Ryūnosuke Satō
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 16 October 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan[1] | ||
| Height | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | |||
| Team information | |||
Current team | FC Tokyo | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2013 | Hekizan SC | ||
| 2014–2018 | JACPA Tokyo | ||
| 2016–2023 | FC Tokyo | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | FC Tokyo | 3 | (0) |
| 2025 | → Fagiano Okayama (loan) | 28 | (6) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2022 | Japan U16 | 5 | (1) |
| 2023 | Japan U17 | 10 | (3) |
| 2023 | Japan U18 | 2 | (0) |
| 2024 | Japan U19 | 5 | (1) |
| 2024–2025 | Japan U20 | 13 | (4) |
| 2024 | Japan U23 | 3 | (1) |
| 2025– | Japan | 5 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 10 December 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 10 December 2025 | |||
Ryūnosuke Satō (佐藤 龍之介, Satō Ryūnosuke; born 16 October 2006) is a Japanese footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for FC Tokyo, and the Japan national team.
Club career
FC 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.[2][3] Enrolled in the academy of professional side FC Tokyo since 2016, where he played at their facility in Kodaira, he was moved to their Musashi team in 2019.[2]
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.[4] 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.[4]
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.[5] In making his debut, he became the youngest player to ever play for FC Tokyo, beating the record held by Takefusa Kubo.[6] On 26 August 2023 Satō signed his first professional contract with FC Tokyo.[2][7] Having only featured in three league games in the 2024 season, Satō expressed his disappointment in not featuring more often, stating it had affected him mentally.[8]
2025: Loan to Fagiano Okayama
In January 2025, Satō joined fellow-J1 League side Fagiano Okayama on a year-long loan deal.[9] He scored for Fagiano Okayama in the inaugural "China Derby" against fellow-Chūgoku region-based side Sanfrecce Hiroshima on 12 April 2025, the only goal in Fagiano Okayama's 1–0 win.[10][11] This goal was his second for the club, having already scored against Cerezo Osaka the week before, and he followed it with a goal in Fagiano Okayama's next match against Kashima Antlers.[12] This run of goalscoring form led him to being named April's J1 League Young Player of the Month.[13]
Further J1 League Young Player of the Month awards followed in both July and October, as his performances continued to draw plaudits from Japanese media.[14][15] At the end of the season, he was named the J1 League Young Player of the Year, highlighting a successful personal campaign with Fagiano Okayama as he helped the club to a 13th-place finish in their first year in the J1 League.[16]
International career
Youth
Having returned early from the 2024 Maurice Revello Tournament after withdrawing from the squad,[17] Satō was called up to the Japan under-23 side for a friendly against France on 17 July 2024.[18] 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.[18]
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.[19] 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.[20] 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".[6]
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.[21][22] 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.[23]
Style of play
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.[10][24] He is known for his stamina, able to cover vast distances in games.[10][25]
Career statistics
Club
- As of 20 May 2025.[26]
| Club | Season | League | National Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| FC Tokyo | 2023 | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Fagiano Okayama (loan) | 2025 | J1 League | 28 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 6 |
| Career total | 31 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 6 | ||
- Notes
- ^ Includes Emperor's Cup
- ^ Includes J.League Cup
International
- As of match played 10 December 2025.[27]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2025 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | |
Honours
Japan
- Individual
- J1 League Young Player of the Month: April 2025,[28] July 2025,[29] October 2025[30]
- J.League Best Young Player: 2025[31]
References
- ^ a b Ryūnosuke Satō at WorldFootball.net
