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Takashi Inui
Takashi Inui
Takashi Inui
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Takashi Inui (乾 貴士, Inui Takashi; born 2 June 1988) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or an attacking midfielder and currently play for J1 League club, Shimizu S-Pulse.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Inui was an All Japan High School Soccer Tournament champion in 2006 with Yasu High School.[2]

In 2007, Inui joined Yokohama F. Marinos of the J. League Division 1 and made his debut as a professional against Yokohama F.C. in a league match on 10 March. However, he failed to find a regular spot at Marinos and was loaned to then J. League Division 2 Cerezo Osaka in June 2008, earning himself a permanent move at the end of the season.[3]

In July 2011, Inui made the jump to Europe, joining Germany's VfL Bochum.[4] He made his debut in the 2. Bundesliga, when he started in a 2–1 home defeat versus FC St. Pauli on 13 August 2011.

In July 2012, Inui signed a three-year contract with newly promoted Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt after impressive performance in the 2. Bundesliga.[5]

Eibar

[edit]

On 26 August 2015, Inui was transferred to La Liga side SD Eibar for a then club record fees of € 300,000, after agreeing to a three-year contract.[6][7] He became the first Asian player to play for the club. On moving to Eibar, Inui said, “It was always my dream to play in the Spanish league one day. It’s been my dream since I was a child and now it’s come true”.[8]

Takashi made his debut for Eibar on 23 September 2015, starting and providing one assist in a 2–2 draw against Levante. He scored his first league goal for Eibar on 10 January 2016 in a 2–1 win against RCD Espanyol, scoring the first goal in the 15th minute of game and also providing assist for second goal.

In April 2017, as the club was chasing a UEFA Europa League place, he was controversially called back to his homeland by Japan's prime minister to serve as a delegate for the visit of King Felipe VI of Spain to Japan.[9] On 21 May 2017, Inui became the first Japanese footballer to score against FC Barcelona, sniping the ball via cross-bar behind Ter Stegen, twice.[10]

Real Betis

[edit]

On 1 June 2018, upon expiration of his Eibar contract, Inui joined Real Betis on a free transfer for a three-year deal.[11] He made his debut for Betis on 17 August 2018, coming on as a substitute for William Carvalho for the last 25 minutes in 3–0 loss against Levante.

Alavés (loan)

[edit]

The following 24 January, after being sparingly used, he moved to fellow league Deportivo Alavés on loan until the end of the season.[12] He made his debut for Alavés on 11 January 2019 in a 2–0 win Levante. He scored his first goal for Alavés on 2 March 2019 in a 2–1 victory against Villarreal.

Return to Eibar

[edit]

On 24 July 2019, Inui returned to Eibar on a three-year deal,[13] for a €2 million transfer fee.[14]

Shimizu S-Pulse

[edit]

On 22 July 2022, Shimizu S-Pulse announced that they have signed Inui after his contract with Cerezo Osaka was terminated.[15] On 27 October 2024, Inui was brought his club secure promotion to J1 League from next season after win at away game against Tochigi SC 1-2 in matchweek 36. Seven days later at same year, Inui was brought his club secure champions of J2 in 2024 season after defeat Iwaki FC with narrowly score 1-0 in matchweek 37.

International career

[edit]

