Yū Hirakawa

Yū Hirakawa is a Japanese footballer who plays as a forward for Hull City, on loan from fellow club Bristol City and the Japan national team.

Early life

Hirakawa was born in Kashima, Saga. He played youth football for Meirin JSC, FC Revona and Saga Higashi High School. He played university football for Yamanashi Gakuin University.

In September 2021, it was announced that Hirakawa would join J2 League club Machida Zelvia as a designated special player, whilst playing for the football team of Yamanashi Gakuin University. He made his debut for Machida on the 5 December 2021 against Albirex Niigata. He scored his first goal for the club on the 13 March 2022, scoring in the 20th minute against Fagiano Okayama. He was part of the Machida team that won the 2023 J2 League.
In April 2024, Hirakawa won his first Monthly MVP award for his performances at the start of the 2024 J1 League season.
On 9 July 2024, Hirakawa joined EFL Championship club Bristol City on a season-long loan.
On 24 February 2025, Hirakawa joined City on a permanent deal until June 2028. On 9 August, he made his debut for the club in a 4–1 win against Sheffield United in the league.
On 19 January 2026, Hirakawa joined fellow Championship club Hull City on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut the following day, in the 3–0 win away to Preston North End.

On 4 April 2024, Hirakawa was called up to the Japan U23 squad for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

Machida Zelvia

Japan U23

Individual