Satoshi Tanaka

is a Japanese footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for German club Schalke 04 and the Japan national team.

Club career

Shonan Bellmare On 5 April 2019, Tanaka was registered as a type-2 player with Shonan Bellmare. On 26 May 2020, he was promoted to the first team squad. Tanaka made his professional league debut against Yokohama F. Marinos on 8 July 2020. He scored his first league goal for the club against Sanfreece Hiroshima, scoring in the 56th minute.

Kortrijk (loan) On 22 August 2022, Tanaka joined Kortrijk in Belgium on loan with an option to buy. He made his league debut for the club against Standard Liège on 28 August 2022. On 4 June 2023, Tanaka returned to Shonan Bellmare from his loan spell.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima On 30 December 2024, Tanaka was announced at Sanfrecce Hiroshima on a permanent transfer. He scored his first league goal for the club against Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in the AFC Champions League Two on 12 February 2025, scoring in the 88th minute. Tanaka made his league debut for the club against Machida Zelvia on 16 February 2025.

During his time at Sanfreece Hiroshima, Tanaka won the 2025 Japanese Super Cup.

Fortuna Düsseldorf On 30 December 2025, Fortuna Düsseldorf signed Tanaka on a deal until summer 2030, for a reported transfer fee of €1 million.

Schalke 04 On 10 June 2026, Tanaka signed a four-year contract with Schalke 04, after they had triggered his release clause of an estimated €1 million.

International career

On 12 February 2019, Tanaka was called up to the Japan U17s for the first time.

On 4 October 2019, Tanaka was called up to the Japan U17 squad for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

On 4 April 2024, Tanaka was called up to the Japan U23 squad for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Japan won the competition for the second time in their history.

Career statistics

Honours Sanfrecce Hiroshima J.League Cup: 2025 Japanese Super Cup: 2025 Japan U23 AFC U-23 Asian Cup: 2024 Japan EAFF Championship: 2025 Individual J.League Best XI: 2025