Kakeru Funaki

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a left back for club, Albirex Niigata.

Club career Cerezo Osaka

Kakeru Funaki joined Cerezo Osaka in 2016. He made his debut against Yokohama F. Marinos in the J.League Cup on 15 March 2017. Funaki made his J1 league debut on 22 February 2019 against Vissel Kobe. During the training camp held in February 2022, he tried playing in center back, defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder, as the club already had two left backs in Yusuke Maruhashi and Ryosuke Yamanaka. Funaki scored his first league goal against Shimizu S-Pulse on 26 June 2022, scoring in the 76th minute.

Cerezo Osaka U-23s

Funaki made his Cerezo Osaka U-23s debut in the J3 League against Fujieda MYFC on 20 March 2016. He scored his first league goal against Giravanz Kitakyushu on 22 September 2018, scoring in the 41st minute.

Loan to Júbilo Iwata

On 29 December 2019, Funaki was announced at Júbilo Iwata on loan. He made his league debut against FC Ryukyu on 29 July 2020.

Loan to SC Sagamihara

On 8 January 2021, Funaki was announced at SC Sagamihara on loan. He made his league debut against Kyoto Sanga on 28 February 2021. On 12 January 2022, Funaki's loan expired and he returned to Cerezo Osaka.

National team career

In May 2017, Funaki was selected in the Japan U-20 national team for the 2017 U-20 World Cup. At this tournament, he played 2 matches as a left back.

Funaki was initially called up to the Japan U21 squad for the 2018 Asian Games, but had to pull out due to injury, being replaced by Takuma Ominami.

Career statistics Club .