World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt's Ritsu Dōan
Eintracht Frankfurt's Ritsu Doan will be one of Japan's most influential players in their FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge.
Name: Ritsu Dōan
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Nation: Japan
International debut: 11 September 2018
Caps: 64
International goals: 11
Stats correct as of 24 April 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
After three seasons at Freiburg, Dōan made his summer switch to Frankfurt look easy at first as he had a hand in all three goals in the 3-1 Matchday 2 win at Hoffenheim in only his second league appearance for the Eagles. But his form – and that of his team – has dipped since and the tricky winger had just one goal involvement (an assist) from Matchday 16 to 28.
He made his Champions League bow with an assist in the eye-opening 5-1 win over Galatasaray in the first league phase game. While goals and assists have not flowed as freely since, he has by no means downed tools, as reflected by his lofty standing in the Bundesliga-wide chart for duels won.
What he brings to the national team
He captained Japan to their 1-0 win over England in the March international window –and it says much about his standing within the Samurai Blue squad that he was handed the armband for the first time on such a prestigious occasion.
The attacking midfielder is not a prolific scorer, but two of his 11 international goals came at his first World Cup in 2022 to help Japan secure memorable wins over both Germany and Spain and earn a place in the knockout stages. He is, undoubtedly, one of the key players for head coach Hajime Moriyasu, the man who handed Dōan his international debut almost eight years ago.
What they're saying
“I have the feeling I can keep improving and arrive at the World Cup with even greater determination than the last time. I feel that people are counting on me. Of course my individual performance is important, but I want to be a player who transforms his team into a team that wins.” – Ritsu Dōan
“Ritsu is a fantastic human being and a hard worker. Japanese players are like this with their culture. They are really loyal players." – Albert Riera, Frankfurt coach
