Hiroki Abe

Barcelona B In July 2019, he transferred to Barcelona B on a four-year contract, for a reported transfer fee of €1.1 million. Abe said that it was a "difficult decision to leave the team mid-season" but that he believes "the various challenges...are absolutely necessary for [his] growth." Barcelona's club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said that he hoped Abe would become a leading player in La Liga. Abe played a total of 3,899 minutes for Kashima Antlers across two and a half seasons.

Abe scored his first goal for the reserves in a 3–3 draw against UE Cornellà on 17 November 2019. He followed this up with a header in the next match on 23 November, a 1–1 draw away versus Lleida Esportiu. He scored his first brace in a 3–1 win versus CF La Nucía on 15 December 2019.

On 2 February 2020, Abe ruptured a tendon in his right hamstring against AE Prat. He underwent a successful surgery which rendered him on the sidelines for an estimated five months, putting him in doubt for the 2020 Summer Olympics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the competition to be delayed by a year.

Urawa Red Diamonds In July 2023, Abe signed for J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds following the expiration of his contract at Barcelona B.

International career In March 2019, Hiroki Abe appeared in a series of under-20 friendly matches coached by Masanaga Kageyama. He played 32 minutes in a 4–1 loss against Poland and captained his side in the 1–0 loss against Argentina.

On 24 May 2019, Abe was called up by Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu to feature in the Copa América played in Brazil. He made his debut on 17 June 2019 in the game against Chile, as a 66th-minute substitute for Shoya Nakajima. He started the next match, a 2–2 draw against Uruguay and was substituted in the 67th minute for Ayase Ueda. In the final group match, Abe came on in the 82nd minute for Koji Miyoshi. Japan exited the competition being third place in their group with two points.

In December 2019, Abe was called to the under-22 team for a friendly against Jamaica's under-23s, where he scored a penalty kick in the 28th minute.

Playing style Hiroki Abe prefers to play on the left wing but can play on the right, behind the striker, and in a center forward position. Most of his appearances for Barcelona B have been on the left wing and as a center forward, and it is in this center position where he has scored his four goals in his first season as of February 2020.

Career statistics Club .

National team statistics

Honours Kashima Antlers AFC Champions League: 2018

Individual J.League Rookie of the Year: 2018