PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shūto Machino (町野 修斗) |
| Date of Birth | 30/09/1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Iga, Mie, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 77-84 kg |
| Position | Striker / Centre-Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Not publicly available |
| Squad Number | #18 |
| Current Club | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Previous Clubs | Yokohama F. Marinos, Giravanz Kitakyushu, Shonan Bellmare, Holstein Kiel |
| International Caps | 15 |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 30/06/2029 |
| Market Value | Not publicly available |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico represented the continuation of a remarkable journey for Shuto Machino. The 26-year-old striker from Iga, the “city of ninjas,” had been called up to Japan’s squad for the second consecutive World Cup—but this time, the circumstances were different.
In 2022, Machino had been a late replacement for the injured Yuta Nakayama, drafted into Qatar’s tournament without making an appearance. Four years later, he was again a late addition—this time replacing captain Wataru Endo, who had withdrawn due to injury. But Machino had grown immeasurably in the intervening years. He had become a Bundesliga striker, scoring 11 goals for Holstein Kiel in the 2024/25 season and earning a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
When Japan faced Brazil in the Round of 32, Machino entered the pitch for 13 minutes. The tournament ended in a narrow 1-2 defeat, but Machino had achieved something profound. He had played in a World Cup, and he had done so as a Bundesliga striker—a far cry from the young player who had once been loaned to the Japanese third division.
The boy from the “city of ninjas” who had been named a tourism ambassador for his hometown had become a symbol of perseverance and growth on football’s greatest stage.
Origins
Born on September 30, 1999, in Iga, Mie, Japan, Shuto Machino grew up in a city known for its ninja heritage. He holds a special connection to his roots—he was appointed a tourism ambassador for Iga in 2022 and has performed a ninja pose as a goal celebration to promote his hometown.
It was his father who encouraged his early passion for football, coaching him alongside his older brother as part of the primary school football team. His love for the game was all-consuming: “When I came home from school, I’d first do my homework with my grandma and then go straight back to school and play football. I loved football that much. I never felt like training was a chore.”
Machino’s professional journey began with Yokohama F. Marinos in 2018, though he never made a senior appearance for the club. Instead, he was loaned to Giravanz Kitakyushu in the Japanese third division, where he won the league title in 2019 and scored 17 goals across his time at the club.
The Domestic Forge
Shonan Bellmare (2021-2023):
Machino’s breakthrough came at Shonan Bellmare in the J1 League. Over nearly 100 appearances for the club, he netted 28 goals. His most prolific season was 2022, when he scored 13 goals in 30 league appearances. His performances in Japan earned him his first call-up to the national team, and he was selected for the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, where he scored three goals in four appearances.
Holstein Kiel (2023-2025):
In July 2023, Machino made the move to Europe, joining German club Holstein Kiel for approximately €700,000. His first season in the 2. Bundesliga yielded 5 goals in 31 appearances as Kiel secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.
The 2024/25 season was Machino’s breakthrough campaign. In the Bundesliga, he made 32 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists, with an average rating of 3.67. His performances were instrumental in Kiel’s survival in the top flight. Former Holstein Kiel head coach Marcel Rapp praised him: “Shuto is a true goalscorer with a great finish, both with his right foot, his left foot, and with his head. He also has the right instinct to score in the box. Furthermore, his mentality is that of an absolute team player.”
The Bundesliga Journey
Borussia Mönchengladbach (2025-Present):
On July 25, 2025, Machino joined Borussia Mönchengladbach on a contract until 2029. The transfer was reportedly worth approximately €10 million. Holstein Kiel’s sporting director Olaf Rebbe explained the move: “After the Bundesliga season, it was Shuto’s express wish to continue playing in the Bundesliga in order to maintain his chances for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Japanese national team.”
The 2025/26 season was a transitional campaign for Machino. He made 32 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in 1,076 minutes. His goals came against Heidenheim, St. Pauli, and Hoffenheim. He also scored in the DFB-Pokal. Gladbach head coach Eugen Polanski noted: “He joined us late and immediately had to contend with an injury, meaning he had practically no pre-season training. In his career, his second year has usually been better than the first. That’s exactly what we want to build on now.”
His wages at Gladbach are estimated at €43,462 per week.
The National Team Journey
Machino made his senior debut for Japan on July 19, 2022, in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, scoring two goals against Hong Kong. He finished the tournament with three goals in four appearances, helping Japan lift the trophy.
He was called up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Yuta Nakayama. He did not make an appearance in Qatar.
In June 2026, Machino was again a late addition to Japan’s World Cup squad, this time replacing the injured captain Wataru Endo. He made his World Cup debut in the Round of 32 against Brazil, playing 13 minutes in a 1-2 defeat.
International Record:
Machino has earned 15 caps for Japan, scoring 5 international goals. His goals include:
- Two goals against Hong Kong (19 July 2022)
- One goal against South Korea (27 July 2022)
- One goal against Indonesia (10 June 2025)
- One goal against Bolivia (18 November 2025)
He has also featured in friendlies against Mexico, the United States, Paraguay, and Brazil in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Shuto Machino is a physical and versatile striker known for his goal-scoring instinct and team-oriented play. At 185 cm, he is a strong presence in the final third.
In Possession:
Machino is described as a “true goalscorer” with the ability to finish with both feet and his head. He is equally adept at dropping deeper when required to bring teammates into play, making him valuable in build-up phases. His style has been compared to Jonas Wind, another striker with strong physical presence and a willingness to press from the front.
