdryanCagliari Calcio · 2014–2014
Aggelos CharisteasSV Werder Bremen · 2002–2005
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yukinari Sugawara is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Serie A club Cagliari, on loan from EFL Championship club Southampton and the Japan national team.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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