Kōki Machida: Hoffenheim’s new Japanese defender with the brains to match his brawn
He's played alongside Deniz Undav, is a full Japan international and also studied for a degree in human sciences - here's what you need to know about new Hoffenheim signing Kōki Machida.
Data accurate as of 27 June 2025
Kōki Machida
Age: 27 (born 25 August 1997)
Club: Hoffenheim
Position: Centre-back
Country: Japan (17 caps)
Key stats
Machida arrives in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim after three years at Union St. Gilloise, where he won a domestic treble of the Belgian league title, cup and supercup in 2024/25.
Prior to that, the left-footer was in his homeland at Kashima Antlers, where he came through the youth ranks before making his debut for the club in a 1-1 draw with Jubilo Iwata in a J. League Cup fixture in May 2016.
His progress was curtailed the following season, however, by a cruciate ligament injury. He returned in 2017/18 to make 13 appearances in all competitions, and was part of the squad that won the AFC Champions League.
Machida continued to develop and went on to make 116 appearances for his boyhood club before catching the eye of Union St. Gilloise, where he initially signed on loan in 2021/22 season, eventually making the move permanent in 2023.
He made his debut for Union alongside current VfB Stuttgart and Germany striker Deniz Undav, while the team was managed by St. Pauli boss Alexander Blessin.
Machida's consistency was rewarded with a first senior cap for Japan in a 4-2 friendly in September 2023.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Plays a bit like: Robin Koch
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Koch and Machida both have similar physical profiles given their ability both on the ball and in the air.
Comfortable in possession with the ability to step out and contribute to build-up play, Machida’s style of play is similar to that of the Germany international, and has even played in a holding midfield role such is his composure on the ball.
Defensively, both seem to always be in the right place at the right time thanks to their clever positioning and reading of the game.
Did you know?
Machida has plenty of brains to go with his 6'3" (1.90m) brawn. He enrolled in an internet degree programme at Waseda University’s School of Human Sciences in 2016, studying while also playing professionally for Kashima Antlers.
What they’re saying
“He’s one of the best defenders in the league … He has all the qualities of a modern defender.” - Former Union St. Gilloise teammate, Alessio Castro-Montes
"He's a no-nonsense defender who never shies away from a challenge. He’s very strong in the air and also has good vision and a precise passing game. We’re convinced that Koki will bring the stability we’re looking for with his presence and qualities.” - Andreas Schicker, Hoffenheim's managing director of sport
"For me, the move to Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga is the next step in my career, and I honestly can’t wait to get started with my new teammates. I’ll definitely give everything I’ve got to help the team be successful.” - Machida on his transfer to Hoffenheim
Related news
Follow pre-season action!
Keep track of all the latest friendly results and fixtures for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs as they gear up for 2025/26.
Who is Hugo Ekitiké?
Once a fringe player for PSG, the French forward has blossomed into one of Europe's most exciting forwards at Frankfurt...
Leverkusen's youth-led revolution
Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah have moved on, but Bayer have some new kids on the block, ready to rock the Bundesliga in 2025/26 and beyond.