Ao Tanaka - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

A respectful moment postgame 🤝

A respectful moment postgame 🤝

JUNE 29 • FOX SPORTS

One shot against Sweden Tanaka recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Sweden.

Impact Tanaka was in solid form against Sweden despite an underwhelming statline, as the midfielder was constantly around the ball and pressuring Sweden attackers. He would end up completing 68 passe, his second straight match with more than 60 completed passes. After not starting the opener, the midfielder seems to be a clear factor for the team moving forward, likely to remain a starter in the knockouts.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Fires off one shot Tanaka recorded one shot and four tackles won in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.

Impact Tanaka was in the starting XI Saturday after a bench role and going unused in their opener, playing the full 90 against Tunisia. He would see most of his work in the defense as his singular shot and four tackles won were the highlights of his day. He would complete 72 passes, second-best on the team Saturday.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

Japan vs. Spain Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup

Japan vs. Spain Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup

JUNE 2 • FOX SPORTS

Quality in engine room Tanaka has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to be an important midfield presence for Japan throughout the competition.

Impact Tanaka made 33 appearances for Leeds United across all competitions this season, contributing four goals in what was a strong campaign for the Japanese midfielder who helped Leeds United secure their spot in the Premier League. Tanaka brings technical quality, pressing intelligence and the ability to contribute in both directions from midfield that makes him a versatile and trusted option for manager Moriyasu. Tanaka heads into the World Cup in strong form and full confidence after a productive season in English football that has him primed for his best tournament performance to date.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds takes big step toward Premier League survival with comfy win over Burnley

Leeds United has beaten Burnley 3-1 and almost definitely guaranteed it will play Premier League football again next season

MAY 1 • Associated Press

Nine crosses in victory Tanaka had one shot (zero on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton.

Impact Tanaka played the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton, operating as the defensive pivot in midfield and providing the platform from which his side dominated possession and transition throughout the match. The Japanese midfielder was praised by coach Daniel Farke in the pre-match build-up for his recent form and delivered a disciplined performance, winning duels and breaking up play consistently. Tanaka has started the last three matches, scoring one goal, delivering 16 crosses and eight key passes while handling a share of his team's set pieces.

APRIL 19 • ROTOWIRE

Wait is over! | West Ham United (2-2) Leeds United AFC | Quarter-final

APRIL 6 • YOUTUBE

Opens scoring in FA Cup Tanaka scored one goal to go with four tackles in Sunday's 2-2 (2-4) penalty shootout win over West Ham.

Impact Tanaka fired Leeds United in front in the 26th minute of Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal at West Ham, ripping a shot that took a deflection off Axel Disasi and found the back of the net to give the visitors a lead they held until a brutal stoppage-time collapse. He logged 69 minutes before coming off, ending with a goal and four tackles (three won) in a poised midfield performance that helped Leeds dictate the tempo for most of the match.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

'Sad for our fans' - Nuno reacts to wild FA Cup loss that saw Danny Dyer & Hammers faithful put through the wringer before Leeds dashed Wembley dreams in penalty shootout

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo could not hide his disappointment after his side were eliminated from the FA Cup in a heart-stop...

APRIL 5 • goal

'Sad for our fans' - Nuno reacts to wild FA Cup loss that saw Danny Dyer & Hammers faithful put through the wringer before Leeds dashed Wembley dreams in penalty shootout

Leeds beats West Ham in penalty shootout to reach FA Cup semifinals for first time since 1987

Leeds throws away a two-goal lead in second-half injury time and has a double scare in extra time before going on to beat West Ham in a penalty shootout and reach the FA Cup semifi...

APRIL 5 • Associated Press

Unused substitute Tuesday Tanaka recorded no stats in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Sunderland.

Impact Tanaka remained an unused substitute in Tuesday's clash against Sunderland, extending his run to six straight Premier League matches without seeing the pitch. The Japanese midfielder played a key role in the club's promotion last season but does not appear to be in coach Daniel Farke's plans at the moment, with Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Elia Gruev currently preferred in midfield.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Scores late for draw Tanaka scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Liverpool.

