PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayase Ueda |
| Date of Birth | 28 August 1998 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 1.80–1.82 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 76 kg / 168 lbs |
| Position | Striker / Centre-Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #18 (Feyenoord, Japan) |
| Current Club | Feyenoord |
| Previous Clubs | Kashima Antlers, Cercle Brugge |
| International Caps | 43–44 |
| International Goals | 18 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | ~£15M |
The Frozen Moment
NRG Stadium, Houston. June 20, 2026. Japan and Tunisia, locked in a World Cup group-stage clash that would define the Samurai Blue’s tournament hopes. For Ayase Ueda, the 27-year-old striker from Ibaraki who had been rejected by Kashima Antlers’ youth team as a teenager, who had found his way through university football, who had become the Eredivisie’s top scorer, this was the moment that announced his arrival on the global stage.
In the 31st minute, Ueda received the ball on the edge of the penalty area. With acres of space, he took aim and fired a low, curling shot into the far corner beyond the Tunisian goalkeeper. It was his first World Cup goal. Just before the hour mark, he turned provider, chipping a clever pass for Junya Ito to slide home. And in the 83rd minute, he guided a looping header into the net for his second of the match. A brace and an assist. A perfect performance. Japan won 4-0.
The boy who had been told he wasn’t good enough, who had built himself from the ground up by studying videos of Filippo Inzaghi and Samuel Eto’o, who had been the only non-professional player in Japan’s 2019 Copa América squad, was now the first Japanese player to score a brace at a World Cup.
Origins
Ayase Ueda was born on August 28, 1998, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. His father introduced him to football at the age of three with a simple philosophy: football is a sport for scoring goals. To develop his goal-scoring instincts, Ueda watched old video recordings, meticulously analysing the movements of top European strikers. By the age of seven, he had built his own system of “reference materials”: how Henrik Larsson found space, how Filippo Inzaghi intercepted rebounds, and learning from Raul Gonzalez and Samuel Eto’o’s ball-handling skills in the penalty area.
However, his rapid physical development during puberty led to frequent injuries, and he was rejected by the Kashima Antlers youth team. But he continued to pursue his dream. At Kashima Gakuen High School, coach Suzuki recognised Ueda’s talent and trained him rigorously. He learned to finish with every part of his body—right foot, left foot, heading. During that period, he scored 33 goals in 18 matches, including a remarkable four-goal performance to help his team come back from 0-4 down. Despite this, he was still overlooked by professional clubs.
Instead of giving up, Ueda chose an alternative path: university football. He enrolled at Hosei University, one of Japan’s most recognised institutions for sports. The university environment gave him time to perfect his physique, build muscle, and hone his tactical vision. His abilities blossomed to the point that he received his first call-up to the Japan national team while still a student. On 17 June 2019, he made his senior debut in the Copa América, starting in a 4-0 victory over Chile.
The Forge
Kashima Antlers (2019–2022):
In 2019, Kashima Antlers—the very club that had previously rejected him—officially signed him. He remained at the club for four seasons, with his best performance coming in 2021 when he scored 19 goals in 36 matches. In the 2022 season, with 21 goals in the J.League, he rose to become the league’s best domestic striker, paving the way for a move to Europe. Over his Kashima career, he made 86 appearances and scored 38 goals.
Cercle Brugge (2022–2023):
In 2022, Ueda made the leap to Europe, joining Belgian side Cercle Brugge. He finished the 2022–23 season with 22 goals in 40 appearances, including 18 in the Belgian league. His performances attracted attention from across the continent.
Feyenoord (2023–Present):
In August 2023, Ueda transferred to Feyenoord for a fee of around £7.5–9 million, signing a five-year contract until 2028. His first season was one of adaptation. He was a substitute for top scorer Santiago Giménez and ended the 2023–24 season with only five goals. But Ueda chose to stay and fight for his place, working on his pressing and off-ball movement.
The turning point came in February 2025 with the arrival of Robin van Persie as Feyenoord’s head coach. Van Persie worked on Ueda’s psychology, encouraging him to be more demanding of the ball and to play with greater confidence. The results were immediate. In the 2025–26 season, Ueda became Feyenoord’s main striker and finished as the Eredivisie’s top scorer with 25 goals in 31 league appearances. Across all competitions, he scored 26 goals in 40 matches. His market value is estimated at £15 million, with Feyenoord open to offers from clubs including Leeds United, Brighton, and Ipswich Town.
International Career:
Ueda made his senior Japan debut in 2019 and has since earned 43–44 caps, scoring 18 goals. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all four of Japan’s matches. He scored two goals against Tunisia and provided an assist, making him the first Japanese player to score a brace at a World Cup. He also played against the Netherlands (83 minutes), Sweden (65 minutes), and Brazil (90 minutes) in the Round of 32.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ayase Ueda is a 27-year-old striker defined by his finishing ability, intelligent movement, and professionalism. Standing at 1.80 meters, he is a complete centre-forward who leads the line effectively.
In Possession:
Ueda is a prolific finisher with both feet and his head. His 25-goal Eredivisie season in 2025–26 demonstrated his clinical nature. His brace against Tunisia at the World Cup showcased his range—a low curling shot from the edge of the box and a looping header. He is effective in link-up play, as demonstrated by his chipped assist for Junya Ito. Van Persie has described him as “open, quick to learn, eager to improve, and always wants to get better every day.”
Out of Possession:
Ueda is a willing runner who presses from the front. Hajime Moriyasu operates with a 3-4-2-1 system, using Ueda as his lone striker. His ability to make perfectly timed runs into the penalty area, combined with intelligent movement to create space for teammates, proves how effective he is in leading the line for Japan. Against Tunisia, he won 75% of his aerial duels.
