{"id":265218,"first_name":"Takefusa","last_name":"Kubo","short_name":"T. Kubo","common_name":"Takefusa Kubo","place_of_birth":"Kawasaki","gender":"male","height":173,"weight":64,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T08:23:05.868Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-08T09:06:50.890Z","locale":"en","age":24,"stb_id":"takefusa-kubo","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Takefusa Kubo","top_position":null,"introduction":"Takefusa Kubo, commonly known as Take Kubo, is a Japanese professional footballer recognized for his extraordinary potential and often dubbed as the 'Japanese Messi.' He plays as a right winger for the La Liga club Real Sociedad and is a significant figure in the Japan national team. Kubo's exceptional technique and promising talent have earned him a remarkable place in both club and international football.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nTakefusa Kubo was born on June 4, 2001, in Kawasaki, Japan. From a young age, Take displayed an exceptional talent for football, which led him to join FC Persimmon when he was only seven years old. His early football interests were encouraged by his local environment. In August 2009, while attending FC Barcelona Soccer Camp, he was distinguished as the MVP at the age of eight, showcasing his early prowess on the field. \n\n## Youth Career\nTakefusa Kubo's football journey began in earnest at FC Persimmon, a local academy in Kawasaki, his hometown. In 2010, he was selected to join the FC Barcelona School Team, competing in international venues such as the Sodexo European Rusas Cup in Belgium, where he once again received MVP honors. His mounting success there led him to Barcelona's La Masia youth academy in August 2011. Playing for Barca Aleví C (U11), he scored 74 goals in 30 games during his first full season, cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent. When FIFA regulations later forced his return to Japan, he joined the Kawasaki Frontale junior youth team before moving to FC Tokyo's junior youth team in March 2015.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### FC Tokyo\nUpon joining FC Tokyo's U-18 team in 2016, Takefusa Kubo quickly made an impression and was promoted to the senior team in 2016, debuting at a record age of fifteen years, five months, and one day. He became the youngest player to score in the J.League on April 15, 2017. Later, in 2018, Kubo spent a fruitful loan period at Yokohama F. Marinos, where he made his debut with a goal against Vissel Kobe.\n\n### Real Madrid\nKubo's talents attracted Real Madrid, and he signed a five-year deal in June 2019. Although initially anticipated to play mainly for Real Madrid B, Kubo was part of the first team's pre-season tours.\n\n### Mallorca Loan\nIn August 2019, Kubo joined Mallorca on loan, making a historical La Liga debut as the youngest Japanese player. He scored notable goals, including his first against Villarreal and a winner against Eibar.\n\n### Villarreal and Getafe Loans\nKubo moved to Villarreal in 2020, but after limited first-team opportunities, his loan tenure shortened. He subsequently joined Getafe, aiding their campaign that season.\n\n### Return to Mallorca and Real Sociedad\nRejoining Mallorca in 2021, Kubo delivered crucial performances like the stoppage-time winner against Atlético Madrid. He then joined Real Sociedad in 2022, marking his debut with a decisive goal against Cádiz and delivering standout performances against teams like Real Madrid and Mallorca.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nKubo's international career traces back to youth teams, participating in the Japan U-20 squad during the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup at merely fifteen years of age.\n\n### Senior National Team\nKubo transitioned to the senior Japan national team at eighteen, playing in the 2019 Copa América. He was also part of the team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring Japan's first goal against South Africa. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Kubo started in significant group stage victories, contributing to Japan's impressive campaign.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nTakefusa Kubo is primarily deployed as a right winger, known for his agility, dribbling skills, and technical finesse. His style of play, often compared to Lionel Messi, exemplifies excellent ball control and vision on the field. Kubo's ability to maneuver through tight defenses and his lethal accuracy in goal-scoring positions make him a formidable opponent.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his club career, Kubo has consistently contributed with goals and assists across high-level competitions in Japan and Spain. His youth career boasted remarkable statistics, with his Barcelona U11 season highlighting a scorecard of 74 goals in 30 games.\n\n## Records\nKubo holds the record for the youngest player to score in the J.League, highlighting his distinguished entry into professional football at an exceptionally young age.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\nWhile specific team awards with clubs are not detailed in the source, Kubo's contributions have been integral in the competitive performances of his teams in domestic leagues and international competitions.\n\n### Individual Achievements\nKubo has been recognized through several individual honors including La Liga Player of the Month for September 2023, acknowledgment in the UEFA La Liga Revelation Team of the Year for 2019–20, and being named in the Japan Pro-Footballers Association Awards Best XI in consecutive years (2022, 2023). Additionally, he was declared Real Sociedad Player of the Season for 2022–23.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nKubo has not only been lauded for his technical prowess on the field but also earned high regards for his sportsmanship and professional conduct, celebrated as a key asset in the Japanese and international football spectrum.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nTakefusa Kubo's career has made a significant impact on football, paving the way for Asian talent on international platforms. Starting at a young age, he showcased the potential and skill capable of competing in premier Europe and world stages.\n\n## Off the Field\nSpecific activities beyond the pitch are not detailed; however, Kubo's impact extends to embodying a role model for aspiring Japanese footballers and representing an inspiration for the young generation in his country and beyond.\n\n## Personal Life\nInformation regarding Kubo's personal interests, family life, or relationships has not been specifically detailed; hence, any portrayal would focus on his visible dedication and commitment to football.","stb_internal_id":"019305b8-5007-7799-b199-26fdb924e6d7","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"right-wing","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Takefusa Kubo, commonly known as Take Kubo, is a Japanese professional footballer recognized for his extraordinary potential and often dubbed as the 'Japanese Messi.' He plays as a right winger for the La Liga club Real Sociedad and is a significant figure in the Japan national team. Kubo's exceptional technique and promising talent have earned him a remarkable place in both club and international football.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Takefusa Kubo was born on June 4, 2001, in Kawasaki, Japan. From a young age, Take displayed an exceptional talent for football, which led him to join FC Persimmon when he was only seven years old. His early football interests were encouraged by his local environment. In August 2009, while attending FC Barcelona Soccer Camp, he was distinguished as the MVP at the age of eight, showcasing his early prowess on the field.