- ^ a b c "佐藤龍之介選手(FC東京U-18)プロ契約締結のお知らせ" [Ryunosuke Sato (FC Tokyo U-18) signs professional contract]. fctokyo.co.jp (in Japanese). 26 August 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "16歳でFC東京とプロ契約！佐藤龍之介選手" [Ryunosuke Sato signed a professional contract with FC Tokyo at the age of 16!]. jacpa.co.jp (in Japanese). 6 September 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b "若き青赤の10番から日本の10番へ。成長を止めない佐藤龍之介が突き進むのは世界の主役へと続く道" [From the young No. 10 for the Blues and Reds to Japan's No. 10. Ryunosuke Sato, who never stops growing, is on his way to becoming a leading player on the world stage]. footballista.jp (in Japanese). 9 November 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "【ルヴァン杯】FC東京16歳MF佐藤龍之介デビュー「サッカー人生で一番濃い時間」監督も絶賛" [[Levain Cup] FC Tokyo 16-year-old midfielder Ryunosuke Sato makes debut: "The most intense time of my football career" praised by coach]. nikkansports.com (in Japanese). 8 March 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b "繊細にして、豪胆。気鋭の18歳が迎える世界との"再会"【U-20日本代表・佐藤龍之介（ファジアーノ岡山）】" [Delicate yet bold. A spirited 18-year-old's "reunion" with the world [U-20 Japan National Team's Ryunosuke Sato (Fagiano Okayama)]]. news.jsports.co.jp (in Japanese). 26 September 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "🔵FC東京が16歳佐藤龍之介とプロ契約を締結🔴久保建英、平川怜以来の高校生Jリーガー誕生！" [🔵FC Tokyo signs professional contract with 16-year-old Ryunosuke Sato🔴The first high school student to become a J-League player since Takefusa Kubo and Rei Hirakawa!]. sportsbull.jp (in Japanese). 26 August 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "「岡山浮上の起爆剤になりますよ」とキッパリ。18歳の佐藤龍之介は熾烈な競争も大歓迎。攻撃力アップにギラギラ感「みんなが見たくなる選手になる」" ["It will be a catalyst for Okayama's rise," he said firmly. 18-year-old Ryunosuke Sato also welcomes the fierce competition. He is dazzling with the increased offensive power, saying, "I will become a player that everyone wants to watch."]. soccerdigestweb.com (in Japanese). 21 January 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "FC東京・佐藤龍之介、J1昇格の岡山に育成型期限付き移籍 一両日中にも正式発表 今季トップ昇格のDF永野修都はJ3鳥取へ" [FC Tokyo's Ryunosuke Sato will move to newly promoted Okayama in the J1 League on a development-type loan basis. The transfer will be made official within the next day or two. Defender Shuto Nagano, who was promoted to the top division this season, will move to Tottori in the J3 League]. chunichi.co.jp (in Japanese). 7 January 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "【岡山】佐藤龍之介が歴史に名を刻む中国ダービー初得点！ 勝利に貢献して「勝って、みんなで喜べる方が何倍もうれしい」" [[Okayama] Ryunosuke Sato makes history with his first goal in the China Derby! Contributing to the victory, "It's so much more fun to win and celebrate with everyone"]. soccermagazine.jp (in Japanese). 12 April 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "J1 League Match Week 10 Recap: Another day of high drama as Fukuoka and Kyoto climb into the top two". jleague.co. 13 April 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "ＭＦ佐藤龍之介 武者修行先のＪ１岡山で覚醒…保有元サポからは〝ラブコール〟「東京を救ってくれ」" [Midfielder Sato Ryunosuke awakens at J1 Okayama, where he is undergoing training... Former club supporters send him a "love call": "Save Tokyo!"]. tokyo-sports.co.jp (in Japanese). 21 April 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "4月の月間ヤングプレーヤー賞は岡山18歳MF佐藤龍之介!! 右WBで13km超走破、J1初弾など3戦連発「積み上げてきた日々が少しずつ形になってきた」" [The April Young Player of the Month award goes to 18-year-old Okayama midfielder Ryunosuke Sato! He ran over 13km as a right wing-back and scored his first J1 goal in three consecutive games. "The hard work I've put in is starting to take shape."]. web.gekisaka.jp (in Japanese). 20 May 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "岡山で充実の一途をたどる佐藤龍之介、劇的同点弾アシスト→日本代表に合流「残留を決めてここに来ることができて良かった」" [Ryunosuke Sato, who is steadily improving in Okayama, assists in the dramatic equalizer and joins the Japan national team: "I'm glad I was able to stay and come here"]. soccer-king.jp (in Japanese). 10 November 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "佐藤 龍之介選手 2025明治安田Ｊ１リーグ 月間ヤングプレーヤー賞（10月度）受賞のお知らせ" [Ryunosuke Sato wins the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Young Player of the Month Award (October)]. fagiano-okayama.com (in Japanese). 11 November 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Ｊ１ベストヤングプレーヤー賞にファジ佐藤 優秀選手賞とダブル受賞" [Fagiano Sato wins J1 Best Young Player Award and Outstanding Player Award]. sanyonews.jp (in Japanese). 9 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "U-19日本代表 佐藤龍之介選手離脱のお知らせ モーリスレベロトーナメント（＠フランス／ブーシュ=デュ=ローヌ）" [U-19 Japan National Team: Ryunosuke Sato withdraws from the team Maurice Rebelo Tournament (@Bouches-du-Rhône, France)]. jfa.jp (in Japanese). 