Tomoki Iwata

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Birmingham City and the Japan national team.

Club career

Oita Trinita Born in Ōita, Iwata began his youth career with Oita Trinita in 2015, before signing professionally the following year, in 2016.

Yokohama F. Marinos In 2021, Iwata signed for J1 club, Yokohama F. Marinos. On 5 November 2022, he led the club to the 2022 J1 League title. Two days later, he was named among the Best XI of the season and also voted Player of the Year.

Celtic On 30 December 2022, Iwata signed for Scottish Premiership side Celtic on an initial loan deal with a compulsory purchase clause. This has seen Iwata reunited with his former Yokohama manager, Ange Postecoglou. On 21 January 2023, Iwata made his debut for the club in a 5–0 win against Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup.

Celtic confirmed in July 2023 that Iwata had signed for the club on a permanent basis.

Birmingham City On 30 August 2024, Iwata signed a three-year contract with recently relegated EFL League One club Birmingham City, for an undisclosed fee. His performances in Birmingham's 2024-25 promotion season earned him a place in the PFA League One Team of the Year. The club earned triple-digit points and he was one of their seven members to be selected.

International career On 24 May 2019, Iwata was called up by Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu to feature in the Copa América played in Brazil. He made his debut on 20 June 2019 in the game against Uruguay, as a starter.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Yokohama F. Marinos J1 League: 2022 2023–24 Scottish Cup: 2022–23, 2023–24 Scottish League Cup: 2022–23

Birmingham City EFL League One: 2024–25 EFL Trophy runner-up: 2024–25

Japan EAFF Championship: 2022

Individual J.League MVP Award: 2022 J.League Best XI: 2022 PFA Team of the Year: 2024–25 League One