Who is Ayase Ueda?

Ayase Ueda (上田綺世, Ueda Ayase), born on 28 August 1998 in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan, is a Japanese professional striker known for his lethal finishing, intelligent movement, and relentless work ethic. As of early 2026, he features as number 9 for Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie and is a regular for the Japan national team.

At 27 years old, standing 1.82 m (6’0”) tall, Ueda has matured into one of Asia’s premier forwards, proving himself not just as a prolific scorer but as a complete forward capable of influencing matches in multiple competitions.

Early Life and Football Roots

Ayase Ueda’s relationship with football began early in his hometown of Mito. Although his youth career isn’t marked by the glitter of elite European academies, his journey showcases a very Japanese route—strong development through school and university football—which has become emblematic of players who excel through technical growth, discipline, and a strong tactical foundation.

During his school years, Ueda represented Kashima Gakuen High School, where he competed at national youth levels. This academic-athletic experience set him apart from many peers, blending education and elite sports training. He continued his development at Hosei University, playing in the competitive JUFA leagues while earning recognition for his scoring ability.

This university pathway, rather than immediate professional academy immersion, reflects a mature, disciplined foundation that many Japanese players leverage to blend physical preparation with tactical intelligence.

Professional Breakthrough: Kashima Antlers

Ueda made his professional debut with Kashima Antlers in the J1 League in 2019 after completing his university time. His progression was swift: he became a reliable goal scorer and showed a natural ability to find space, anticipate defensive movements, and finish clinically. Through four seasons at Antlers, Ueda accumulated 86 league appearances with 38 goals, establishing himself as one of Japan’s most promising young forwards.

His performances earned him attention from European scouts, not just for his goal-scoring but for his technique, link-up play, and physical resilience—traits less expected from forward prospects transitioning from the J‑League.

Move to Europe: Cercle Brugge

In July 2022, Ueda signed with Cercle Brugge, competing in the Belgian First Division A. This first European experience was a significant step. In his first season, Ueda scored a notable tally—around 23 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions—quickly adapting to a faster, more physical style of play and proving he could thrive outside Japan.

At Cercle Brugge, Ueda’s consistency, movement off the ball, and finishing precision began attracting wider attention. Belgium’s tactical diversity and physicality gave him a platform to sharpen his instincts against varied defenses—a crucial phase for any winger or striker hoping to ascend to top European leagues.

Feyenoord: Rising Star in the Eredivisie

In August 2023, Ueda made his next big leap—joining Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Eredivisie on a long-term deal reportedly worth around €9–10 million with a contract through 30 June 2028.

Early Years in Rotterdam

Ueda’s first seasons at Feyenoord (2023–24 and 2024–25) were initially inconsistent. His role often fluctuated between starter and substitute, and he faced stiff competition, most notably from fellow forwards like Santiago Giménez. Many supporters and analysts noted that while Ueda showed flashes of technical ability, his goal output did not immediately match the promise of his Cercle Brugge form.

However, his dedication, improved tactical understanding, and hard work on the training ground laid the groundwork for a breakout.

2025–26: Breakout Season

The 2025–26 Eredivisie campaign has been Ueda’s most prolific yet:

Goals: Around 18 in 19 Eredivisie matches
Assists: 1
Minutes played: ~1558 in domestic league play
Goal involvement: ≈1.04 per 90 minutes (goals + assists combined)

Such performance trends place him in elite goalscoring company, drawing comparisons with traditional Eredivisie greats and attracting speculation from bigger leagues. In some football circles, there has even been discussion about interest from clubs in La Liga, Bundesliga, and the Premier League given his production and price tag.

Memorable Feats in 2025

One of the standout chapters of Ueda’s 2025 season included a series of explosive scoring bursts in October 2025:

He was named Eredivisie Player of the Month for October, a prestigious weekly accolade based on performance data.
During that period, Ueda scored in seven of Feyenoord’s first ten league matches, including a hat‑trick against Heracles Almelo.
He also became only the third Feyenoord player this century to score the opening goal in three consecutive Eredivisie matches—a noteworthy milestone previously achieved by club luminous scorers like Roy Makaay and Graziano Pellè.

These moments underscored his transformation from a player still adapting to Dutch football into one of its most feared protagonists.