9 June 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b "MF佐藤龍之介がU-19日本代表のTMで２ゴールの活躍。大岩ジャパンに帯同したロス五輪の主役候補が現地で見た新たな世界" [Midfielder Ryunosuke Sato scored two goals in the Japan U-19 team's training match. The star player of the Los Angeles Olympics, who accompanied Oiwa Japan, saw a new world at the venue]. soccerdigestweb.com (in Japanese). 25 July 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "J1ファジアーノ岡山 佐藤龍之介選手(18) が帰国 U-20W杯の出場権獲得に貢献「攻撃のアクセントに」" [J1 League Fagiano Okayama player Ryunosuke Sato (18) returns to Japan and contributes to the team's qualification for the U-20 World Cup by "adding an accent to the attack"]. news.ksb.co.jp (in Japanese). 3 March 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "１８歳のＭＦ佐藤龍之介 武者修行先のＪ１岡山デビュー 無得点に「点を決めてシーンとさせたかった」" [18-year-old midfielder Ryunosuke Sato debuts at his training destination, J1 Okayama, but ends up scoreless: "I wanted to score a goal and put an end to the silence"]. tokyo-sports.co.jp (in Japanese). 9 March 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "日本代表・佐藤龍之介、A代表デビューに「自然と笑顔が出る状況でした」 初招集終え成長誓う（1/2ページ）" [Japan national team player Ryunosuke Sato on his senior national team debut: "It was a situation that naturally brought a smile to my face" - vows to continue growing after first call-up]. sanspo.com (in Japanese). 11 June 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "【サッカー・佐藤龍之介】応援する側の活力も、応援される責任も知る18歳" [[Soccer player Ryunosuke Sato] 18-year-old learns the vitality of supporting the team and the responsibility of being supported]. ananweb.jp (in Japanese). 28 September 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "【日本代表】１９歳・佐藤龍之介〝不滅の記録〟更新に意欲「めっちゃ狙っていきたい！」" [[Japan National Team] 19-year-old Ryunosuke Sato is eager to break the "immortal record" "I really want to aim for it!"]. tokyo-sports.co.jp (in Japanese). 15 November 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "急造・左WBで躍動した岡山MF佐藤龍之介…A代表経験でわかった道のりの正しさ、W杯への距離感、Jでやるべきこと" [Okayama midfielder Ryunosuke Sato, who excelled as a makeshift left wingback... The correct path he learned from his experience with the national team, the distance to the World Cup, and what he needs to do in the J League]. web.gekisaka.jp (in Japanese). 25 June 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "新境地の右WBで走力際立つ岡山18歳MF佐藤龍之介「ここに来て良かったなと」現地視察の森保監督から期待の要求も" [Okayama 18-year-old midfielder Ryunosuke Sato, who excels at right wing-back and has outstanding running ability, said, "I'm glad I came here." Manager Moriyasu, who inspected the site, also made high expectations of the team]. web.gekisaka.jp (in Japanese). 19 May 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ Ryūnosuke Satō at Soccerway
- ^ Ryūnosuke Satō at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ "4月度「2025 明治安田Ｊリーグ KONAMI 月間MVP」を発表！「月間ベストゴール」「月間優秀監督賞」「月間ヤングプレーヤー賞」「月間ベストセーブ賞」の各賞も決定！" [The "2025 Meiji Yasuda J.League KONAMI Monthly MVP" for April has been announced! The winners of the "Monthly Best Goal", "Monthly Outstanding Manager", "Monthly Young Player", and "Monthly Best Save" awards have also been decided!]. JLeague.jp (in Japanese). Japan Professional Football League. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "7月度「２０２５明治安田Ｊリーグ KONAMI 月間MVP」を発表！「月間ベストゴール」「月間優秀監督賞」「月間ヤングプレーヤー賞」「月間ベストセーブ賞」の各賞も決定！" [The July "2025 Meiji Yasuda J.League KONAMI Monthly MVP" has been announced! The winners of the "Monthly Best Goal," "Monthly Outstanding Manager," "Monthly Young Player," and "Monthly Best Save" awards have also been decided!]. JLeague.jp (in Japanese). Japan Professional Football League. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "10月度「２０２５明治安田Ｊリーグ KONAMI 月間MVP」を発表！「月間ベストゴール」「月間優秀監督賞」「月間ヤングプレーヤー賞」「月間ベストセーブ賞」の各賞も決定！" [The October "2025 Meiji Yasuda J.League KONAMI Monthly MVP" has been announced! The winners of the "Monthly Best Goal," "Monthly Outstanding Manager," "Monthly Young Player," and "Monthly Best Save" awards have also been decided!]. JLeague.jp (in Japanese). Japan Professional Football League. 11 November 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "２０２５Ｊリーグ 各賞決定のお知らせ ベストヤングプレーヤー賞、優秀監督賞、フェアプレー賞各賞、最優秀主審賞・副審賞が決定 ～ベストヤングプレーヤー賞はファジアーノ岡山 佐藤 龍之介選手が受賞～" [2025 J.League Awards Announced: Best Young Player, Outstanding Manager, Fair Play Awards, Best Referee and Assistant Referee Awards Announced ~ Fagiano Okayama's Ryunosuke Sato wins the Best Young Player Award]. JLeague.jp (in Japanese). Japan Professional Football League. 9 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.