Hiroki Ito

Analysis: Ito fell short of expectations in Sunday's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, with Japan conceding twice despite his defensive involvement. He recorded five clearances, but won only 25 percent of his aerial duels, finishing with just one successful header and no tackles. Both Dutch goals came from close‑range situations where Japan's back line was left exposed, highlighting some early‑tournament rust. After making only 16 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich this season, Ito is still settling in, but he remains a regular starter for Japan after featuring just once at the 2022 World Cup.

Jun 2, 2026

Defensive anchor for Japan

Ito has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the first-choice in the back-three throughout the competition.

Analysis: Ito returned to full fitness with Bayern Munich this season after a metatarsal fracture cut short his debut campaign in Bavaria, making his availability for the tournament a significant relief for manager Moriyasu after an injury-disrupted year. The defender brings physical presence, composure on the ball and the ability to play in a high defensive line that suits Japan's style perfectly, and his experience with one of the world's biggest clubs adds an extra dimension of quality to the Samurai Blue's defensive unit. Ito heads into the World Cup as arguably Japan's most important defensive player and the linchpin of a back-three that will need to perform at its best against a challenging group.

Explore more players

Nico Schlotterbeck

BVB• #4• CB

Willi Orbán

RBL• #4• CB

David Raum

RBL• #22• LB

Maximilian Mittelstädt

VFB• #7• LB

Hiroki Ito

Ranking

Timeline

Grades

Key Grades

This season

Overall Grades by game

This season

Metrics

Key Metrics

Matches

News