Psychological Edge:
Ueda’s mental resilience is his defining quality. He was rejected as a teenager but refused to give up, finding an alternative path through university football. He has been described as a “late bloomer” in Japanese football. He is known for his humility and professionalism—Van Persie had to “provoke” him during training to demand the ball more. His confidence grew after the 3-2 comeback victory over Brazil in a friendly, where he scored the winner.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie (Feyenoord) | 31 | 2,518 | 25 | 1 |
| UEFA Europa League | 6 | 434 | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Champions League Qual. | 2 | — | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Japan) | 4 | 321 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 43 | 3,273+ | 28 | 2 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Kashima Antlers | J1 League | 13 | 4 |
| 2020 | Kashima Antlers | J1 League | 26 | 10 |
| 2021 | Kashima Antlers | J1 League | 29 | 14 |
| 2022 | Kashima Antlers | J1 League | 18 | 10 |
| 2022–23 | Cercle Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 34 | 18 |
| 2023–24 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 26 | 5 |
| 2024–25 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 21 | 7 |
| 2025–26 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 31 | 25 |
TABLE C: International Record (2019–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Copa América 2019 | — | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 43–44 | 18 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Born | Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan |
| 2019 | Japan Debut | vs Chile, Copa América |
| 2019 | Kashima Antlers Move | Signed by club that previously rejected him |
| 2022 | Europe Move | Cercle Brugge |
| 2023 | Feyenoord Move | £7.5–9M transfer |
| 2025 | Van Persie Impact | Breakthrough season begins |
| 2025–26 | Eredivisie Top Scorer | 25 goals in 31 appearances |
| 2026 | World Cup Brace | First Japanese player to score brace at WC |
What these figures reveal is a player of extraordinary late-blooming success. Ueda has gone from being rejected as a teenager to becoming the Eredivisie’s top scorer and a World Cup goalscorer. His 26-goal season at Feyenoord in 2025–26 and his brace against Tunisia at the World Cup have cemented his status as Japan’s most important striker. His estimated £15M market value reflects his rise to prominence.
The Present Tense
Ayase Ueda is 27 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is Feyenoord’s main striker, a Japanese international with 43–44 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Feyenoord Story:
Ueda joined Feyenoord in 2023 and has made 101 appearances, scoring 40 goals. He was the Eredivisie’s top scorer in the 2025–26 season with 25 goals in 31 matches. His contract runs until 2028. Under Robin van Persie’s guidance, he has become the club’s main attacking threat and “greatest difference maker” in the 2025–26 season.
The World Cup Campaign:
Ueda started all four of Japan’s World Cup matches—against the Netherlands (83 minutes), Tunisia (83 minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist), Sweden (65 minutes), and Brazil (90 minutes). He recorded 9 shots, 4 on target, and was the first Japanese player to score a brace at a World Cup.
International Record:
Ueda has earned 43–44 caps for Japan and scored 18 international goals. He has represented Japan at the 2019 Copa América and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ayase Ueda is defined by his rejection and redemption story. He was rejected by Kashima Antlers’ youth team as a teenager but found an alternative path through university football. He has been described as a “late bloomer” in Japanese football.
His choice of the number 18 for the national team is a tribute to his father’s admiration for Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann, who wore number 18 for the national team.
Ueda has been outspoken about his journey. “Nada nunca foi perfeito. Não segui um caminho tradicional, então nem sempre foi fácil,” he told GQ magazine. “Nunca achei que o caminho que escolhi fosse o certo, e se pudesse voltar ao ensino médio e tentar de novo, acho que escolheria me formar e buscar me tornar um profissional. Mesmo assim, me esforcei ao máximo para que o caminho que escolhi não acabasse sendo um fracasso.”
Before the World Cup, he made his ambitions clear: “Winning the World Cup is my goal, just like it is for our team. I can’t promise it, but we’re all developing with that as the target, and I think we’re in a position where we can aim for it.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Robin van Persie
, Feyenoord head coach:
Van Persie frequently “provoked” Ueda during training sessions, telling the Japanese striker he was too humble and didn’t demand the ball enough from his teammates. He praised Ueda as “open, quick to learn, eager to improve, and always wants to get better every day.”
Martijn Krabbendam
, Feyenoord-watcher:
Als je kijkt naar zijn productie, dat is gigantisch… Hij maakt zo’n verschil dit seizoen… Het is de grootste verschilmaker van Feyenoord op dit moment.
FotMob
, on Ueda’s impact:
In Ayase Ueda, the Japanese may well have the final piece of the puzzle that allows the nation to break new ground… Ueda was at the forefront of everything positive about the performance… He is spearheading Japan’s charge to the knock outs.
Ayase Ueda
, on his World Cup goal:
The goal against Tunisia was a moment of personal triumph after a long and difficult journey to the top of the game.
Where Next?
Ayase Ueda is 27 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at Feyenoord, a Japanese international, and a World Cup goalscorer.
For Japan
, Ueda is the centre-forward the nation has been waiting for. His World Cup brace and his performances against top teams have cemented his place as the leader of the attack. He will be expected to lead the Samurai Blue in future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
For Feyenoord
, Ueda is a prized asset. His contract runs until 2028. He is valued at £15M, and Feyenoord are willing to listen to offers. Leeds United, Brighton, and Ipswich Town have all been linked, and Fenerbahçe have reportedly submitted a serious offer of more than €20M. A move to a Premier League or major European club could be on the cards.
His career trajectory is one of extraordinary late-blooming success—from being rejected as a teenager to becoming the Eredivisie’s top scorer, from university football to the World Cup, from a substitute to a national hero. The boy from Ibaraki who was told he wasn’t good enough, who built himself through university football, who became the Eredivisie’s top scorer, who scored a brace at the World Cup—Ayase Ueda’s journey is a story of rejection, redemption, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
