Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo is Japan's most exciting attacking talent — a player who grew up in Barcelona's academy, passed through Real Madrid, and has since become the standout performer in La Liga's Real Sociedad. Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability, quick feet, and the vision to pick passes in tight spaces, Kubo operates as a creative forward or wide midfielder and is capable of moments that belong on any stage. Still only 25, he is Japan's primary match-winner and the player opponents most need to contain. His development at Sociedad has been the making of him as a complete, consistent top-level footballer.