Out of Possession:
Machino possesses a willingness to press from the front, making him an effective first line of defence. His physical presence allows him to hold up the ball and bring teammates into the game.
Psychological Edge:
Machino’s career demonstrates resilience and determination. From the Japanese third division to the Bundesliga and the World Cup, he has consistently risen to the challenge. His decision to move to Europe at Holstein Kiel, and his subsequent transfer to Gladbach to maintain his World Cup chances, reflects a player with clear ambition and self-belief. His role as a tourism ambassador for Iga and his ninja goal celebration reflect his connection to his roots and his personality on the pitch.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 32 | 19 | 1,076 | 3 | 1 | — |
| DFB-Pokal | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 34 | 20 | 1,089 | 4 | 1 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Giravanz Kitakyushu | J3 League | 30 | 8 |
| 2020 | Giravanz Kitakyushu | J2 League | 32 | 7 |
| 2021-2023 | Shonan Bellmare | J1 League | 80 | 26 |
| 2023/24 | Holstein Kiel | 2. Bundesliga | 33 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | Holstein Kiel | Bundesliga | 34 | 11 |
| 2025/26 | Borussia Mönchengladbach | Bundesliga | 34 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 259 | 63 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Year | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 3 | EAFF E-1 Champion |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 | — |
| 2026 | 2 | 0 | — |
| Total | 15 | 5 | EAFF E-1 2022 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Yokohama F. Marinos | Professional debut |
| 2019 | Giravanz Kitakyushu | J3 League title |
| 2022 | Japan Debut | vs Hong Kong (2 goals) |
| 2022 | EAFF E-1 Champion | Japan squad |
| 2022 | World Cup Selection | Qatar 2022 (replacement) |
| 2023 | Holstein Kiel Transfer | €700K move to Germany |
| 2024 | Bundesliga Promotion | Holstein Kiel |
| 2025 | Gladbach Transfer | €10M move |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | USA/Canada/Mexico |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Brazil (13 minutes) |
These figures reveal a player of steady progression and increasing output. Machino has accumulated over 250 professional appearances, scored 63 goals, and earned 15 caps for Japan. His 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign was the most productive of his career.
The Present Tense
The Mönchengladbach Story:
Shuto Machino is in his first season at Borussia Mönchengladbach, having joined the club in July 2025 on a contract until 2029. In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, he made 32 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in 1,076 minutes. He is one of six Gladbach players at the 2026 World Cup. His wages are estimated at €43,462 per week.
The World Cup Campaign:
Machino was called up to Japan’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a replacement for the injured Wataru Endo. He made his World Cup debut in the Round of 32 against Brazil, playing 13 minutes. Japan were eliminated with a 1-2 defeat.
International Record:
Machino has earned 15 caps for Japan, scoring 5 international goals. He won the EAFF E-1 Football Championship with Japan in 2022. He represented Japan at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Shuto Machino is known for his connection to his hometown of Iga, Japan—the “city of ninjas.” He was appointed a tourism ambassador for the city in 2022 and has performed a ninja pose as a goal celebration to promote Iga.
His journey from the Japanese third division to the Bundesliga and the World Cup is a source of inspiration for young Japanese footballers. He has been described as a “team player” with an “absolute” mentality. Former coach Marcel Rapp praised his versatility and finishing ability.
Machino’s honours include the J3 League title with Giravanz Kitakyushu (2019) and the EAFF E-1 Football Championship with Japan (2022). He has scored 63 goals across 259 professional appearances.
His contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach runs until 2029, and he is represented by an agent.
The Verdict from the Camp
Marcel Rapp, former Holstein Kiel Head Coach:
“Shuto is a true goalscorer with a great finish, both with his right foot, his left foot, and with his head. He also has the right instinct to score in the box. Furthermore, his mentality is that of an absolute team player.”
Eugen Polanski, Gladbach Head Coach:
“He joined us late and immediately had to contend with an injury, meaning he had practically no pre-season training. In his career, his second year has usually been better than the first. That’s exactly what we want to build on now.”
Olaf Rebbe, Holstein Kiel Sporting Director:
“After the Bundesliga season, it was Shuto’s express wish to continue playing in the Bundesliga in order to maintain his chances for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Japanese national team.”
Statistic:
Machino scored 11 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances for Holstein Kiel in the 2024/25 season.
Statistic:
Machino has earned 15 caps for Japan and scored 5 international goals.
Statistic:
Machino made his World Cup debut against Brazil in the 2026 Round of 32, playing 13 minutes.
Statistic:
Machino was called up to two World Cups as a replacement for injured players (2022 and 2026).
Where Next?
Shuto Machino is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. His contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach runs until 2029, offering him stability and a platform to continue his development in the Bundesliga. His first season at Gladbach was affected by a calf injury and limited pre-season training, but his coach believes his second year will be better.
A more productive second season at Gladbach is expected, given his track record of improvement. His goal-scoring record at Holstein Kiel in the 2024/25 season demonstrates his potential at the Bundesliga level.
For Japan, Machino is a developing international player. With 15 caps and World Cup experience, he will be expected to contribute to the national team in the next AFC Asian Cup and World Cup cycles. His physical presence, finishing ability, and team-oriented play make him a valuable asset.
From the youth ranks of Iga to the World Cup stage, from the Japanese third division to the Bundesliga, Shuto Machino’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and the power of seizing opportunity. The boy from the “city of ninjas” who performed a ninja pose after scoring goals has become a Bundesliga striker and a World Cup player—and his story is far from over.
