1. Overview
Yosuke Hanya (半谷 陽介Hanya YōsukeJapanese, born on January 30, 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who primarily plays as a midfielder. Born in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Hanya began his football journey within the youth system of FC Tokyo in Japan before transitioning to collegiate football in the United States. He made his professional debut in Japan with FC Tokyo U-23 in the J3 League before moving to American football with MLS Next Pro club Colorado Rapids 2. He later made his MLS debut with the Colorado Rapids and is currently on loan as a midfielder for USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, where he has achieved significant club honors.
2. Early life and education
Yosuke Hanya was born on January 30, 1999, in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Standing at 69 in (175 cm) and weighing 134 lb (61 kg), he is a right-footed player. His early life was marked by dedicated involvement in football, beginning his training at the youth level before advancing to university-level play.
2.1. Early football education
Hanya started his youth football career at FC Harue. He then progressed through the youth ranks of FC Tokyo, joining their U-15 Fukagawa team and later their U-18 team. While with the FC Tokyo U-18 team in 2016, Hanya was registered as a Type 2 player for the FC Tokyo first team from June to September of that year. This registration allowed him to gain early professional experience, including making appearances in the J3 League.
2.2. Collegiate career
After his time with FC Tokyo's youth teams, Hanya chose to pursue higher education while continuing his football development. He first attended Tokyo Gakugei University. Subsequently, he moved to the United States and enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), where he continued to play collegiate soccer for the UMass Minutemen.
During his three seasons at UMass, Hanya became a central figure for the team, contributing a total of two goals and 17 assists. His collegiate career was highly decorated. In 2018, he was selected for the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team. Although he missed the 2019 season due to an injury, Hanya made a strong return in 2020 as a key player for his team. That year, he received multiple accolades, including being named to the United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-Region, First-Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, and a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region honoree. He also led the league in assists with 10, playing a crucial role in guiding his team to the national tournament. In 2021, he continued to earn recognition, being named to the Atlantic 10 Second-Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third-Team, garnering attention in collegiate soccer nationwide.
3. Club career
Yosuke Hanya's professional career spans both Japanese and American football leagues, marked by progressive transitions and notable achievements with various clubs.
3.1. Professional debut in Japan
Hanya officially joined FC Tokyo in 2016. As a Type 2 registered player, he participated in the J3 League with FC Tokyo U-23. His professional debut occurred on July 31, 2016, in a J3 League match against Gainare Tottori at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka. In that season, he made two appearances for FC Tokyo U-23.
3.2. Transition to American football
In February 2022, Hanya made a significant move to the United States, joining Colorado Rapids 2 ahead of their inaugural season in the MLS Next Pro league. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club. His MLS Next Pro debut, which also marked his first professional goal, took place on March 28, 2022, against Sporting Kansas City II. During the 2022 season, Hanya recorded four goals and two assists, earning him the title of Colorado Rapids 2's Team MVP, a historic first for the club.
He continued his strong performance into the 2023 season, scoring his first goal on March 26, 2023, the opening day, marking his second consecutive opening day goal. His early season form was exceptional, with seven goals in six consecutive matches.
3.3. Major League Soccer debut and subsequent loans
On May 12, 2023, in recognition of his impressive form, Hanya was called up to the Colorado Rapids first team from Colorado Rapids 2 on a short-term agreement, a designation typically reserved for players under 25. He made his MLS debut on May 17, 2023, entering the game as a substitute in the 88th minute against Atlanta United FC.
On February 24, 2024, Hanya was loaned to USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for a one-year spell. During the 2024 USL Championship season, he was instrumental for the team, contributing five goals and two assists, and helping Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC win the USL Championship title. Following this successful season, his loan to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC was extended for the 2025 season.
4. Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals | Cup | Goals | Other | Goals | Total | Goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Tokyo U-23 | 2016 | J3 League | 2 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | |||
| Colorado Rapids 2 | 2022 | MLS Next Pro | 23 | 4 | - | - | 23 | 4 | |||
| 2023 | 27 | 13 | - | - | 27 | 13 | |||||
| Colorado Rapids | 2023 | MLS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | 2024 | USLS | 37 | 5 | - | - | 37 | 5 | |||
| Career totals | 91 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 22 | |||
- As of December 15, 2024
- In 2016, Hanya was a Type 2 registered player.
5. Honours
Yosuke Hanya has achieved several team and individual honors throughout his career.
5.1. Club honours
- FC Tokyo U-18
- J Youth Cup: 2016
- Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18) Tournament: 2016
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- USL Championship: 2024
5.2. Individual honours
- 40th Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18) Tournament MVP: 2016
- Colorado Rapids 2 Team MVP: 2022
- United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-Region: 2020
- First-Team All-Atlantic 10 selection: 2020
- United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region honoree: 2020
- Atlantic 10 assists leader: 2020
- Atlantic 10 Second-Team: 2021
- United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third-Team: 2021
6. External links
- [https://data.j-league.or.jp/SFIX04/?player_id=19612 J.League Data Site profile]
- [https://twitter.com/yh1110130 Yosuke Hanya on X (formerly Twitter)]
- [https://www.instagram.com/yh1110130 Yosuke Hanya on Instagram]