Daiki Hashioka: Who is Borussia Mönchengladbach's Japanese full-back?
He's an international defender with solid experience in European leagues who has already hit the ground running - get to know Borussia Mönchengladbach's Japanese right-back Daiki Hashioka.
Stats correct as of 23 August
Daiki Hashioka
Age: 27 (born 17 May 1999)
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Position: Right-back
Country: Japan (12 international caps)
Key stats
Hashioka attracted the interest of European clubs after breaking into the Urawa Red Diamonds team as a teenager and then starring in both legs of the 2019 AFC Champions League final. This resulted in a move to Belgian side Sint-Truiden, where he enjoyed three productive years, making 91 appearances and scoring two goals.
In 2024, the versatile defender signed for Luton Town, gaining valuable Premier League experience. The following summer, he put pen to paper with Czech powerhouse Slavia Prague, for whom he featured in the UEFA Champions League. In the second half of 2025/26, Hashioka returned to Belgium as a loanee, appearing 17 times for Gent.
After joining the Foals on loan at the end of July, the 27-year-old made his competitive debut for the club on 23 August in a resounding 5-0 DFB Cup win at fifth-tier TSV Schott Mainz. He made an instant impact, impressing the away contingent with his assured all-round performance and with his goal, a well-placed header in the 25th minute that put his team in the driving seat.
On the international stage, the Saitama-born right-back has earned 12 caps for Japan since making his debut against China in December 2019. His most recent outing came in a 1-0 friendly win over Scotland at Hampden Park in March.
Plays a bit like: Julian Ryerson
Hashioka is an energetic and athletic full-back who can also tuck in to operate as a right-sided centre-back, if required, much like the Borussia Dortmund star.
Exhibiting a similar build, Gladbach's new acquisition also shares Ryerson's high work rate, fearless tackling ability and defensive diligence.
Did you know?
Hashioka comes from a talented sporting family: his younger brother, Kazuki, is also a footballer and currently plies his trade in the lower leagues in Japan, and his cousin, Yuki, is an elite long jumper who competed at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
What they’re saying
"Daiki brings plenty of experience, and we're confident he'll quickly prove an asset to the team." - Rouven Schröder, Gladbach sporting director
"He’s a great guy. If he gets the chance to play in his actual position and gets a bit of a run, then he’ll build some confidence and belief in himself." - Rob Edwards, ex-Luton Town manager
