Biography
Could Kubo become the biggest Asian soccer star of all time? A lot of observers believe he might – and he’s already acquired the nickname ‘the Japanese Messi’. The Kawasaki-born right midfielder, who can also play up front, was spotted by Barcelona as an eight year-old, while taking part in one of the Spanish club’s soccer camps. He was snapped up by Barcelona’s legendary La Masia youth academy, moving from Japan to Spain permanently, aged just ten. Kubo dazzled for the Barca youth team – with a highly impressive goalscoring record – but in 2015 signed for FC Tokyo, feeling that he might get more playing minutes back at home.
A successful season in the J-League, however, meant that the European giants came calling again. Kubo signed for Real Madrid in 2019. The Spanish side see him as a future star – but in order to get some experience, he has been loaned out to Mallorca, where he recently made his La Liga debut. By doing so, he became the youngest Japanese player to ever play in one of Europe’s big four leagues (18 years and two months old).
I always want to aim at the top. I am most looking forward to what I will do in the future myself, and intend to spare no effort for that."
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