CORNERFLICK
1Caps- 1International goals
- 28AgeBorn 10 Sep 1998
- LeedsClubSince 2024
- FA CupLeague
- JapanNational team
The shape of him
Ao Tanaka is a 28-year-old midfielder at Leeds and a Japan international. Midfield is where games are controlled: setting the tempo, winning the ball back, and finding the pass that breaks a line.
The job
Link defence to attack, keep the ball moving, and screen the back line when possession is lost.
Honours 13
- 2Championship2024/25
- 3Super Cup2019 · 2021
- 2Emperor Cup2020/21
- 4J1 League2017 · 2018 · 2020
- 2J-League Cup2019
Career journey
2024 – 2025Japan
2025 – 2026Leeds- 2025 – 2027Japan
- 2026 – PresentLeeds
View full career
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 – Present | Leeds | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 – 2027 | Japan | 20 | 1 |
| 2025 – 2026 | Leeds | 37 | 4 |
| 2024 – 2025 | Japan | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 – 2025 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 – 2025 | Leeds | 45 | 5 |
| 2023 – 2024 | Japan | 4 | 3 |
| 2023 – 2024 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 35 | 8 |
| 2022 – 2023 | Japan | 16 | 3 |
| 2022 – 2023 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 25 | 1 |
| 2021 – 2022 | Kawasaki Frontale | 20 | 1 |
| 2021 – 2022 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 30 | 1 |
| 2020 – 2021 | Japan U23 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020 – 2021 | Kawasaki Frontale | 38 | 6 |
| 2019 – 2020 | Japan U22 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 – 2020 | Japan | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 – 2020 | Kawasaki Frontale | 33 | 2 |
Quick facts
- Full name
- Ao Tanaka
- Date of birth
- 10 Sep 1998 (28)
- Place of birth
- Kawasaki
- Nationality
- Japan
- Position
- Midfielder
- Current club
- LELeeds
- Joined
- 30 Aug 2024
Latest on Japan
Premier League starts new season with 10 Japanese players
Potential return of Luis Suárez to the Uruguay national team
Barton set to referee France v Spain semi-final
Moriyasu set to stay on for Japan until Asian Cup 2027
View all news
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Brazil meet Norway in heavyweight last-16 tie
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Koman resigns as Netherlands head coach
Vinícius says Brazil want more after Japan win
Casemiro calms injury fears after Japan draw
There is no doubt that the level of our football has risen higher than before.
Ancelotti reveals Brazil held Neymar back for extra time
Casemiro named man of the match in Brazil win
Martinelli snatches late win for Brazil over Japan
Recent matches
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | Result | Minutes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Oct 2026 |  Premier League - England |  Manchester United | H | D1–1 | 81' | |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Premier League - England | Arsenal | A | L1–2 | 71' |
Added