Youth Career

Takefusa Kubo's football journey began in earnest at FC Persimmon, a local academy in Kawasaki, his hometown. In 2010, he was selected to join the FC Barcelona School Team, competing in international venues such as the Sodexo European Rusas Cup in Belgium, where he once again received MVP honors. His mounting success there led him to Barcelona's La Masia youth academy in August 2011. Playing for Barca Aleví C (U11), he scored 74 goals in 30 games during his first full season, cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent. When FIFA regulations later forced his return to Japan, he joined the Kawasaki Frontale junior youth team before moving to FC Tokyo's junior youth team in March 2015.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

FC Tokyo

Upon joining FC Tokyo's U-18 team in 2016, Takefusa Kubo quickly made an impression and was promoted to the senior team in 2016, debuting at a record age of fifteen years, five months, and one day. He became the youngest player to score in the J.League on April 15, 2017. Later, in 2018, Kubo spent a fruitful loan period at Yokohama F. Marinos, where he made his debut with a goal against Vissel Kobe.

Real Madrid

Kubo's talents attracted Real Madrid, and he signed a five-year deal in June 2019. Although initially anticipated to play mainly for Real Madrid B, Kubo was part of the first team's pre-season tours.

Mallorca Loan

In August 2019, Kubo joined Mallorca on loan, making a historical La Liga debut as the youngest Japanese player. He scored notable goals, including his first against Villarreal and a winner against Eibar.

Villarreal and Getafe Loans

Kubo moved to Villarreal in 2020, but after limited first-team opportunities, his loan tenure shortened. He subsequently joined Getafe, aiding their campaign that season.