Inui made his full international debut for Japan on 20 January 2009 in a 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification against Yemen.[16] In May 2018 he was named in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.[17] On 24 June, Inui scored his first World Cup goal in a 2–2 draw over Senegal during their second group stage match of the tournament. Inui went on to score another goal and registered an assist in the tournament.[18]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of the start for 2025 season.[19][20][21]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League Cup[b] Continental[c] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Yokohama F. Marinos 2007 J.League Div 1 7 0 0 0 3 0 — 10 0
2008 0 0 — 3 0 — 3 0
Total 7 0 0 0 6 0 — 13 0
Cerezo Osaka 2008 J.League Div 2 20 6 2 0 — — 22 6
2009 47 20 1 1 — — 48 21
2010 J.League Div 1 33 4 2 1 6 0 — 41 5
2011 14 5 — — 7 4 21 9
Total 114 35 5 2 6 0 7 4 132 41
VfL Bochum 2011–12 2. Bundesliga 30 7 2 0 — — 32 7
Eintracht Frankfurt 2012–13 Bundesliga 33 6 1 0 — — 34 6
2013–14 14 0 2 1 — 6 1 22 2
2014–15 27 1 2 0 — 0 0 29 1
2015–16 1 0 1 0 — 0 0 2 0
Total 75 7 6 1 — 6 1 87 9
Eibar 2015–16 La Liga 27 3 2 0 — — 29 3
2016–17 28 3 2 0 — — 30 3
2017–18 34 5 1 0 — — 35 5
2019–20 29 2 0 0 — — 29 2
2020–21 28 1 2 0 — — 30 1
Total 146 14 7 0 — — 153 14
Real Betis 2018–19 La Liga 8 0 2 0 — 4 0 14 0
Alavés (loan) 2018–19 La Liga 12 2 0 0 — — 12 2
Cerezo Osaka 2021 J1 League 8 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 13 1
2022 5 3 — 1 1 — 6 4
Total 13 4 0 0 5 1 1 0 19 5
Shimizu S-Pulse 2022 J1 League 10 1 0 0 — 10 1
2023 J2 League 32 10 0 0 3 0 — 35 10
2024 30 5 1 0 — 31 5
2025 J1 League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 72 16 1 0 3 0 — 76 16
Career total 477 85 23 3 20 0 18 5 539 93
  1. ^ Includes Emperor's Cup and DFB-Pokal and Copa del Rey.
  2. ^ Includes J. League Cup.
  3. ^ Includes AFC Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

International

[edit]
As of 26 March 2019[22]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Japan 2009 1 0
2010 2 0
2011 0 0
2012 3 0
2013 6 0
2014 2 2
2015 5 0
2016 0 0
2017 6 0
2018 6 4
2019 5 0
Total 36 6
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Inui goal.
List of international goals scored by Takashi Inui
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 November 2014 Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan  Honduras 4–0 6–0 Friendly
2 5–0
3 12 June 2018 Tivoli-Neu, Innsbruck, Austria  Paraguay 1–1 4–2 Friendly
4 2–1
5 24 June 2018 Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg, Russia  Senegal 1–1 2–2 2018 FIFA World Cup
6 2 July 2018 Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia  Belgium 2–0 2–3 2018 FIFA World Cup

Honours

[edit]
Shimizu S-Pulse
Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Takashi Inui

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Takashi Inui (born 2 June 1988) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder for club . Born in Omihachiman, , Inui began his senior career with in 2007 before moving to in 2008, where he helped the club earn promotion to in 2011. Over the next decade, he established himself in European football, joining in the in 2011 and then transferring to in the in 2012, where he made 85 appearances across three seasons. In 2015, Inui moved to side , becoming a key player with notable and crossing ability during his initial three-year stint, before a brief spell at in 2018 that included a loan to in 2019. He returned to from 2019 to 2021, then rejoined in 2021 prior to signing with in July 2022, where he has continued to contribute in Japan's top flight and promotion efforts. Internationally, Inui earned 36 caps for the national team, scoring 6 goals between 2012 and 2019. He participated in the and was a standout performer at the in , scoring Japan's second goal in the dramatic 2-3 round of 16 loss to . Earlier, he netted a brace in a 4-2 friendly win against in 2018 under interim coach Akira Nishino.

Early career

Yokohama F. Marinos

Takashi Inui was born on June 2, 1988, in Ōmihachiman, . He honed his early football skills at SAISON Football Club before attending Yasu High School, where he played as part of the school's soccer team. Following his graduation, Inui joined , a prominent club, signing his first professional contract in 2007 at the age of 18. Inui made his professional debut for on March 10, 2007, in a match against . During his debut season, he featured in 7 appearances and 3 matches, accumulating a total of 10 outings without scoring any goals. His limited minutes on the pitch stemmed from intense competition for positions within a squad boasting experienced players, as well as the challenges of adapting to the demands of senior professional football. Seeking greater opportunities to develop and secure regular playing time, Inui was loaned to in June 2008. This move marked the end of his initial stint with , where he had begun his professional journey but struggled to establish a consistent role.

