Ko Itakura

Ko Itakura, born on January 27, 1997, in Tokyo, Japan, is a professional football defender known for his robust defensive abilities and tactical acumen. Itakura began his youth career at FC Tokyo before joining the prestigious Manchester City academy in 2016, where he honed his skills in a highly competitive environment. He made his professional debut on loan to Groningen in the Eredivisie during the 2019-20 season, where he displayed his potential and garnered attention for his performances.

Transitioning to international play, Itakura has been an integral part of Japan's national team setup since his competitive debut. He participated in various international tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, offering reliability in defense and contributing to the team's success. His international appearances have solidified his reputation as a key player for Japan.

In recent seasons, Itakura has played in the English Football League and other domestic competitions, maintaining a consistent performance, with three goals in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. His contributions on the field continue to enhance his legacy as one of Japan's prominent modern defenders. As he advances in his career, Itakura remains a significant figure in both club football and the national team.