World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Hiroki Ito
Now back at full fitness, Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito looks set to marshal Japan's backline as they navigate a tough FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F featuring the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
Name: Hiroki Ito
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: Japan
International debut: 1 June 2022
Caps: 25
International goals: One
How was his 2025/26 campaign?
It was another injury-hit season for the 27-year-old, with a broken foot forcing him out of the first three months of 2025/26. A lack of fitness and a subsequent torn muscle fibre ultimately meant he was very much in the role of back-up for the Bundesliga champions, as Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano were preferred at centre-back, and Josip Stanišić at left-back.
As a result, Ito made just 16 Bundesliga appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side, ten of which were starts. There were also three cameo outings in the DFB Cup, all after the 86th minute, and four games in the UEFA Champions League.
What he brings to the national team
Standing at 1.88m, Ito offers a robust physical presence at the back for the Samurai Blue, with his experience and top-level know-how invaluable in a youthful squad. His positional versatility gives head coach Hajime Moriyasu added options at the back.
What his coaches say
“While stopping physically strong opponents in defence, he also shows his qualities in attack and can be the starting point of his team's build-up play.” - Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu
“He was out for a long time and he has now shown in a very short time that he will be a very valuable player for our club.” - Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany
