Niko Takahashi
Niko Takahashi Cendagorta is a professional footballer who plays as a left back for Dutch club Almere City on loan from Cerezo Osaka. Born in Spain, he is a Japan youth international.
Club career
Early career
Born in the Barcelona metropolitan area to a Japanese mother and Argentine father, Takahashi played futsal at a young age, before joining his first club FCB Peñas in La Floresta.He joined local side San Cugat before moving to Cornellà, where he attracted the attention of Espanyol, Girona and Barcelona. He chose to sign with Barcelona, as he had supported the Catalan club since he was young, and joined in 2019.
He signed a contract extension in September 2021. A year later, in September 2022, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2005 worldwide.
Cerezo Osaka
Takahashi started his senior career in early 2025 with Cerezo Osaka.On 3 January 2026, Takahashi was loaned by Almere City in the Dutch second-tier Eerste Divisie until 30 June 2026.
International career
Takahashi is eligible to represent Spain, Japan and Argentina at international level. He was called up to the Japan under-16 team in 2020, but was unable to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also received a call up to the Spain under-16 team in May 2021, and has been approached by Argentina.In May 2022, Takahashi was called up to the Japan national under-19 football team for the first time ahead of the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament.
Takahashi was called up to the Japan U-20 squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In June 2024, he took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament in France with Japan.