Sota Kitano

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg and the Japan national team.

Club career

On 25 October 2020, Kitano made his league debut against Gamba Osaka U-23. In doing so, he became the youngest player to debut in an official match at 16 years, 2 months and 12 days, a record formerly held by forward Yoichiro Kakitani.

On 18 February 2022, Kitano was registered as a type 2 player for J League matches. On 25 February 2022, he signed a professional contract with the club. Kitano scored his first professional goal against Kashima Antlers on 2 March 2022, scoring in the 12th minute. At 17 years, 6 months and 17 days old, he became the club's youngest player to score in an official match, breaking Takumi Minamino's record of 18 years, 2 months and 7 days old when he scored his first professional goal. He won the 2022 New Hero Award. On 6 June 2023, Kitano scored his first J1 goal against Vissel Kobe on 10 June 2023, scoring in the 90th+3rd minute. In July 2024, he trialled for two weeks with Dutch Eredivisie club Almere City, which was a turning point for him.

On 9 June 2025, Kitano signed a five-year contract with Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg.

International career

Kitano was called up to the Japan U20s on 7 February 2023 for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.

Kitano was called up to the Japan U20s on 9 May 2023 for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Individual J1 League Young Player of the Month: February/March 2025 ,