Cerezo Osaka

Inui joined , then in , on loan from in June 2008. During the 2008 season, he made 20 appearances in the , scoring 6 goals, and contributed in cup competitions, helping the team finish 4th and enter the promotion playoffs, though they did not advance. His performances earned him a permanent transfer to Cerezo ahead of the 2009 season. Inui became a key attacker, scoring 20 goals in 47 matches that year, playing a crucial role in Cerezo's runners-up finish and automatic promotion to the for the 2010 season. Over the following two seasons in , he added 47 appearances and 9 goals across league and continental competitions, including 4 goals in 7 AFC Champions League matches in 2010, before departing for in July 2011.

Career in Europe

VfL Bochum

In July 2011, Takashi Inui signed a two-year contract with in the German , becoming the club's first Japanese player. The move followed his impressive performances at , where he attracted European interest with his technical skills. At Bochum, Inui faced the challenge of adapting to the physically demanding German style of play, which emphasized intensity and directness over the more fluid approach. During the 2011–12 season, Inui made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists. He struggled with recurring injuries and language barriers, which limited his integration and consistency on the pitch. Positioned primarily as a left winger, Inui was praised for his ability and quick feet, which allowed him to create chances in tight spaces, but he was also criticized for occasional lapses in decision-making under pressure. Bochum endured a turbulent campaign, finishing 16th in the and narrowly avoiding relegation through a playoff victory over Energie . Inui's contributions were part of the team's effort, though the club faced financial and managerial instability during this period. Despite showing flashes of potential, his time at Bochum highlighted the difficulties of transitioning to European football. In June 2012, after just one season, Bochum released Inui from his contract, allowing him to pursue opportunities at a higher level. He later reflected on the experience as a valuable for building physical resilience and tactical awareness.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Takashi Inui joined from for a transfer fee of €1.45 million in July 2012, signing a contract until June 2016. This move followed a challenging season at Bochum, where Inui had shown promise in the but sought a step up to the top flight. In his breakthrough 2012–13 season, Inui quickly established himself in the , making 33 appearances and scoring 6 goals with 8 assists, contributing significantly to Frankfurt's sixth-place finish and qualification for the . The following year, 2013–14, injuries limited him to 14 outings with no goals, though he featured in 4 Europa League group stage matches and the qualifying rounds, scoring once overall in European competition, as Frankfurt advanced to the round of 32. He also played a key role in the , appearing in 2 matches with 1 goal and 2 assists during their run to the round of 16. Inui's final season, 2014–15, saw improved consistency with 27 Bundesliga appearances, 1 goal, and 8 assists, alongside 2 DFB-Pokal games featuring 1 assist, helping the team to a ninth-place league finish despite an early cup exit in the second round. Over his three-year tenure, he made 85 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 19 assists, with 74 Bundesliga outings yielding 7 goals. Known for his pace on the wing and precise crossing ability, Inui became a reliable squad player during Frankfurt's push for European spots. Inui's contract was mutually terminated early in August 2015 to facilitate his move to . Bruno Hübner praised his contributions over the three years.

SD Eibar

Takashi Inui transferred to from on 26 August 2015, signing a three-year contract for a fee of €500,000, marking him as the first Asian player in the club's history. In his debut 2015–16 La Liga season, Inui quickly adapted to Spanish football, making 33 appearances and scoring 1 goal, which proved vital in Eibar's battle against relegation as they secured a 14th-place finish with 43 points. His versatility on the left wing, drawing from prior experience, helped provide width and creativity in a squad focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. The 2016–17 campaign saw Inui elevate his contributions, featuring in 32 matches and netting 3 goals, including a memorable brace against in a 4–2 loss on 21 May 2017—becoming the first Japanese player to score against the Catalan giants. Eibar achieved their best-ever top-flight finish of 10th with 54 points, while also progressing to the quarterfinals, where Inui added 4 appearances and 2 goals across all competitions. Inui maintained his form during the 2017–18 season, recording 33 outings and 2 goals as consolidated their status with an 11th-place standing and 51 points. His consistent performances underscored 's underdog resilience in . Across his three seasons with from 2015 to 2018, Inui amassed 98 appearances and 6 goals, totaling 108 games and 11 goals in all competitions. Despite a verbal agreement to extend his stay until 2020, Inui departed on a free transfer to in June 2018 upon contract expiry.

