Sōta Kitano


Sōta Kitano is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Austrian Bundesliga club FC [Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg] and the Japan national team.

Club career

On 25 October 2020, Kitano made his league debut against Gamba Osaka U-23. In doing so, he became the youngest player to debut in an official match at 16 years, 2 months and 12 days, a record formerly held by forward Yoichiro Kakitani.
On 18 February 2022, Kitano was registered as a type 2 player for J League matches. On 25 February 2022, he signed a professional contract with the club. Kitano scored his first professional goal against Kashima Antlers on 2 March 2022, scoring in the 12th minute. At 17 years, 6 months and 17 days old, he became the club's youngest player to score in an official match, breaking Takumi Minamino's record of 18 years, 2 months and 7 days old when he scored his first professional goal. He won the 2022 New Hero Award. On 6 June 2023, Kitano scored his first J1 goal against Vissel Kobe on 10 June 2023, scoring in the 90th+3rd minute. In July 2024, he trialled for two weeks with Dutch Eredivisie club Almere City, which was a turning point for him.
On 9 June 2025, Kitano signed a five-year contract with Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg.

International career

Kitano was called up to the Japan U20s on 7 February 2023 for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
Kitano was called up to the Japan U20s on 9 May 2023 for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Honours

;Individual