Ao Tanaka - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Misses target with both attempts Tanaka generated two shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Tottenham Hotspur.

Impact Tanaka started in midfield on Saturday and contributed two shots, although neither tested Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The Japanese international missed a promising opportunity during Leeds' improved second-half performance, while both of his crosses also failed to find a teammate. He was eventually replaced by Harry Wilson in the 77th minute, shortly before Noah Okafor scored the winner.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Records two attempts Tanaka generated two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester United.

Impact Tanaka started in central midfield, forcing Senne Lammens into a save with a powerful first-half effort before sending another attempt narrowly over the crossbar after halftime. The Japanese midfielder finished with two shots, three crosses and one interception across 80 minutes. He has appeared in six Premier League matches this season, including five starts, without scoring a goal. His ability to advance into attacking positions gives Leeds another source of shots from midfield, although competition for places could influence his playing time.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Makes fourth consecutive start Tanaka recorded one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 36th minute.

Impact Tanaka made his fourth consecutive Premier League start in midfield, playing 71 minutes and recording one shot on target, one interception and a successful tackle. His best moment came early in the second half when a powerful effort forced David Raya to tip the ball over the crossbar. The midfielder has registered one assist, 10 tackles, three interceptions and eight clearances across five league appearances this season. His continued involvement in the starting lineup suggests he has established himself as a regular option in manager Daniel Farke's midfield rotation.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Makes third straight start Tanaka registered two shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Impact Tanaka made his third consecutive Premier League start and remained involved in Leeds' attacking play, though he fired his best opportunity over the bar from inside the box during the first half. The midfielder has provided one assist during his current three-match run in the starting XI. His continued selection suggests he has established a more prominent role in midfield after beginning the campaign outside the regular lineup.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Single shot in win Tanaka recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Impact Tanaka was involved as a more box-to-box midfielder throughout Monday's win, but he did get forward for a single shot. It was a comprehensive win, but Tanaka couldn't quite get involved on the scoresheet during the clash. He remains a more limited option moving forward even with the team thriving.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds crushes Newcastle, Betis run continues in Spain; Roma and Inter tied atop Serie A

Real Betis has won again to extend its strong start to the season in Spain

SEPTEMBER 14 • Associated Press

Ao Tanaka's deflected effort gives Leeds breakthrough v. Newcastle | Premier League

SEPTEMBER 14 • YOUTUBE

Assists opener in 1-1 draw Tanaka assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.

Impact Tanaka assisted Jayden Bogle to open the scoring in a game that they would go on to draw 1-1. This was his first start of the season, having been a sub in the previous game, and being unused in the opening game. This was his only chance created and he did take two shot, but missed the target.

SEPTEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Three tackles off bench Tanaka registered three tackles (zero won) and four clearances in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Brentford.

Impact Tanaka came on at halftime as part of manager Daniel Farke's double change, contributing three tackle attempts and making four clearances across 45 minutes as Leeds successfully tightened their defensive shape and dominated the second half against Brentford. He helped Leeds press higher up the pitch and contribute to the territorial dominance that ultimately produced Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equalizer in the 78th minute. Tanaka has featured in only one of Leeds' two Premier League matches this season as he is expected to hold a rotational role moving forward for the Whites.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

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

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

AO TANAKA NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG