JapaneseFootballerMidfielderJ.League

Rikito Inoue

Rikito Inoue is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League, known for his consistency.

1. Overview

Rikito Inoue (井上 黎生人Inoue, RikitoJapanese, born March 9, 1997) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League. Born in Shimane Prefecture, Inoue began his football journey at a young age, developing his skills before turning professional. He notably established himself as a consistent performer during his tenure with Gainare Tottori, later moving to Fagiano Okayama where he played every league match in the 2021 J2 League season. His career also includes spells at Kyoto Sanga FC before joining Urawa Red Diamonds.

2. Early Life and Background

Rikito Inoue was born on March 9, 1997, in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. He has a notable heritage as his paternal grandmother is Spanish, making him a quarter Spanish. This background is a unique aspect of his personal history.

2.1. Youth and Early Football Activities

Inoue began his initial engagement with football at a very young age, starting his career at the Shimane Prefecture-based Saika JSC Kickers. He also participated with Tamayu SC. During his formative years, he focused on refining his individual skills while playing for RESTA FC in Shiga Prefecture. This period was crucial for his early development as a footballer, laying the groundwork for his future professional career.

2.2. High School Career

From 2012 to 2014, Rikito Inoue attended Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, where he continued to hone his football skills within the school's renowned football program. His performances during his high school years were impactful enough to draw the attention of professional clubs. Following his graduation, he made a direct transition to professional football, joining Gainare Tottori in 2015 directly from Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School.

3. Club Career

Rikito Inoue's professional club career has seen him play for several Japanese clubs, progressively moving through the J.League system. He has established a reputation for consistency and reliability in defense, contributing significantly to each team he has represented.

3.1. Gainare Tottori

Inoue made his professional debut with Gainare Tottori in 2015. Over his six seasons with the club, from 2015 to 2020, he steadily developed into a key player. He fully established himself as a regular starter in 2018. A testament to his consistency, he started in 89 consecutive league matches from the 12th round of the 2018 J3 League against Blaublitz Akita to the 34th round of the 2020 J3 League against Roasso Kumamoto. During his tenure at Gainare Tottori, he accumulated a total of 120 appearances and scored 7 goals in league play.

3.2. Fagiano Okayama

In 2021, Rikito Inoue transferred to Fagiano Okayama. His single season with the club was marked by exceptional durability and consistency. He started and played the full 90 minutes in all 42 matches of the 2021 J2 League season, demonstrating his reliability and fitness. Throughout his time at Fagiano Okayama, he made 42 league appearances without scoring a goal.

3.3. Kyoto Sanga FC

Following his impressive spell at Fagiano Okayama, Inoue moved to Kyoto Sanga FC in 2022. He made his J1 League debut for Kyoto Sanga against Cerezo Osaka on February 26, 2022. He spent two seasons with Kyoto Sanga, contributing to their J1 League campaigns. In the 2022 J1 League season, he made 28 league appearances, scoring 1 goal, and also played in 6 J. League Cup matches and 5 Emperor's Cup matches, along with one appearance in the J1/J2 play-offs. In the 2023 J1 League season, he made another 28 league appearances and 3 J. League Cup appearances. In total, he played 56 league matches and scored 1 goal for Kyoto Sanga FC.

3.4. Urawa Red Diamonds

In December 2023, Rikito Inoue's transfer to Urawa Red Diamonds was announced, ahead of the 2024 J1 League season. He officially joined the club in 2024. As of December 8, 2024, he has made 16 league appearances for Urawa Red Diamonds. His current jersey number at the club is 35.

4. Playing Style

Rikito Inoue primarily plays as a defender. Standing at 71 in (180 cm) tall and weighing 170 lb (77 kg), he possesses a solid physical presence on the field. He is right-footed, which influences his ball distribution and defensive maneuvers. His playing characteristics are highlighted by his consistency, reliability, and ability to start in a high number of consecutive matches, particularly demonstrated during his tenures at Gainare Tottori and Fagiano Okayama.

5. Career Statistics

The table below details Rikito Inoue's professional club career statistics as of December 8, 2024.

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ. League CupOtherTotal
Gainare Tottori2015J3 League8000--80
2016J3 League0000--00
2017J3 League14100--141
2018J3 League30220--322
2019J3 League34110--351
2020J3 League34300--343
Total12073000001237
Fagiano Okayama2021J2 League42020--440
Kyoto Sanga2022J1 League281506010401
2023J1 League2800030-310
Total561509010711
Urawa Reds2024J1 League1600000-160
Career total234810090102548
  • Debut in J.League: May 17, 2015, J3 League Matchday 12 vs. YSCC Yokohama at Torigin Bird Stadium
  • First goal in J.League: August 26, 2017, J3 League Matchday 20 vs. SC Sagamihara at Torigin Bird Stadium

6. See Also

  • List of people from Shimane Prefecture
  • Gainare Tottori
  • Fagiano Okayama
  • Kyoto Sanga FC
  • Urawa Red Diamonds