Takefusa Kubo, regarded as the "Japanese Messi," has made quite a name for himself in the world of football, not just by his skills on the field but also through a journey filled with challenges and unexpected twists. Currently a standout player for Real Sociedad in Spain, Kubo has cemented his position as one of the most important players on the Japanese national team, which is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup.
The story of Kubo began in 2010 when Lionel Messi was dazzling football fans worldwide under Pep Guardiola's management at Barcelona. Simultaneously, a young boy in Japan was capturing the attention of local audiences with remarkable skills, earning him the affectionate moniker of the "Japanese Messi." This prodigy, Takefusa Kubo, showcased his talent in youth matches across East Asia.
His skills did not go unnoticed, and by 2011, Kubo received an official invite from the famed youth academy of FC Barcelona, La Masia. Barcelona had taken notice of his raw talent and sought to nurture this promising player's skill set. After successfully passing all tests, Kubo joined the club's youth system, quickly becoming one of its standout talents. However, the path for Kubo became rocky due to problems related to FIFA's regulations concerning youth player transfers.
Barcelona found itself in a deep crisis due to issues over legality concerning contracts with players under 18 years old. As Kubo's potential was apparent, FC Barcelona lamented its inability to retain him. Consequently, they were forced to let Kubo return to his home country, where he joined the youth ranks of Tokyo FC. This return marked a significant setback for both Kubo and Barcelona, as they relinquished a star in the making.
In 2019, when Kubo turned 18, he was eligible to join any European club. Barcelona attempted to regain this young talent under more favorable conditions, hoping to bring him back into the fold. However, Kubo's allegiance had shifted. Defying expectations, he opted to join their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, shocking the football community and solidifying his reputation as a player who would not easily fit into the mold expected of him.
Despite signing with Real Madrid in 2019, Kubo's stint with the club was perplexing. He failed to participate in any official match over the following three years. This unusual saga left many questioning the nature of the contract. He spent his time on loan, making moves to several clubs including Real Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe, but never found a real foothold in Madrid's lineup.
Ultimately, in the summer of 2022, Real Madrid sold Kubo to Real Sociedad for approximately 6 million euros. This transfer turned out to be a significant turning point in Kubo's career. At Sociedad, he quickly adjusted and became a key player. From 2022 to 2025, Kubo tallied an impressive record of 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 126 matches across all competitions.
Not only has Kubo excelled at the club level, but his contributions to the Japanese national team cannot be overlooked. Since joining the national squad, Kubo has evolved from a promising young player to an essential member of the team, contributing to 5 goals and assisting 12 times in 40 international matches.
The expectations placed upon Kubo are immense. As he prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, he is not merely a player aspiring to perform well; he is viewed by many in Japan as a potential hero who could lead his nation to international glory. The comparisons to legends such as Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and others in the pantheon of Japanese football reflect the high hopes fans place upon him.
Kubo continues to be a focal point in discussions about the future of Japanese football, especially as supporters eagerly anticipate his performances on the world stage. He has already made a mark in both club and international football, and the coming World Cup could very well be the defining moment of his budding career.
His trajectory is a testament not just to his skill, but also to his resolve in overcoming obstacles in his path. From being dubbed the "Japanese Messi" at a young age to now standing on the precipice of greatness, Kubo's journey is an intriguing story of talent, ambition, and ultimately, the quest for recognition in the expansive world of football. As he aims for a successful campaign in 2026, the world will watch closely to see if he can deliver on the great expectations set for him.
