Yuya Kubo (footballer)

Japanese footballer (born 1993)

Yuya Kubo
久保 裕也

Kubo playing for Young Boys in 2014

Personal information
Full name|  Yuya Kubo
Date of birth|  (1993-12-24) 24 December 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth|  Yamaguchi City, Japan
Height|  1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)|  Midfielder, forward
Team information

Current team

|  FC Cincinnati
Number|  7
Youth career
|  FC Yamaguchi
2006–2008|  Konan Junior High School
2009–2011|  Kyoto Sanga
Senior career*
Years|  Team|  Apps|  (Gls)
2011–2013|  Kyoto Sanga|  66|  (18)
2013–2017|  Young Boys|  104|  (26)
2017–2020|  Gent|  62|  (22)
2018–2019|  → 1\. FC Nürnberg (loan)|  22|  (1)
2020–|  FC Cincinnati|  132|  (14)
International career
2009–2010|  Japan U-16|  2|  (2)
2010–2011|  Japan U-17|  7|  (3)
2011–2012|  Japan U-18|  6|  (11)
2012|  Japan U-19|  12|  (4)
2014|  Japan U-21|  2|  (0)
2015|  Japan U-22|  2|  (1)
2016|  Japan U-23|  8|  (3)
2016–|  Japan|  13|  (2)

Medal record

Kyoto Sanga FC
Runner-up | Emperor's Cup | 2011
Representing  Japan
AFC U-23 Championship
| 2016 Qatar |

*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of match played 19 October 2024

Yuya Kubo (久保 裕也, Kubo Yūya, born 24 December 1993) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a forward or midfielder for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati.

## Early life and youth

[edit]

Born into a family of martial artists, Kubo began playing soccer at the age of five and initially started playing as a defender in elementary school, switching to forward in junior high school.[1] In his second year, he was recruited by Kyoto Sanga to join their youth academy. In his third year of junior high, he participated in the National Junior High School Soccer Tournament and represented Yamaguchi Prefecture in the National Sports Festival.

## Club career

[edit]

### Kyoto Sanga

[edit]

In 2009, at the age of fifteen, he joined the U-18 team of Kyoto Sanga and at 16 he was temporarily registered with the first team before returning to the youth squad for the J.League Youth Championship, leading the "Golden Generation" of Kyoto Sanga Youth to the semifinals.[2] In 2011, he was officially promoted to the first team. and made his J2 League debut, scoring in his first start. By the end of the season, he had scored 10 goals in 30 league matches, becoming the team’s top scorer at just 17 years old.[3] On December 29, in the Emperor’s Cup semi-final against Yokohama F. Marinos, Kubo came off the bench and scored a crucial goal in extra time to break the 2–2 deadlock. He would also provide an assist in the game, helping to secure his team’s spot in the final with a 4–2 victory.[4] He scored in the final against FC Tokyo, coming off the bench as he did in the semi-final. His goal was in vain this time however, as FC Tokyo won the match 4–2.[5][6]

During the 2013 season, he scored his first professional hat-trick.[7]

### BSC Young Boys

[edit]

#### 2013–14

[edit]

On 18 June 2013, Kyoto Sanga announced Kubo's transfer to Swiss club BSC Young Boys.[8] He made his Swiss Super League debut on 13 July playing 15 minutes in a 2–0 win against FC Sion at the season opener.[9] In his third match on 28 July, he scored two goals and made one assist coming off the bench against FC Thun in a 3–2 win,[10] and continued to impress with another goal in the fourth match.[11] Although he started only five matches in his first season in Switzerland, he played in 34 league games, scoring seven goals and providing five assists, helping Young Boys finish third and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

#### 2014–15

[edit]

Kubo started the domestic season strong with goals in the opening two matches while playing as an attacking midfielder,[12] but struggled to maintain a starting spot as his coach wanted him to focus more on playmaking rather than scoring. He expressed frustration post-match after coming on as a substitute in matchday 28, stating, "This style of play takes away my strengths. Moving forward, I want to balance team play while still showing my abilities." Given a starting appearance in the following game, Kubo scored the opening goal versus Grasshopper.[13] By season’s end, he had played 27 league matches and started 14, scoring five goals. During the 2014–15 Europa League, Kubo helped Young Boys reach the group stage. He debuted in the group stage with an assist in their opening match against Slovan Bratislava[14] and continued impressing, assisting against Napoli and scoring a crucial brace in the return fixture against Slovan Bratislava, making him the second Japanese player to score twice in a Europa League match after Shinji Okazaki.[15] His team was eliminated in the following round by Everton.

