Kento Shiogai #26

Profile

Remained largely unknown until the summer of his final year of high school and went on to study at university. There, he wore the No 10 and quickly stood out. While still enrolled, he secured a move to Yokohama F. Marinos, making his J.League debut and scoring his first goal just three months later. He then moved to NEC Nijmegen before joining Wolfsburg in January this year, reaching one of Europe’s top five leagues in the span of just a year and a half. His greatest weapon is his extraordinary acceleration, having recorded a sprint speed of 36.2 km/h. He even studied Usain Bolt’s running form to refine his explosiveness, combining that pace with powerful shooting and dynamic dribbling. In March this year, he earned his first call-up to the Japan national team and assisted the winning goal on his debut. Now he is part of the World Cup squad.

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