Return to Mallorca and Real Sociedad

Rejoining Mallorca in 2021, Kubo delivered crucial performances like the stoppage-time winner against Atlético Madrid. He then joined Real Sociedad in 2022, marking his debut with a decisive goal against Cádiz and delivering standout performances against teams like Real Madrid and Mallorca.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Kubo's international career traces back to youth teams, participating in the Japan U-20 squad during the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup at merely fifteen years of age.

Senior National Team

Kubo transitioned to the senior Japan national team at eighteen, playing in the 2019 Copa América. He was also part of the team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring Japan's first goal against South Africa. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Kubo started in significant group stage victories, contributing to Japan's impressive campaign.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Takefusa Kubo is primarily deployed as a right winger, known for his agility, dribbling skills, and technical finesse. His style of play, often compared to Lionel Messi, exemplifies excellent ball control and vision on the field. Kubo's ability to maneuver through tight defenses and his lethal accuracy in goal-scoring positions make him a formidable opponent.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his club career, Kubo has consistently contributed with goals and assists across high-level competitions in Japan and Spain. His youth career boasted remarkable statistics, with his Barcelona U11 season highlighting a scorecard of 74 goals in 30 games.

Records

Kubo holds the record for the youngest player to score in the J.League, highlighting his distinguished entry into professional football at an exceptionally young age.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

While specific team awards with clubs are not detailed in the source, Kubo's contributions have been integral in the competitive performances of his teams in domestic leagues and international competitions.

Individual Achievements

Kubo has been recognized through several individual honors including La Liga Player of the Month for September 2023, acknowledgment in the UEFA La Liga Revelation Team of the Year for 2019–20, and being named in the Japan Pro-Footballers Association Awards Best XI in consecutive years (2022, 2023). Additionally, he was declared Real Sociedad Player of the Season for 2022–23.

Awards and Recognition

Kubo has not only been lauded for his technical prowess on the field but also earned high regards for his sportsmanship and professional conduct, celebrated as a key asset in the Japanese and international football spectrum.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Takefusa Kubo's career has made a significant impact on football, paving the way for Asian talent on international platforms. Starting at a young age, he showcased the potential and skill capable of competing in premier Europe and world stages.

Off the Field

Specific activities beyond the pitch are not detailed; however, Kubo's impact extends to embodying a role model for aspiring Japanese footballers and representing an inspiration for the young generation in his country and beyond.