#### 2015–16

[edit]

In the 2015–16 Champions League season, his team was eliminated in the qualifying round by AS Monaco and dropped into the Europa League playoffs, where they were eliminated by Qarabağ FK. Domestically, Kubo had a strong start, scoring two goals in the first round of the Swiss Cup against SC Kriens. He then scored one goal in each of the following three league matches.[16] On 20 April, he scored a brace versus FC Luzern. Although he missed the latter part of the season due to injury, he recorded nine goals and six assists in 29 league appearances, the highest tally since his move.[17] His contributions helped Young Boys finish second again, and he extended his contract until 2020.[17]

#### 2016–17

[edit]

During the start of the 2016–17 season, Kubo was about to depart for Brazil with his national team for the Olympics, but was recalled by Young Boys due to injuries in the squad.[18][19] He scored in the first game of the season on 23 July versus St. Gallen, and played a key role in Young Boys' Champions League qualifying win against Shakhtar Donetsk, scoring twice.[18] Kubo scored in all three Swiss Cup matches that he appeared in, including netting a hat-trick on 18 September. He also scored in three straight league games for the second time for his club.

### KAA Gent

[edit]

On 25 January 2017, Kubo was acquired by Belgian club KAA Gent for a transfer fee of €3.5 million.[20] He had an immediate impact for his new club, scoring a free-kick goal from 27 yards out in his first game.[21] He finished the regular season by scoring five goals in the seven remaining games.[22] His hot form continued into the playoffs, starting all 10 games while scoring six times, ending his season scoring 23 goals across all competitions for both clubs.

In August 2018, Kubo joined Bundesliga side 1\. FC Nürnberg on loan for the 2018–19 season. While his Gent contract was also extended, Nürnberg secured an option to sign him permanently.[23]

### United States

[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (February 2025)

|

On 9 January 2020, Kubo joined MLS side FC Cincinnati as a designated player.[24] Signed as an attacking player,[25] he made his FC Cincinnati debut against the New York Red Bulls, on 1 March 2020 and scored his first goal for his new club in the following match.[26][27][28] At the beginning of the 2021 season, Kubo transitioned to become more of a defensive midfielder.[29][28] On June 16, 2024, after returning from a month-long injury layoff, Kubo scored a hat-trick in nine minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.[30]

## International career

[edit]

Kubo has been involved in the Japan National Team from U-16 to U-23 level. He received his first call up to the senior team for the Kirin Challenge Cup, a friendly match against Iceland in February 2012, however he did not feature during the 90 minutes.[31] On 11 November 2016, he made his full international debut for Japan against Oman in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2016. On 23 March 2017, he scored one goal and gave one assist in 0–2 win over UAE in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. It was his first goal in his third game for Japan. On 28 March 2017, he scored one goal and added two assists in a 4–0 victory over Thailand in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

## Style of play

[edit]

A versatile player, Kubo has been deployed as a forward, namely as a second striker, but has also appeared as a defensive midfielder and as a winger.[32][33][34] Described as very comfortable on the ball, Kubo has also been lauded for his work rate and ability to maneuver though tight spaces.[35][36][37][38]

## Career statistics

[edit]

### Club

[edit]

As of match played 19 February 2025.[39][40]
Club  | Season  | League  | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Continental  | Other[c] | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals  | Apps  | Goals | Apps | Goals  | Apps  | Goals | Apps | Goals
Kyoto Sanga | 2011 | J2 League | 30 | 10 | 3 | 2  | – | –  | – | 33 | 12
2012 | 20 | 1 | –  | – | –  | – | 20 | 1
2013 | 16 | 7 | –  | – | –  | – | 16 | 7
Total  | 66 | 18 | 3 | 2  | – | –  | – | 69 | 20
Young Boys | 2013–14 | Swiss Super League | 34 | 7 | 2 | 1  | – | –  | – | 36 | 8
2014–15 | 27 | 5 | 1 | 0  | – | 10[d] | 2  | – | 38 | 7
2015–16 | 29 | 9 | 2 | 0  | – | 4[e] | 0  | – | 35 | 9
2016–17 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 4  | – | 8[f] | 2  | – | 24 | 11
Total  | 104 | 26 | 7 | 5  | – | 22 | 4  | – | 133 | 35
Gent | 2016–17 | Belgian Pro League | 17 | 11 | –  | – | –  | – | 17 | 11
2017–18 | 37 | 11 | 3 | 0  | – | 2[d] | 0  | – | 42 | 11
2018–19 | 2 | 0 | –  | – | –  | – | 2 | 0
2019–20 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1  | – | 5[d] | 2  | – | 12 | 3
Total  | 62 | 22 | 4 | 1  | – | 7 | 2  | – | 73 | 25
1\. FC Nürnberg (loan)  | 2018–19 | Bundesliga | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0  | – | –  | – | 23 | 1
FC Cincinnati | 2020[41] | Major League Soccer | 19 | 3 | –  | – | –  | 1[g] | 0 | 20 | 3
2021 | 29  | 0  | –  | –  | –  | –  | 29  | 0
2022 | 27  | 1  | 1  | 0  | 1[h] | 1  | –  | 1  | 0  | 31  | 2
2023 | 25  | 0  | 5  | 2  | 3  | 0  | –  | 4  | 0  | 37  | 2
2024[42] | 32  | 10  | –  | 4  | 1  | 3[i] | 0  | 3  | 0  | 42  | 11
2025 | –  | –  | –  | 1[i] | 0  | –  | 1  | 0
Total  | 132  | 14  | 6  | 2  | 8  | 2  | 4  | 0  | 9  | 0  | 159  | 18
Career total  | 386 | 81 | 21 | 10  | 8  | 2 | 33 | 6  | 9  | 0 | 457 | 99

