Ayase Ueda

Ayase Ueda began his notable career in football by joining the Maebashi Ikuei High School's soccer club in 2011. This was a significant step in his development as a player, as Maebashi Ikuei is known for its strong focus on nurturing young talent. During his time there, Ueda honed his skills as a forward, demonstrating exceptional talent and potential which eventually caught the attention of professional clubs. This period was crucial in his journey toward professional football, providing him with the foundation needed for his future success.

In 2016, Ayase Ueda enrolled at Hosei University, a significant step in his academic and athletic career. While studying, Ueda joined the university's football team where he continued to develop his abilities as a forward. His performance in university-level football was stellar, and he drew attention from scouts and professional teams across Japan. Ueda's time at Hosei University was instrumental in refining his tactical understanding and technical skills, marking another major phase of growth in his journey to becoming a professional footballer.

Ayase Ueda made his professional debut for Kashima Antlers in the Japanese J1 League on August 10, 2019. Joining Kashima Antlers marked the beginning of his professional career in football. As a forward, Ueda was eager to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. His debut was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike who had been following his impressive track record in university and junior national teams. Ueda quickly became a regular figure in the team, contributing significantly to their offensive play.

At the end of his debut professional season, Ayase Ueda was awarded the J.League Young Player of the Year award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions and performances throughout the season. This award is given to the most promising young talent in the J.League, highlighting Ueda's impact in his first year as a professional. Ueda's formidable goal-scoring ability, combined with his work ethic and adaptability, made him stand out among his peers and showcased his potential to become one of Japan's top football talents.

Ayase Ueda was selected to represent Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held from July to August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic delay. His participation in the tournament was a testament to his development and reputation as a forward. Competing at the Olympics allowed Ueda to showcase his skills on an international stage, playing against top talents from around the world. Ueda's inclusion in the Olympic team underscored his role as an important young player for Japan's future in international football.

Ayase Ueda made a significant career move by transferring to Cercle Brugge, a Belgian First Division A team, on July 11, 2022. This transfer marked Ueda's first foray into European football, aiming to test and prove himself in the highly competitive European leagues. His move was seen as a strategic step to further develop his skills and gain international experience. The transfer to Cercle Brugge was also considered a positive move for Japanese football, as it highlighted the growing reputation of Japanese players overseas.