About Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka is a talented Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga and represents the Japan national team. His playing position is a midfielder. He wears the shirt number #4 for his current team. He began his football journey in the youth academy of Kawasaki Frontale, where he honed his skills and developed as a player. In his senior career, he made 79 appearances and scored 7 goals for Kawasaki Frontale from 2017 to 2022. He had a loan spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf during the 2021-2022 season, where he played 29 matches and scored 1 goal. Tanaka's impressive performances led to his permanent transfer to Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he has made 22 appearances and scored 1 goal since joining in 2022. On the international stage, he has represented Japan at both the U23 level and the senior national team. He has accumulated 18 appearances and scored 2 goals for the Japan U23 team from 2019 to 2021. Tanaka made his debut for the Japan national team in 2019 and has since earned 19 caps, scoring 3 goals for his country. With his talent and contributions, Tanaka continues to make a significant impact both domestically and internationally in the world of football.
Ao Tanaka Early Life & Family
Ao Tanaka, born on September 10, 1998, in Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Japan, is a Japanese professional footballer of Japanese-Asian ethnicity. He holds Japanese nationality and follows the Christian religion. Tanaka's zodiac sign is Virgo, and as of 2022, he celebrated his 24th birthday. While he has chosen to keep his parent's and siblings' details private, his focus and dedication remain on his successful football career.
Ao Tanaka Football Career
- Tanaka made an impressive debut in the J1 League in September 2018, scoring his first professional goal just minutes after being substituted against Consadole Sapporo.
- As injuries depleted Kawasaki Frontale's midfield options in the 2019 season, Tanaka seized the opportunity and earned more starts, featuring in 24 J1 League matches and accumulating 31 appearances in various competitions throughout the year.
- His consistent performances and manager's approval led to him being named the 2019 J.League Rookie of the Year, making him the first Kawasaki Frontale player to achieve this honor.
- In the 2020 season, Tanaka further solidified his reputation within the Kawasaki Frontale squad, playing over 2500 minutes across all competitions and consistently starting in most matches.
- His impressive performances also earned him call-ups to the Japan under-23 team, including a standout two-goal performance against the Brazil under-23 team in a friendly match on October 14, 2019.
- On June 26, 2021, following two and a half successful professional seasons with Kawasaki Frontale, he made a move to the German 2. Bundesliga team, Fortuna Düsseldorf, on a year-long loan deal that included an option to buy.
- Impressed by his performances for both his club and the national team, Fortuna Düsseldorf exercised the buy-out option in his contract on April 28, 2022, paying his release clause to secure his permanent signing.
- He committed to a three-year contract with the club, which will run until June 30, 2025. The decision was influenced by his increased game time and contributions to Fortuna Düsseldorf's first team during the 2021-22 2. Bundesliga season.
Ao Tanaka International Career
- Tanaka's international career took off when he made his debut for the Japan national football team on December 14, 2019, contributing to a 5-0 victory over Hong Kong in the 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
- His impressive performances earned him a spot in the 22-man squad for the 2020 Olympic Games, where he started in every match for Japan.
- Tanaka continued to shine on the international stage, scoring his first goal for Japan in a crucial AFC qualification tournament match for the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Australia on October 12, 2021.
- His goal helped secure a 2-1 home win for Japan. Recognizing his talent and impact, Tanaka was included in Japan's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on November 1, 2022.
- He further showcased his abilities by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Spain on December 1, 2022, securing Japan's qualification to the knockout stage as the group's top team.
Ao Tanaka Transfer News
- Fortuna Düsseldorf signed Gaku Shibasaki on a permanent transfer from Kawasaki Frontale on July 1, 2022, for a transfer fee of €1 million.
- Shibasaki was on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf from Kawasaki Frontale, and the loan period ended on June 30, 2022.
- The loan move to Fortuna Düsseldorf from Kawasaki Frontale took place on July 1, 2021.
- Gaku Shibasaki initially joined Kawasaki Frontale's youth team and made his way up to the senior team, signing with them on January 1, 2017.
Ao Tanaka Awards & Achievements
Kawasaki Frontale
- J1 League: 2017, 2018, 2020
- Emperor's Cup: 2020
- J.League Cup: 2019
- Japanese Super Cup: 2019, 2021
Individual
- J.League Rookie of the Year: 2019
- J.League Best XI: 2020
- Toulon Tournament Bronze Ball: 2019
- Toulon Tournament Best XI: 2019
Ao Tanaka Net Worth
Ao Tanaka, a professional footballer, has an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2023, primarily generated from his successful football career. His income streams include lucrative contracts, bonuses, and other financial incentives. Currently playing for Fortuna Düsseldorf, Tanaka receives a weekly wage of £8,500 and an annual salary of £442,000. With his earnings, he leads a comfortable and respectable lifestyle, reflecting his achievements on the football field.
Ao Tanaka Dating & Girlfriend
Ao Tanaka is currently unmarried and in a relationship with his beautiful girlfriend, Airi Suzuki. Airi, a former member of the Japanese idol group Cute, is also a food analyst with a passion for tasting various culinary delights. Together, they are enjoying a blissful life, free from any disruptions, as they navigate their relationship. Ao Tanaka is straight when it comes to his sexual orientation.
Ao Tanaka Height & Weight
Ao Tanaka is a stylish and athletic footballer known for his cool appearance. Standing at an ideal height of 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) and maintaining a balanced body weight of 69 kg, he possesses an athletic body type. With his dark brown hair and captivating dark brown eye color, Tanaka's charming and magnetic personality adds to his overall appeal. He takes great care of his physique through regular exercise, resulting in a healthy and fit body.
