Kyogo Furuhashi: The Japanese Celtic Star | OneFootball

January 20 marks the birthday of Kyogo Furuhashi, one of Japan’s most exciting attacking talents in recent years. Known for his blistering pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, Furuhashi has made a significant impact at both domestic and international levels. From his early days in Japan to his rise as a fan favorite at Celtic, let’s take a closer look at his journey, achievements, and playing style.

Club Career

FC Gifu (2017–2018)

Kyogo Furuhashi began his professional career with FC Gifu in the J2 League. Although he was playing in Japan’s second tier, his performances caught the attention of bigger clubs. His dribbling ability and eye for goal stood out, making him one of the most promising talents in the league.

Vissel Kobe (2018–2021)

In 2018, Furuhashi secured a move to Vissel Kobe, a club that had recently attracted global stars like Andrés Iniesta and David Villa. He quickly became an integral part of the team, showcasing his versatility by playing as a winger and a center forward. His time at Kobe was marked by crucial goals and dynamic attacking displays.

Furuhashi played a key role in Vissel Kobe’s historic 2019 Emperor’s Cup triumph, which earned the club their first-ever major trophy. He continued to shine in the AFC Champions League, further cementing his status as one of Japan’s top forwards.

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 10: Kyogo Furuhashi of Vissel Kobe celebrates after scoring during the AFC Champions League quarter final match between Vissel Kobe and Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

Celtic (2021–Present)

Furuhashi made the leap to European football in July 2021 when he signed for Scottish giants Celtic. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, he adapted quickly to the physical and fast-paced nature of Scottish football. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular, as he became Celtic’s talisman in attack.

In the 2021–22 season, Furuhashi played a pivotal role in helping Celtic reclaim the Scottish Premiership title from Rangers. His brace in the Scottish League Cup final against Hibernian secured Celtic’s first silverware under Postecoglou.

The following season (2022–23), he continued to excel, finishing as the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with 27 goals. His movement off the ball, ability to find space in tight areas, and composure in front of goal made him one of the most dangerous forwards in Scotland. He was instrumental in Celtic’s domestic treble, winning the league, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup.

Impact and Achievements

Playstyle

Kyogo Furuhashi is a modern forward with an exceptional ability to time his runs behind the defense. His agility, quick feet, and intelligence allow him to exploit spaces and get on the end of through balls. While not the tallest striker, his finishing ability with both feet and his instinctive movement make him a nightmare for defenders.

His relentless work rate also stands out. Furuhashi is not just a goal scorer; he presses defenders aggressively and contributes to his team’s defensive efforts. His ability to link up play and create chances for teammates makes him an invaluable asset in any attacking setup.

Conclusion

Kyogo Furuhashi’s journey from Japan’s second tier to becoming a star at Celtic is a testament to his dedication and talent. His success in Scotland has further opened the door for Japanese players in European football, showing that technical ability, intelligence, and work ethic can thrive at the highest levels.

As he celebrates another year, Furuhashi continues to be a key figure for Celtic and a player to watch for Japan. Whether it’s his lethal finishing, tireless movement, or big-game mentality, he remains a player capable of making an impact wherever he plays. Happy birthday to a modern-day Japanese football star!