International Career: Samurai Blue Impact

Ayase Ueda’s international journey with Japan began in U‑20 and U‑21 youth sides before progressing to senior selection. He debuted for the Japan national team in 2019 and was part of the squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2025–26 and World Cup 2026 Run-Up

Japan’s national team, known as the Samurai Blue, has been one of Asia’s most consistent sides, becoming the first nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals as hosts and participants of the expanded 48‑team tournament.

During their lead‑up to World Cup 2026, Ueda played a key part in international fixtures:

In a friendly match against Paraguay in October 2025, Ueda scored a dramatic late equaliser deep in stoppage time, showcasing his clutch mentality on the international stage.
Against Brazil in October 2025, Ueda scored a pivotal late header, helping Japan secure a historic 3–2 comeback victory over the South American powerhouse.

These contributions highlight Ueda’s evolution into not just a domestic league talent but a player capable of influence in high‑stakes international fixtures.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ueda combines several attributes that make him a modern forward:

1. Goal Scoring Instincts:
Ueda’s finishing instincts—both inside the box and from transitional attacks—are among his defining features. His ability to anticipate crosses, time runs, and find space between defenders makes him especially dangerous.

2. Intelligent Movement:
While not the fastest sprinter in absolute terms, Ueda’s spatial awareness, first step, and reading of defensive lines allow him to generate scoring opportunities regularly.

3. Aerial Ability:
Though his profile is more all‑around than purely target‑man‑style, Ueda’s vertical leap and heading precision make him useful on set pieces and crosses—evident in his World Cup friendly goal against Brazil.

4. Link‑Up Play:
He frequently drops deep to connect play, aiding Feyenoord’s build‑up phases and creating opportunities for wide attackers and midfield runners.

5. Work Ethic:
Ueda’s pressing intensity and defensive work rate reflect a modern striker willing to contribute defensively, an increasingly important trait in tactical systems that emphasize collective effort.

Character, Perception & Fan Culture

Despite early skepticism following his transfer to Feyenoord, Ueda’s perseverance won over fans and critics alike:

Reddit threads and fan commentary often spoke of Ueda needing “more chances and trust” early in his Feyenoord career.
Later fan and media narratives shifted dramatically as Ueda’s productivity blossomed, with supporters celebrating his calm goal celebration style and quiet leadership.

Teammates and coaches have praised his attitude: supportive of teammates, responding to criticism constructively, and focused on internal improvement rather than external pressure.

Injuries and Recent Availability

Like all top‑level athletes, Ueda has faced injury setbacks. Notably, he suffered a hamstring concern in October 2025 after a match versus FC Utrecht, though he still continued his scoring form later.
As of January 2026, he missed at least one Europa League fixture against Real Betis, which may indicate either tactical omission or injury management.

Reports around the end of January 2026 also suggested expectations for his return later in the month or into late February 2026.

Accolades, Recognition, and Legacy Building

Individual Honors

Eredivisie Player of the Month (October 2025)—a competitive award showcasing domestic excellence.
Multiple domestic and international recognitions, including votes among top Japanese players in player‑selected awards.

Team Honors

Contributed to Feyenoord’s successful seasons, including KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield titles in recent years.

International Milestones

Integral part of Japan’s national team setup leading to the 2026 World Cup cycle, performing on big friendly occasions and key qualifiers.

Outlook and Future Prospects

Entering 2026, Ayase Ueda stands at a crossroads many great forwards face:

Sustaining Momentum: Keeping his form high and consistent across Eredivisie and European play will be key to his long-term career arc.
Major Tournament Performance: How he performs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could significantly shape his global reputation.
Transfer Attraction: Continued scoring output will draw attention from elite European leagues, potentially opening doors to clubs in England, Spain, or Germany.
International Legacy: As Japan eyes deeper World Cup runs, Ueda may join the ranks of iconic Samurai Blue forwards in history.

Conclusion

Ayase Ueda’s story is one of steady ascent, resilience, and high‑impact performance. From a university trained Japanese talent to a European goalscorer commanding headlines across the Eredivisie and beyond, his journey encapsulates modern football’s blend of tactical discipline, technical excellence, and psychological resilience.

In 2025–26, Ueda has transformed from a promising signing into one of the most feared strikers in the Netherlands and an indispensable figure for Japan’s national squad. With his mix of finishing prowess, work ethic, and evolving tactical understanding, Ueda’s career remains one of the most compelling narratives in world football.