Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo was born on June 4, 2001, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. From an early age, Kubo showed a remarkable talent for soccer, which would eventually lead him to join top clubs and develop into a professional player admired around the world for his skills and vision on the field.

In August 2011, Takefusa Kubo joined FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, which is renowned for developing world-class soccer talent. Kubo's skill set and potential were quickly recognized, and he was nicknamed 'Take Messi' due to the similarities in style and role between him and Barcelona's star Lionel Messi. This period at La Masia laid the groundwork for his future career in professional soccer.

In March 2015, Takefusa Kubo was forced to leave Barcelona's youth academy and return to Japan due to FIFA sanctions. The sanctions were related to the violations of international transfer regulations for players under the age of 18. Kubo returned to Japan where he joined FC Tokyo's youth set-up, continuing his development and later breaking into the first team, which marked a significant step in his career.

On November 5, 2017, Takefusa Kubo made his professional debut for FC Tokyo against Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League, becoming the youngest player to play in the top Japanese league at the age of 15 years and 5 months. This debut was the beginning of Kubo's promising professional career, showcasing his immense potential to both Japanese and international audiences.

Takefusa Kubo signed with Real Madrid on June 14, 2019, a highly publicized transfer as he joined one of the most prestigious clubs in the world at just 18 years old. Kubo was immediately loaned out to several clubs in Spain to gain experience, but his move to Real Madrid was pivotal, highlighting his potential to compete at the highest level in European football and marking him as a player to watch on the global stage.

Takefusa Kubo made his debut for the senior Japan national team on June 14, 2019, in a Copa America match against Chile. At 18 years old, Kubo displayed great potential and excitement, marking his rising trajectory in international football. His inclusion in the national team was an indication of his talent and the belief in him to become a key player for Japan in future international competitions.

In the 2019-2020 season, Takefusa Kubo was loaned to RCD Mallorca, providing him the opportunity to gain valuable experience in La Liga. During the season, Kubo showcased his skills as an attacking midfielder, contributing with several goals and assists. This loan spell at Mallorca was an important part of his development, adapting to European football and proving himself in one of the top leagues in the world.

For the 2020-2021 season, Takefusa Kubo was loaned to Villarreal CF. This move was intended to further his development in La Liga, with Villarreal being a competitive team playing in domestic and European competitions. However, Kubo's time at Villarreal was challenging, with limited playing time, leading to a mid-season loan move to Getafe CF. His stint at Villarreal tested his perseverance and adaptability in European football.

On July 19, 2022, Takefusa Kubo signed a permanent deal with Real Sociedad in La Liga, marking a significant move in his career as he looked to establish himself as a key player in Spain's top flight. The transfer to Real Sociedad offered him a stable environment to continue his growth and impact on the field, solidifying his presence in European soccer and increasing his contributions both creatively and offensively.

In September 2023, Takefusa Kubo impressed the world with his spectacular play in the UEFA Champions League for Real Sociedad. His performance on September 12 was particularly noteworthy, as he demonstrated his exceptional dribbling, vision, and ability to contribute to the team's offensive strategy. Kubo's participation in the Champions League further established him as a star on the international stage, drawing attention from top clubs globally.