Yuya Osako is a professional footballer known for his role as a forward in Japanese football.
He began his professional career with Kashima Antlers, where he played from 2009 to 2013.
Osako had a brief stint with TSV 1860 München in 2014, scoring on his debut.
Biography
Early Life
Yuya Osako is a Japanese professional footballer born in Japan, who has made a significant impact in the world of football as a forward. His journey began in the youth ranks of Kashima Antlers, where he developed his skills and passion for the game.
Career
Osako's professional career took off when he joined Kashima Antlers in 2009, where he played until 2013, winning several domestic titles including the J.League Division 1 and the Emperor's Cup. In 2014, he made a move to Germany, signing with TSV 1860 München, where he scored on his debut and finished the season with six goals in 15 appearances. Later that year, he transferred to 1. FC Köln, where he extended his contract until 2020 after a successful stint.
In 2018, Osako joined SV Werder Bremen, making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a DFB-Pokal match. His performances earned him the title of Japanese Footballer of the Year in 2019. In August 2021, he returned to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe, continuing to showcase his talent in the J1 League.
Osako has also been a key player for the Japan national team since 2013, participating in the 2018 World Cup and scoring a historic goal against Colombia, making Japan the first Asian team to defeat a South American team in World Cup history. He also played a vital role in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, helping Japan reach the final.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Osako has received numerous accolades, including multiple Japanese Footballer of the Year awards and recognition in the J.League Best XI. His contributions to both club and country have solidified his status as one of Japan's prominent footballers, inspiring future generations of players.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
1860 Munich
On 6 January 2014, Osako joined German side TSV 1860 Munich for the second half of the 2014–2015 season. He scored on his debut, the opener in a 1–1 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf. He finished the season with 6 goals in 15 appearances.
1. FC Köln
In June 2014, Osako transferred to 1. FC Köln signing a three-year contract. It was reported Kashima Antlers received a transfer fee of €1.5 million while 1860 Munich earned €500,000. In October 2016, he agreed a contract extension until summer 2020 with Köln. On 28 April 2018, he played as Köln lost 3–2 to SC Freiburg which confirmed their relegation from the Bundesliga.
Werder Bremen
On 16 May 2018, it was announced that Osako would join Werder Bremen for the 2018–19 season. He scored on his debut on 19 August 2018, netting the first goal with a header in a 6–1 win against Wormatia Worms in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. In February 2019, he was voted the 2018 Japanese Footballer of the Year.
Vissel Kobe
Osako returned to Japan in August 2021, joining Vissel Kobe.
In May 2018, he was named in the Japan national team's preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In the opening match against Colombia, he scored the second goal for Japan by a header, thus helping Japan become the first Asian team to beat a South American team in the World Cup history. He also appeared for Japan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup hosted by the United Arab Emirates. He scored four goals to help them reach the final, where they eventually lost to Qatar, 3–1.
Club
As of 8 October 2024
International
As of match played 27 January 2022
As of match played 27 January 2022 Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Osako goal.
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (2009–2013)
- Club
- TSV 1860 München (2014–2014)
- Club
- 1. FC Köln (2014–2018)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2013–2022)
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (2009–2009)
- Club
- Japan national under-23 football team (2010–2010)
- Club
- SV Werder Bremen (2018–2021)
- Club
- Vissel Kobe (2021–)
- League
- Bundesliga
- League
- 2. Bundesliga
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Kashima Antlers
J.League Division 1: 2009 Emperor's Cup: 2010 J.League Cup: 2011, 2012 Japanese Super Cup: 2009, 2010 Suruga Bank Championship: 2012, 2013 Vissel Kobe
J1 League: 2023, 2024 Emperor's Cup: 2024 J1 100 Year Vision League: 2026 Japan
EAFF East Asian Cup: 2013 AFC Asian Cup Runner-up: 2019 Individual
Japanese Footballer of the Year: 2018, 2023 J.League Cup MVP: 2011 J.League Cup top scorer: 2012 J1 League Monthly MVP: August 2013, May 2023, July 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament: 2019 J.League Player of the Year: 2023 J.League Top Scorer: 2023 J.League Best XI: 2023, 2024 Japan Pro-Footballers Association awards: Best XI (2023)
Clubs
- Vissel Kobe2021current
- Japan national under-20 association football team2009–2009
- Kashima Antlers2009–2013
- Japan national under-23 football team2010–2010
- Japan men's national football team2013–2022
- 1. FC Köln2014–2018
- TSV 1860 München2014–2014
- SV Werder Bremen2018–2021
Played together with
Aaron HuntSV Werder Bremen · 2004–2014- Abderrahim OuakiliTSV 1860 München · 1997–1999
Abdoulaye BaTSV 1860 München · 2017–2017
Abedi PeleTSV 1860 München · 1996–1998
Adam Matuszczyk1. FC Köln · 2010–2015
Adil Chihi1. FC Köln · 2005–2014- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaVissel Kobe · 2010–2011
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaVissel Kobe · 2013–2013
Aggelos CharisteasSV Werder Bremen · 2002–2005- Akihiro EndōVissel Kobe · 2005–2007
- Akihiro NagashimaVissel Kobe · 1995–2000
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2010–2010
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yuya Osako is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for J1 League club Vissel Kobe.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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