Ritsu Doan consolidates himself as a Japanese asset against Brazil in the World Cup, boosted by a decisive phase at Eintracht Frankfurt
Japan has high expectations for striker Ritsu Doan for the clash against Brazil in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup. At 27 years old, the Eintracht Frankfurt player is going through a peak in his professional career, standing out as one of the most popular figures in the Japanese team in European football and assuming the role of the main technical reference under the command of Hajime Moriyasu in this decisive stage of the tournament. His consistent performance at the German club has boosted hopes of good results for the national team.
The uncertainty surrounding Takefusa Kubo’s participation, due to an injury, elevated Ritsu Doan to the center of attention in the Japanese team. The athlete has been fundamental since the previous World Cup, with notable decisive performances in clashes against teams such as Germany and Spain.
Ritsu Doan’s rise in European football and his time in Germany
Ritsu Doan began his journey at Gamba Osaka, but spent almost his entire career on European football. After spells at Dutch clubs such as Groningen and PSV, and a spell at Freiburg, he arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt. His only professional trophy to date is the Dutch Cup, won with PSV in the 2021-22 season.
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During the 2025/26 season, the Japanese athlete was on the field for 31 games in the Bundesliga, contributing five goals and five assists. He was also part of the team’s Champions League campaign, solidifying his position as one of the pillars of the German team.
Ritsu Doan’s historic moments in World Cups against powers
Doan’s global visibility grew exponentially in the 2022 World Cup. Coming on as a substitute, he scored crucial goals in the Japanese team’s victories against Germany and Spain, results that ensured first place in the group and advancement to the round of 16. With the Japan shirt, Ritsu Doan has played 71 games, with 11 goals and 10 assists.
Ritsu Doan’s current role in Japan’s 2026 World Cup campaign
In this edition of the World Cup, Doan was present in all three group stage matches, being a key player in the trajectory that led Japan to the knockout stages. In the last round of the group stage, the striker provided an exquisite assist for Daizen Maeda’s goal, which opened the scoring in the clash against Sweden.
With Kubo’s recovery and his uncertainty for the clash against Brazil, the offensive load should intensify on the number 10. He is seen as the main playmaker and one of the Japanese team’s main threats. However, Doan is not the only hope; Japan has names like Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda, ready to try to surprise the Brazilian team and seek advancement in the World Cup.