Real Betis

In July 2018, Takashi Inui joined on a free transfer from , signing a three-year contract until June 2021. During the 2018–19 season, Inui made 26 appearances across all competitions for Betis, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist while accumulating 1,578 minutes. In , he featured in 12 matches, netting both of his goals there with no assists, often deployed as a left winger in the team's 4-2-3-1 formation. He also appeared in 4 Europa League group stage matches without contributing goals or assists, and in 2 ties where he recorded his sole assist. Inui's contributions included his assist in the round of 32 second leg against Racing Santander on December 6, 2018, helping Betis advance. His efforts in domestic league play supported Betis' mid-table campaign, as the club finished 10th in with 50 points from 14 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses. Inui faced challenges adapting to Betis' more attacking system, including competition for the left-sided role from full-back , which limited his starts amid dips in form. After 15 appearances that season, he was loaned to in January 2019 for the remainder of the campaign.

Deportivo Alavés (loan)

In January 2019, following limited playing time at , Takashi Inui joined on a six-month until the end of the season, allowing him to secure regular minutes in a bid to revive his form. During the second half of the 2018–19 season, Inui made 12 appearances in for Alavés, scoring 2 goals. He debuted on January 11, 2019, in a 2–0 league victory over , and netted his first goal for the club on March 2, 2019, in a 2–1 win against , contributing to a temporary push toward European qualification spots. His other goal came in a league match against on March 9, 2019 (a 1–1 draw). Inui primarily featured as a rotational left , offering versatility across the flanks and bringing energy to Alavés' midfield setup under manager . His contributions helped the team maintain mid-table stability, as Alavés finished 16th in with 41 points, safely avoiding relegation. Abelardo praised Inui's work rate and adaptability in press conferences, noting his importance in providing width and dynamism from the wings during key matches. The loan concluded in June 2019 without an option for a permanent transfer being exercised, and Inui returned to .

Return to

In July 2019, Takashi Inui rejoined from on a three-year contract for a €2 million transfer fee, marking an emotional return to the club where he had previously thrived from 2015 to 2018. The move was celebrated by fans as a for the Japanese winger, who had impressed during a loan at in the prior season. During the 2019–20 La Liga season, interrupted by a suspension from March to June due to the , Inui featured in 31 matches across all competitions, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists as secured a 14th-place finish to remain in the top flight. In the subsequent 2020–21 campaign, he made 34 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists, but struggled throughout and were relegated after ending 20th in the league table. Across his second stint at , Inui amassed 65 appearances, 7 goals, and 9 assists in total, often serving as a key creative presence on the wing. His tenure concluded in June 2021 when he activated a relegation release in his contract, allowing him to depart the club.

Return to

In August 2021, following the expiration of his contract with , Takashi Inui returned to on a one-year deal, marking his to the club where he had debuted professionally over a decade earlier. The move allowed him to readjust to Japanese football after a prolonged stint in , with Inui expressing intent to contribute to entertaining play for fans in . Inui's 2021 season was disrupted by injuries, including a hip injury that kept him out for 15 days and a subsequent sidelining him for 62 days. He made 8 appearances across all competitions, scoring 1 goal, primarily featuring in the latter stages of the and the AFC Champions League. Cerezo Osaka concluded the campaign in 12th place, securing 48 points from 13 wins, 9 draws, and 16 losses. The following year, at age 33, Inui continued to battle fitness challenges, resulting in limited starts and a rotational role within the squad. He recorded 6 appearances, 3 goals, and several key contributions before his departure, as advanced to the quarterfinals, where they fell 1–2 to . In June 2022, Inui and mutually terminated his contract early, enabling him to seek greater playing time elsewhere amid reported tensions with the coaching staff.

