TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Soccer talents from Japan continue to shine across European football, with hundreds of players making an impact in the top leagues. Signed by various European clubs, a select few stand out for their exceptional performances and remarkable skills on the field.

Top 5 Best Japanese Football Players Playing in Europe 2024

Citing from Transfermarkt and Japan Forward, this article explores the five best Japanese football players in Europe 2024.

1. Ritsu Dan – SC Freiburg (€18 million)

Playing for SC Freiburg, Ritsu Dan firmly tops the list of best Japanese football players in Europe. Known for his dazzling dribbling and attacking flair, Dan has been dubbed the “Japanese Messi.” The right winger first made his European debut with FC Groningen in 2017, where he quickly made an impact, making 29 appearances and wearing the no. 7 shirt. Since then, he has been in the spotlight of European football and has a market value of 18 million euros.

2. Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton & Hove Albion (€45 million)

The shining star of Brighton & Hove Albion, Kaoru Mitoma plays as a left winger and has quickly become one of the Premier League’s brightest talents. Making his European debut in 2022, Mitoma’s ability to read the game and anticipate where the ball will go has established him as the prototype of a top winger. His remarkable journey as a footballer has been the main reason for his glittering career at Brighton, with a market value of €45 million.

3. Daichi Kamada – Crystal Palace (€18 million)

Daichi Kamada, 28, is a dynamic attacking midfielder for Crystal Palace. He made his European debut with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2017 and has since gone on to celebrate many victories, including the Europa League in 2019. His unparalleled technical ability and versatility have earned him the nickname “Euro-Dachi”, reflecting his impact on European football. With a market value of €18 million, he continues to be regarded as one of Japan’s top footballers.

4. Takumi Minamino – AS Monaco (€20 million)

Joining AS Monaco in the summer of 2022, Takumi Minamino is a highly versatile attacking player for the team. He first made a name for himself in Europe with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored over 60 goals and laid on 40 assists in nearly 200 appearances. Minamino’s impressive performances for the Austrian club have since earned him even more recognition. With over a decade of success in European football, his market value has now reached €20 million. 

5. Takefusa Kubo – Real Sociedad (€50 million)

Famous for his excellent dribbling skills and quick acceleration, Takefusa Kubo perfectly completes the list of the best Japanese footballers in Europe. After starting his European journey at the age of 15 by joining the J.League, Kubo moved to Real Madrid and later signed with Real Sociedad in 2022. Since then, he has continued to improve his skills as a right winger and has become the club’s most outstanding player with an astonishing market value of €50 million.

Transfermarkt | Japan Forward

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