Personal Life

Information regarding Kubo's personal interests, family life, or relationships has not been specifically detailed; hence, any portrayal would focus on his visible dedication and commitment to football.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Takefusa_Kubo_9287c0730b.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":406414,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10628,"name":"Japan","country_code":"JPN","iso_code":"JP","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:00:27.900Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:33.828Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70c-3e80-73a9-8abe-f000ce75ef4b","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Japan_JP_ffa3822979.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":303442,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Attacker","foot":"left"},"membership":{"id":1156587,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2022-07-19","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T22:32:46.004Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:23:38.237Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"01932cce-b80d-7ddf-ae5d-439f66df6997","overrides":null,"team":{"id":50280,"name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol","short_name":"Real Sociedad","tla_name":"RSO","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol","founded":1903,"colors":"Blue,White","nicknames":"Txuriurdin,Erreala","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:36:36.627Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T22:35:22.457Z","website":"http://www.realsociedad.com","address":"Anoeta Pasalekua, 1","address_city":"San Sebastián","address_zip":"20014","locale":"en","stb_id":"real-sociedad-de-futbol","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## About the club Real Sociedad\n\n**Real Sociedad** is a team that **doesn't try to be like everyone else**. Founded in **1909** in **San Sebastian**, this club has always been **unique**. He experienced **championship triumphs**, years in the **second division**, a return to the elite and again a **struggle for the top**.\n\nThis is a team that **bets on its own**, develops youth, **does not chase high-profile transfers**, but always remains **competitive**. In **La Liga**, it is not just a participant - it is a team that is **respected**.\n\n> \"Real Sociedad is proof that you can be successful in football by staying true to your principles.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of Real Sociedad\n\nFootball in **San Sebastian** appeared at the beginning of the **XX century**, and already in **1909** the city got its own club - **Real Sociedad**. Its name means **\"Royal Society\"** because the team immediately received the **patronage of King Alfonso XIII**.\n\n**In the first decades** the club did not claim big victories, but was a **stable participant in La Liga**. And then came a **historical moment** – **1980s**. It was the **heyday of Basque football**: **Atlético and Real Sociedad** fought for the championship.\n\n> \"And it was Sociedad that became the champion of Spain twice in a row (1980/81, 1981/82), breaking the hegemony of the Madrid giants.\"\n\n**Those were the times** when the team relied only on **their pets** and showed all of Spain that it is possible to win **without star players**.\n\n**After that** harder times came. The club gradually lost positions, and in **2007** it was even relegated to **Segunda**. However, he returned after **three years** and **doesn't look back**.\n\n**New Golden Page** – **Cup of Spain 2020**. It was a **historic final** – a **Basque derby** against **Atlético**, postponed due to the pandemic. **Real Sociedad** won and showed that they are ready to **fight for trophies** again.","club_identity":"## Real Sociedad Stadium\n\nThe club's home arena is **\"Reale Arena\"** (better known as **\"Anoeta\")**, which holds more than **39 thousand spectators**. Opened in **1993**, it became a **real home** for the club.\n\n**Once she was criticized** - the stands were far from the field, the atmosphere was not felt. But after **reconstruction in 2019** everything changed. The stadium has become **modern, comfortable** and creates **real pressure on opponents**.\n\n## Achievements of Real Sociedad\n\nThe club did not win as much as the **La Liga giants**, but its victories were always **special**:\n\n* **Champion of Spain (2 times)** – **1980/81, 1981/82**.\n* **Spanish Cup (3 times)** – **1909, 1987, 2020**.\n* **Spanish Super Cup (1 time)** – **1982**.","current_status_and_future":"## Famous Real Sociedad players\n\n**Real Sociedad** has always **bet on its own**, and that is why **a lot of legends** have grown up here:\n\n1. **Javier Subisarreta** is one of the **best goalkeepers** in the history of Spanish football.\n\n2. **Luis Arconada** – **a symbol of the championship years**, a goalkeeper who worked wonders in the **80s**.\n\n3. **Alberto Gordon** – the man who was **the engine of that championship team**.\n\n4. **Antoine Griezmann** is the **best example** of how the club educates **stars for world football**.\n\n5. **Mikel Oyarsabal** is a modern captain who is **loyal to the club** and leads it to **new heights**.\n\n## Interesting facts about Real Sociedad\n\n* **One of the few clubs** that for a long time played only **their students** – until **1989** exclusively **Basques** played here.\n\n* **The team that forced La Liga to change the rules** – because of it **the playoffs for the championship** were introduced in the **80s**.\n\n* **Griezmann revealed himself here**, not in France – the future star was **not taken by French clubs**, but his talent was seen in **San Sebastian**.\n\n* The **Basque derby** is one of the **hottest in Spain** – the confrontation with **Atlético** is always full of **emotions**.\n\n* **One of the oldest clubs in La Liga** - more than **100 years of football** at the highest level.\n\n> \"Real Sociedad reminds us that true greatness is not in the amount of money, but in the ability to preserve traditions and nurture talent.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Real Sociedad** remains a **unique example** of how a club can **prosper** while remaining **true to its principles**. Will the team be able to **repeat the championship success of the 80s**? One thing is certain — the **spirit of Real Arena** and the **Basque traditions** make **Real Sociedad** a special place where **young talents** get a **real chance** and **football philosophy** is valued **higher than commercial success**. This is a club that **proves** that in modern football you can still **be yourself** and at the same time **achieve great results**.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-cfc0-7e87-b7de-a1f07a6ceee2","overrides":{"name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

About the club Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad is a team that doesn't try to be like everyone else. Founded in 1909 in San Sebastian, this club has always been unique. He experienced championship triumphs, years in the second division, a return to the elite and again a struggle for the top.