Shimizu S-Pulse

Takashi Inui joined on a free transfer from on July 22, 2022, at the age of 34, signing an initial two-year contract that was later extended to January 31, 2026. In the season, Inui played a key role in Shimizu's campaign, which finished fourth and earned a spot in the promotion playoffs, despite reaching the final but failing to promote after drawing 1–1 with . He recorded 32 appearances with 10 goals and 10 assists. His that year led to selection in the J2 League Best XI. During the 2024 J2 League season, Inui contributed to Shimizu's title-winning effort and promotion to , making 30 appearances, scoring 5 goals, and providing 7 assists while again earning a place in the J2 Best XI. His experience from and international play proved instrumental in guiding the squad to the championship. In the 2025 J1 League season, as of November 2025, Inui has featured in 35 matches for Shimizu, who sit 13th in the table and are focused on securing survival in the top flight, with 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. As a veteran at 37, Inui has taken on a role for younger teammates, leveraging his extensive career to support the newly promoted side's adaptation to J1 challenges.

International career

Early international career

Takashi Inui's international career began at the youth level, where he represented at the U-19 and U-23 levels during the 2007–2009 Asian Youth Championships, showcasing his potential as a dynamic winger. Inui earned his senior debut for the national team on January 20, 2009, substituting in during a 2–1 victory over in a qualifier at Athletics Stadium. Under coach , the 20-year-old Inui appeared for 11 minutes in the match, marking the start of his senior international journey following strong performances at in the . His selection reflected Japan's emphasis on emerging talents with consistent club form, blending domestic reliability with technical skill. Inui featured in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, contributing to two appearances that helped secure qualification, though he did not make the final tournament squad in , where ultimately won the title. His international opportunities remained sporadic in the early years, with one cap in 2009 and two in 2010, primarily in friendlies and qualifiers, as he balanced adaptation to European football after moving to . By 2012, consistent displays in the earned him three caps, including World Cup qualifiers, highlighting his growing role in the team's attacking rotation. Inui's breakthrough came in 2013 with six caps, including three appearances in the group stage of the in , where Japan finished bottom of Group A and were eliminated. His pace and dribbling added depth to the flanks alongside stars like and . The marked a career highlight in this period, as Inui started all three group stage matches—against (4–0 win, where he assisted Shinji Okazaki's opener), (2–0 win), and (1–0 win)—before featuring in the round-of-16 defeat to the (1–2). This tournament showcased his endurance and creativity, with Japan advancing to the quarterfinals. Inui scored his first international goals on November 14, 2014, netting a brace in a 3–0 friendly win over at Sports Island, demonstrating his finishing ability after establishing himself in with . His form in and continued to underpin selections, with two caps in 2015 amid World Cup qualifying duties. After a quiet 2016 due to club commitments, Inui returned strongly in 2017 with five caps in World Cup qualifiers, including starts against , , and , aiding 's qualification campaign. By the end of 2017, he had accumulated 24 caps and two goals for , solidifying his status as a reliable player valued for his work rate and crossing precision.

2018 FIFA World Cup and later

In May 2018, Takashi Inui was selected for Japan's 23-man squad for the in , marking his first appearance at the tournament. He started all four matches for the Samurai Blue, including the three group stage fixtures against , , and , as well as the round of 16 clash with . Inui's contributions were pivotal in Japan's Group H campaign, where they secured advancement to the knockout stage with a dramatic 2-1 victory over —his dynamic in the 6th minute drew the foul that led to Kagawa's penalty equalizer—followed by a 2-2 draw with and a 1-0 win over . During the tournament, Inui made three appearances in the group stage and one in the round of 16, recording two goals and one assist. He scored his first World Cup goal in the 34th minute against Senegal, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner to level the score at 1-1 and earn Japan their first point of the tournament. Against Poland, he provided an assist for Yuya Osako's headed winner, helping Japan clinch second place in the group on fair play criteria. In the round of 16, Inui netted Japan's second goal with a stunning long-range strike in the 52nd minute, giving his side a temporary 2-0 lead over Belgium, though they ultimately fell 3-2 after a late collapse. Japan's run to the last 16 represented their best World Cup performance since 2002, with Inui's pace and creativity on the left flank earning widespread praise as a standout among the European-based contingent. Following the , Inui featured in five additional caps for in 2019, with no further goals. He was included in the squad for the in the , where he appeared in three matches as reached the final but lost 3-1 to after extra time; his tournament displays underscored his role in linking midfield and attack. Inui's final international appearance came on March 26, 2019, in a 1-0 friendly victory over , where he started and played 62 minutes. Inui effectively retired from international duty in 2019 at age 30, having amassed 36 caps and six goals for across his career from 2009 to 2019. His tenure symbolized the rising prominence of Japanese players honed in , contributing technical flair and resilience to the national team's evolution during a transitional era.