1. ^ Includes Emperor's Cup, Swiss Cup, Belgian Cup, DFB-Pokal, and U.S. Open Cup
2. ^ Includes Leagues Cup
3. ^ Includes MLS Cup playoffs
4. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
5. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Europa League and two appearances in UEFA Champions League
6. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Europa League, four appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League
7. ^ Appearance in the MLS is Back Tournament Ro16
8. ^ Appearance in the 2022 Leagues Cup Showcase
9. ^ a b Appearances in CONCACAF Champions Cup

### International

[edit]

[43]

Japan national team

Year | Apps | Goals
2016 | 2 | 0
2017 | 9 | 2
2018 | 2 | 0
Total | 13 | 2

### International goals

[edit]

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first.[44]
No | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition

|
|
|
|
|
|

1. | 23 March 2017 | Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates |  United Arab Emirates | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
2. | 28 March 2017 | Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan |  Thailand | 3–0 | 4–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

## Honours

[edit]

Kyoto Sanga FC

* Emperor's Cup Runner-up : 2011

Japan U-23

* AFC U-23 Championship Champions: 2016

FC Cincinnati

* Supporters' Shield: 2023

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Ｕ23久保の右足で始まった「あと１勝して王者で」 - リオ五輪 : 日刊スポーツ". nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 February 2025.
2. ^ "京都の「黄金世代」FW久保ら6選手がトップ昇格!". ゲキサカ (in Japanese). 6 December 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
3. ^ "The emergence of the "Wonder Boy", Yuya Kubo". Retrieved 7 February 2025.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
4. ^ "Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Kyoto Sanga 2 – 4". soccerway.com. 29 December 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
5. ^ "Match No.87 ｜第91回天皇杯全日本サッカー選手権大会｜大会・試合｜日本サッカー協会". www.jfa.or.jp. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
6. ^ "Kyoto Sanga vs. Tokyo 2 – 4". soccerway.com. 1 January 2012. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
7. ^ "京都が久保裕也のハットトリックで熊本に快勝して4位浮上 | サッカーキング". サッカーキング (in Japanese). 9 June 2013. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
8. ^ "久保裕也選手 BSCヤングボーイズへ完全移籍のお知らせ". 京都サンガF.C.オフィシャルサイト. Archived from the original on 7 February 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2020.
9. ^ "久保がスイスデビュー「チャンスもらえるように」". サンスポ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
10. ^ "Yuya Kubo continues scoring streak with Young Boys". goal.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
11. ^ "FW久保裕也が2試合連続の今季3ゴール目…ヤングボーイズは快勝 | サッカーキング". サッカーキング (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
12. ^ "スイスのヤング・ボーイズFW久保裕也、開幕から2試合連続ゴール". サッカーキング (in Japanese). 28 July 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
13. ^ "ヤングボーイズＦＷ久保 ９試合ぶり今季５点目「やっぱり最高」 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex サッカー". スポニチ Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 February 2025.
14. ^ "[EL]ヤングボーイズ久保が途中出場でELデビュー!!アシストも記録して5発発進に貢献". ゲキサカ (in Japanese). 19 September 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
15. ^ "EL初得点の久保、EL1試合2得点は岡崎に次ぐ日本選手2人目の記録". ゲキサカ (in Japanese). 28 November 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
16. ^ 株式会社スポーツニッポン新聞社マルチメディア事業本部. "ヤングボーイズ久保２戦連発！敗戦も「個人としての結果はプラス」 ― スポニチ Sponichi Annex サッカー". www.sponichi.co.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
17. ^ a b "ヤング・ボーイズ、久保と２０２０年まで契約延長 - Goal.com". Goal.com (in Japanese). 21 May 2016. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
18. ^ a b "久保裕也、リオ五輪への思いを語る。日本の苦戦は…「ただ見ているだけは辛かった」". フットボールチャンネル (in Japanese). 10 August 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
19. ^ "FW久保裕也は今どこに──本田圭佑を蹴落としたストライカーが新天地で直面する苦境（元川悦子） - エキスパート". Yahoo!ニュース (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 February 2025.
20. ^ "AA Gent heeft Japanse spits Yuya Kubo beet". HLN. 25 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
21. ^ "「天才的」FK弾で鮮烈デビューの久保裕也 現地メディア絶賛「日本の忍者」". サッカーキング (in Japanese). 30 January 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