Impact Tanaka scored from a corner in second half stoppage time during Saturday's draw. The midfielder didn't get much done from open play, but the goal was still enough for a huge result during Saturday's clash. Tanaka's upside will be limited even with Leeds hitting form in the last week after some brutal matches prior to this nice run of form.

DECEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Farke keeps a lid on emotions after 'magic' Elland Road night caps off 'exhausting' week Leeds United twice came from behind to draw 3-3 with Liverpool at Elland Road, thanks to Ao Tanaka's strike in second-half stoppage time.

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • BEINSPORTS.COM

Strikes once against Chelsea Tanaka scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Chelsea.

Impact Tanaka was a key contributor to his team's victory over Chelsea on Wednesday, scoring his first goal of the season with a powerful strike from outside the box in the first half. He could have extended the lead further, taking four shots and setting a season-high for attempts in the game. Since returning from a knee injury, the midfielder has started two straight matches but has only contributed one goal and taken seven shots in 11 appearances this season, indicating limited consistency in decisive moments.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Saturday Tanaka (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Fulham.

Impact Tanaka has recovered enough from his recent knee injury to be named on the bench Saturday after participating in big parts of training during the week. While not ready to start, this marks an encouraging step toward full match fitness. He had been a regular starter for Leeds under coach Daniel Farke and should compete for that role again once fully sharp.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Could be an option Saturday Tanaka (knee) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Fulham, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference, according to Beren Cross from The Athletic. "Tanaka has been...

Impact Tanaka missed the last Premier League game due to a knee injury but is nearing a return after being reintegrated into big parts of training this week. This is positive news for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the midfield under coach Daniel Farke and should find back this role when deemed fit enough to.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out until international break Tanaka (knee) is out until the international break due to his MCL injury, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post. "MCL injury, he will also...

Impact Tanaka is going to be sidelined for a little bit of time as the club helps him recover from an MCL injury, confirmed to at least miss out until the international break. That said, he will hope to recover over the break, with his next chance of playing against Fulham on Sept. 13. He is a starter, so this will force a change for the time being, with Sean Longstaff likely entering the midfield in his place.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with MCL Tanaka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 5-0 defeat against Arsenal due to problems with his MCL, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to the York...

Impact Tanaka was forced off in the 58th minute of Saturday's defeat against the Gunners after dealing with MCL problems. The midfielder had been suffering from it since the first half and carried on, suggesting it might be only a minor issue. Tanaka will be assessed in the coming days to see if he has to miss time or if he will be good to go for upcoming fixtures. If he has to miss time, his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Sean Longstaff likely seeing increased playing time.

AUGUST 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka and every goal for Japan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka and every goal for Japan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Japan vs. Croatia

Here's how to bet the Japan-Croatia match, from the moneyline, draw, and Over/Under total odds

DECEMBER 5, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Japan vs. Croatia

2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain’s Álvaro Morata, Germany’s Kai Havertz & more on every goal of day 12

2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain’s Álvaro Morata, Germany’s Kai Havertz & more on every goal of day 12

DECEMBER 2, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Did VAR make the WRONG decision with Ao Tanaka's goal in Japan's victory over Spain? | SOTU

Did VAR make the WRONG decision with Ao Tanaka's goal in Japan's victory over Spain? | SOTU

DECEMBER 2, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Japan advances, Germany bounced on wild day in Group E

Group E was supposed to be a stroll for Spain and Germany. It turned out to be anything but, and for a moment looked like both would be goin...

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Japan advances, Germany bounced on wild day in Group E

World Cup 2022 highlights: Japan upsets Spain, 2-1

The 2022 FIFA World Cup continued with Japan defeating Spain, 2-1, on Thursday. Here are the top plays!

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 highlights: Japan upsets Spain, 2-1