Career statistics

Club

Takashi Inui has amassed 546 appearances, 94 goals, and 91 assists across his professional club career as of November 2025. The following tables provide a season-by-season breakdown of his club statistics, organized by club and including appearances (apps), goals, and assists in league, domestic cups, and other competitions such as continental tournaments.

Yokohama F. Marinos (2007)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2007700
2007300
Total1000

Cerezo Osaka (2008–2011)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
20082060
2008200
2008300
2009472014
2009110
2009600
201033410
2010210
2010AFC Champions League741
20111452
Total1354127

VfL Bochum (2011–2012)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
11/122. Bundesliga3075
11/12DFB-Pokal200
Total3275

Eintracht Frankfurt (2012–2015)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
12/13Bundesliga3368
12/13DFB-Pokal100
13/14Bundesliga1400
13/14DFB-Pokal212
13/14Europa League400
13/14Europa League Qualifying210
14/15Bundesliga2718
14/15DFB-Pokal201
Total85919

Eintracht Frankfurt / SD Eibar (2015–2016)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
15/16 (Eintracht)100
15/16LaLiga (SD Eibar)2734
15/16 (Eintracht)101
15/16 (SD Eibar)202
Total3137

SD Eibar (2016–2018)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
16/17LaLiga2834
16/17200
17/18LaLiga3452
17/18100
Total6586

Real Betis / Deportivo Alavés (loan) (2018–2019)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
18/19LaLiga (Real Betis/Deportivo Alavés (loan))2020
18/19201
18/19Europa League400
Total2621

SD Eibar (2019–2020)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
19/20LaLiga2924
Total2924

SD Eibar / Cerezo Osaka (2020–2021)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
20/21LaLiga (SD Eibar)2810
20/21 ()812
20/21200
20/21AFC Champions League100
Total3922

Cerezo Osaka (2021)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2021 ()1541
2021510
Total2051

Shimizu S-Pulse (2022–2025)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2022J1 League1010
2022J. League Cup301
2023321010
2023J1 Play-off200
20243057
2024100
20253632
2025301
Total1171921

International

Takashi Inui earned 36 caps for the Japan national team, scoring 6 goals between his debut in 2009 and his final appearance in 2019. He made his senior international debut on 20 January 2009 in a 2–0 victory over Yemen during 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifying, entering as a substitute in the 81st minute. His last match came on 1 February 2019 in the AFC Asian Cup final against Qatar, where he substituted in during the 120th minute of Japan's 1–3 penalty shootout loss after a 1–1 draw. Inui's contributions included notable performances in major tournaments, with his goals coming in friendlies and competitive fixtures. He scored his first international goals on 14 November 2014, netting twice in a 6–0 friendly win over . Other goals followed against (friendly, 11 October 2018), (, 24 June 2018), (, 2 July 2018), and (, 20 January 2019). A key assist came in the 2018 group stage against on 19 June 2018, where his cross led to Yuya Osako's winning goal in a 2–1 victory. The following table summarizes select key international matches for Inui, highlighting his goals and assists:
DateOpponentCompetitionResultGoalsAssistsNotes
20 Jan 2009 qualifying2–0 W00Debut (sub)
14 Nov 2014International friendly6–0 W20First goals
31 Aug 2017 qualifying2–0 W00Started
19 Jun 20181–2 W01Assist for winner (sub)
24 Jun 20182–2 D10Equalizer (starter)
2 Jul 20182–3 L10Second goal (starter)
20 Jan 20191–0 W10Winner (starter)
1 Feb 2019 final1–1 D (3–1 pens L)00Sub in extra time
Inui represented Japan at the youth level, including appearances for the U-23 team, though detailed statistics for youth internationals are limited in available records.

