Kento Misao

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or a centre back for J1 League club Kashima Antlers.

Club career Misao was converted to a central midfielder during his time in Tokyo Verdy's youth ranks, On 18 April 2014, he was registered as a second-tier player for Tokyo Verdy's first team. Misao was fully promoted to first team of Verdy in 2015.

In January 2016, Misao signed for Kashima Antlers. On 5 July 2017, he played as a center-back against Gamba Osaka.

He was chosen as one of the candidates for award 2018 Asian Footballer of the Year.

After consistently good seasons at Kashima Antlers, he experienced a different role on his last season with the club. Since Mitsuo Ogasawara's retirement on 2018, he started several matches wearing the captain's armband, despite the relatively young age for a player to be named captain. On 2022, due to many problems regarding the back-line underperformances at the start of the season, Misao had to switch his position, playing as a center-back for the most part of the season.

Santa Clara

After showcasing his versatility and consistency at the Antlers, Misao was considered by Santa Clara as "a polivalent midfielder, who despite having better defensive proficiency, can also play in less defensive roles in the midfield." In December 2022, the then 26-year old Misao was announced for them as a 2022–23 new mid-season signing, coming in an initial transfer period of one season and a half, with an option to extend his contract for another two seasons.

OH Leuven

On 19 July 2023, Misao was announced at OH Leuven on a two year contract, becoming the first ever Japanese player for OH Leuven.

Return to Kashima Antlers

On 15 July 2024, Misao was announced at Kashima Antlers.

International career In October 2013, Misao was elected for the Japan U-17 national team, as part of the 2013 U-17 World Cup squad. He featured in 2 matches in the tournament.

Misao made his international debut against South Korea on 16 December 2017.

In May 2018, he was named in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, Japan's manager Akira Nishino did not select Misao into the final 23-player squad.

Personal life

His elder brother Yuto is also a professional footballer.

On 11 October 2021, it was announced that Misao and Nippon Television announcer Haruna Goto were getting married.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Club Kashima Antlers J1 League: 2025 Individual J1 100 Year Vision League Regional Round East Best Eleven: 2026