22. ^ "Kubo's wonder goal puts Gent into playoffs". The Japan Times Online. 13 March 2017. ISSN 0447-5763. Archived from the original on 14 March 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
23. ^ "Perfekt: Nürnberg verstärkt sich mit Kubo". kicker Online (in German). 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 5 April 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
24. ^ "Japan International Forward Yuya Kubo acquired as DP | FC Cincinnati". Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
25. ^ Pfahler, Laurel (15 February 2024). "Kubo embracing another new way to help FC Cincinnati". Queen City Press. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
26. ^ Pfahler, Laurel (14 January 2020). "FC Cincinnati counting on Yuya Kubo to make presence felt". WCPO 9 Cincinnati. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
27. ^ "Match Preview: FC Cincinnati at Atlanta United FC | FC Cincinnati". fccincinnati. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
28. ^ a b pfahler, laurel (3 June 2021). "FC Cincinnati's Kubo settling into new midfield role". Queen City Press. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
29. ^ Freking, Grant (23 February 2022). "Here's Your FC Cincinnati Season Preview". Cincinnati Magazine. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
30. ^ Calabrese, Alex (16 June 2024). "FC Cincinnati: Yuya Kubo proves "exceptional" with rapid-fire hat trick | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
31. ^ "Okubo in squad for Japan friendly versus Iceland". sports.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
32. ^ "ヤング・ボーイズ監督「久保の持ち味出せるのは…」". サンスポ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
33. ^ Bogert, Tom (14 January 2020). "What will Yuya Kubo bring to FC Cincinnati? Versatility and goals". mlssoccer. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
34. ^ "Kubo glaubt fest an Klassenerhalt". kicker (in German). 28 November 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
35. ^ Bardahl, Jayna (4 June 2021). "Here's what to expect out of Yuya Kubo at midfield for FC Cincinnati after the break". cincinnati.com. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
36. ^ "Kubo: "Die Bundesliga ist eine große Chance"". kicker (in German). 21 August 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
37. ^ "Yuya Kubo wechselt zum Club". fcn.de (in German). 9 August 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
38. ^ "FC Cincinnati re-sign midfielder Yuya Kubo | FC Cincinnati". fccincinnati. 12 December 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
39. ^ Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "J1&J2選手名鑑 2013 (NSK MOOK)" Archived 29 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine, 14 February 2013, Japan, ISBN 978-4905411161 (p. 181 out of 266)
40. ^ "Japan – Yuya Kubo – Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
41. ^ "Yuya Kubo - MLS Soccer". Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
42. ^ mlssoccer. "Yuya Kubo | MLSsoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
43. ^ "久保 裕也 - サッカー日本代表データベース". www.jfootball-db.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
44. ^ "Kubo, Yuya". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2017.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yuya Kubo (association football player).

* Yuya Kubo – FIFA competition record (archived)
* Yuya Kubo at National-Football-Teams.com
* Yuya Kubo at J.League (archive) (in Japanese)
* Yuya Kubo at Soccerway
* Yuya Kubo at the Wayback Machine (archived 2013-09-28) at BSC Young Boys Official Website (in German)

* v
* t
* e

FC Cincinnati - current squad

* 1 Kann
* 2 Powell
* 4 Hagglund
* 5 Nwobodo
* 7 Kubo
* 9 Denkey
* 10 Evander
* 11 Baird
* 12 Robinson
* 15 Halsey
* 16 Hadebe
* 17 Santos
* 18 Celentano
* 20 Bucha
* 21 Miazga
* 22 Valenzuela
* 23 Orellano
* 25 Walters
* 27 Anunga
* 29 Engel
* 36 Louro
* 37 Jimenez
* 91 Yedlin
* Flores

* Head Coach: Noonan
* Assistant Coach: Kinnear
* Assistant Coach: Arena
* Goalkeeping Coach: Rogers

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* Japan

*[Apps]: League appearances
*[Gls]: League goals
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template