Riku Ochiai

Riku Ochiai is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a midfielder for club Albirex Niigata.

Career

Early career

Ochiai began his playing career with Kantō Soccer League club Vonds Ichihara where he made his debut playing in the Emperor's Cup. After 3 years at Tokyo International University, in his fourth and final year he was announced as a designated special player for J1 League club Kashiwa Reysol.

Kashiwa Reysol

He made his debut in February 2022 a 1–1 J.League Cup draw with Kyoto Sanga.
He went on to make four appearances during his season as a designated special player.
In the 2023 season, Ochiai scored his first professional goal for Reysol in a 7–1 Emperor's Cup victory over Yamanashi Gakuin University Pegasus. In June 2023, he made his league debut in a 4–3 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos.

Loan to Mito HollyHock

In December 2023, it was announced that Ochiai would be moving on loan to J2 League club Mito HollyHock for the 2024 season. He made his debut for the club in February 2024 in a 1–0 league victory over Iwaki FC. He scored his first goal for Mito HollyHock in a 2–2 draw with Tochigi SC. He finished the season with 5 goals in 31 appearances, including a brace against V-Varen Nagasaki in which he scored a spectacular volley for his first goal.

Albirex Niigata

Following a successful loan to Mito HollyHock, Ochiai transferred to J1 League club Albirex Niigata ahead of the 2025 season.