This is a team that bets on its own, develops youth, does not chase high-profile transfers, but always remains competitive. In La Liga, it is not just a participant - it is a team that is respected.

\n
\"Real Sociedad is proof that you can be successful in football by staying true to your principles.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of Real Sociedad

Football in San Sebastian appeared at the beginning of the XX century, and already in 1909 the city got its own club - Real Sociedad. Its name means \"Royal Society\" because the team immediately received the patronage of King Alfonso XIII.

In the first decades the club did not claim big victories, but was a stable participant in La Liga. And then came a historical moment – 1980s. It was the heyday of Basque football: Atlético and Real Sociedad fought for the championship.

\n
\"And it was Sociedad that became the champion of Spain twice in a row (1980/81, 1981/82), breaking the hegemony of the Madrid giants.\"
\n

Those were the times when the team relied only on their pets and showed all of Spain that it is possible to win without star players.

After that harder times came. The club gradually lost positions, and in 2007 it was even relegated to Segunda. However, he returned after three years and doesn't look back.

New Golden Page – Cup of Spain 2020. It was a historic final – a Basque derby against Atlético, postponed due to the pandemic. Real Sociedad won and showed that they are ready to fight for trophies again.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Real Sociedad Stadium

The club's home arena is \"Reale Arena\" (better known as \"Anoeta\"), which holds more than 39 thousand spectators. Opened in 1993, it became a real home for the club.

Once she was criticized - the stands were far from the field, the atmosphere was not felt. But after reconstruction in 2019 everything changed. The stadium has become modern, comfortable and creates real pressure on opponents.

Achievements of Real Sociedad

The club did not win as much as the La Liga giants, but its victories were always special:

Champion of Spain (2 times) – 1980/81, 1981/82.
Spanish Cup (3 times) – 1909, 1987, 2020.
Spanish Super Cup (1 time) – 1982.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous Real Sociedad players

Real Sociedad has always bet on its own, and that is why a lot of legends have grown up here:

Javier Subisarreta is one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Spanish football.
\n
Luis Arconada – a symbol of the championship years, a goalkeeper who worked wonders in the 80s.
\n
Alberto Gordon – the man who was the engine of that championship team.
\n
Antoine Griezmann is the best example of how the club educates stars for world football.
\n
Mikel Oyarsabal is a modern captain who is loyal to the club and leads it to new heights.
\n

Interesting facts about Real Sociedad

One of the few clubs that for a long time played only their students – until 1989 exclusively Basques played here.
\n
The team that forced La Liga to change the rules – because of it the playoffs for the championship were introduced in the 80s.
\n
Griezmann revealed himself here, not in France – the future star was not taken by French clubs, but his talent was seen in San Sebastian.
\n
The Basque derby is one of the hottest in Spain – the confrontation with Atlético is always full of emotions.
\n
One of the oldest clubs in La Liga - more than 100 years of football at the highest level.
\n

\n
\"Real Sociedad reminds us that true greatness is not in the amount of money, but in the ability to preserve traditions and nurture talent.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Real Sociedad remains a unique example of how a club can prosper while remaining true to its principles. Will the team be able to repeat the championship success of the 80s? One thing is certain — the spirit of Real Arena and the Basque traditions make Real Sociedad a special place where young talents get a real chance and football philosophy is valued higher than commercial success. This is a club that proves that in modern football you can still be yourself and at the same time achieve great results.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/734_8fcb58bacd.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-15"}}},"rating":7.2}

Takefusa Kubo: Career