Junya Itō

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a forward for the Belgian Pro League team Genk and the Japan national team.

Club career Early club career After attending Kanagawa University for four years, Itō first became a Special Designated Player for Ventforet Kofu, and obtained a new contract with the J1 League side. His first professional season attracted attention from Chiba-based Kashiwa Reysol, which signed him in January 2016.

On 31 January 2019, Itō moved from Kashiwa Reysol to Genk on a one-year loan. On 18 September, he made his Champions League debut as a starter in the group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg. On 30 March 2020, Itō signed permanently with Genk on a three-year contract.

Stade Reims and return to Genk On 29 July 2022, Itō joined Ligue 1 club Reims. On 23 October, he scored the winner in a 2–1 victory against Auxerre. In the 2023–24 Ligue 1 opening game on 12 August 2023, Itō scored a stunning opening goal against Marseille, but Reims eventually lost 2–1. In August 2025, following his club's relegation from Ligue 1 in the 2024–25 season, Itō returned to Genk and signed a three-year contract.

International career Itō made his Japan national team debut in 2017. He was selected for Hajime Moriyasu's final World Cup squad in October 2022.

On 15 May 2026, Itō was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Controversies On 31 January 2024, Shukan Shincho reported that police had launched an investigation into Itō following a criminal complaint filed by two women alleging that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with them while they were intoxicated at a hotel in Osaka without their consent after a match for Japan against Peru in June 2023.

In response to this report, the Japan Football Association decided on February 1 to withdraw Ito from the ongoing 2023 AFC Asian Cup after considering Ito's physical and mental condition.

On 1 February, Itō filed a criminal complaint against the two women with the Osaka Prefectural Police for filing false complaints. On 19 February, he filed a lawsuit against the two women at the Osaka District Court, claiming that their sponsorship contracts were terminated due to false complaints and demanding 200 million yen in damages.

The case was transferred to the Tokyo District Court in May and both Itō and the women were referred to prosecutors in July. On 9 August, prosecutors dropped both charges against Ito and Ito's countersuit on his accusers, citing lack of evidence.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Itō goal.

Honours Genk Belgian First Division A: 2018–19 Belgian Cup: 2020–21 Belgian Super Cup: 2019

Reims Coupe de France runner-up: 2024–25

Individual Belgian First Division A Team of the Season: 2020–21 Belgian First Division A top assist provider: 2021–22 Belgian First Division A Goal of the Season: 2021–22 Japan Pro-Footballers Association Best XI: 2022, 2023, 2024