From Yokohama to the Champions League: The rise of Kō Itakura
In short: A versatile defender with exceptional ball-playing skills, Kō Itakura has navigated a complex journey through Europe's top leagues. From his beginnings in Japan to becoming a history-maker at Ajax and a captain for the national team, his career is a testament to technical precision and resilience.
Born in Yokohama on 27 January 1997, Itakura's professional ascent began in the youth academy of Kawasaki Frontale in 2006. After making his senior debut in August 2016, he contributed to the club's first J1 League title in 2017. His development was further accelerated by a successful loan spell at Vegalta Sendai during the 2018 season, where he earned the Tag Heuer Young Guns Award. He made his professional debut against Ventforet Kofu in August 2016. During his time in Sendai, he managed to score three goals in 24 appearances.
Itakura's European journey was unconventional. After signing for Manchester City in January 2019, he spent his tenure on loan to secure a work permit and first-team experience. This included a highly successful stint at FC Groningen, where he was named Player of the Year for the 2020–21 season, and a vital period at Schalke 04, helping the club secure an immediate return to the Bundesliga as champions. He joined Schalke 04 on a season-long loan in 2021. During his time in Germany, he recorded four goals and 31 league appearances.
His technical profile as a ball-playing centre-back led him to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2022, though his progress was briefly interrupted by a knee injury. However, his impact on the world stage was undeniable during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Japan become the first Asian team to win their overseas group stage. By 2025, he made history as the first Japanese player to sign for Ajax, before eventually returning to Mönchengladbach in August 2026 on a contract lasting until 2030. He made his UEFA Champions League debut for Ajax in September 2025. Following his time in the Netherlands, he signed a four-year deal with Mönchengladbach.
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