Tournament Breakdowns

In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Inui featured in all four of Japan's matches, starting three and contributing 1 goal against Senegal and 1 assist against Colombia, helping the team advance to the round of 16 despite a group stage exit. Japan finished second in Group H with 4 points, drawing with Senegal (2–2) and Poland (1–0 loss, but Inui started), beating Colombia (1–2), and losing to Belgium (2–3). At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Inui made 3 appearances for Japan, who exited in the group stage with 3 points after losses to Brazil (0–3), Mexico (1–2), and Italy (3–4). He started against Mexico and Italy but did not score. Inui participated in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, appearing in 6 matches with 1 goal against Saudi Arabia in the round of 16, as Japan reached the final but lost on penalties to Qatar. He started five games and provided 1 assist overall in the tournament. Japan won Group F with 3 victories before knockout progression. Statistics are current as of Inui's international retirement following the 2019 Asian Cup, with no further call-ups.

Honours

Team honours

During his time with from 2008 to 2011, Inui contributed to the club's title win in 2010, securing promotion to the for 2011. Inui did not win any major team honors with during his time there from 2012 to 2015. With from 2015 to 2018, Inui's team achieved consistent mid-table finishes in but secured no major trophies. Later spells with , , and a return to yielded no additional team titles for Inui. In , while playing for , Inui helped the club clinch the title, marking their return to .

Individual honours

Takashi Inui has received recognition for his performances primarily in Japan's , particularly during his time with in the . In 2023, he was named to the J2 League Best XI, honoring his contributions of 10 goals and 10 assists across 34 matches, which helped establish him as one of the league's top playmakers. In the same year, Inui earned the J2 League Best Goal award for his standout strike, further highlighting his technical prowess and creativity on the pitch. He also received the Goal of the Month for July 2023, selected for an exceptional goal that exemplified his and finishing ability. For the 2024 season, Inui was again selected to the Best XI, acknowledging his consistent impact with 5 goals and 8 assists in 30 appearances, contributing to Shimizu's promotion as league champions. Inui has no major individual honors from his international career with . During his European stints with in the and in , he did not receive notable personal accolades beyond team contributions.

References

  1. https://sarcle.jp/en/players/archives/56
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.com/takashi-inui/profil/spieler/98249
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.com/takashi-inui/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/98249
  4. https://www.jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/member/inui_takashi.html
  5. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37499208/takashi-inui-dazzles-again-japan-fall-heartbreakingly-short-vs-belgium
  6. https://www.jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/20180612/news/00017776/
  7. https://www.transfermarkt.us/takashi-inui/profil/spieler/98249
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/yokohama-f-marinos/debuetanten/verein/3828
  9. https://www.transfermarkt.com/takashi-inui/transfers/spieler/98249/transfer_id/740667
  10. https://en.eintracht.de/news/takashi-inui-leaves-eintracht-50525/
  11. https://thehardtackle.com/2013/eintracht-frankfurt-takashi-inui-interview-japanese-players-in-the-bundesliga/
  12. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/takashi-inui-leaves-eintracht-frankfurt-to-joineibar
  13. https://www.transfermarkt.com/takashi-inui/transfers/spieler/98249
  14. https://www.sdeibar.com/eu/news/takashi-inui-desde-que-era-un-escolar-sonaba-con-jugar-en-la-liga
  15. https://fbref.com/en/squads/bea5c710/2015-2016/Eibar-Stats
  16. https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/match/temporada-2016-2017-laliga-santander-fc-barcelona-sd-eibar-38
  17. https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/la-liga/articles/japan-international-takashi-inui-makes-histor
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.com/sd-eibar/startseite/verein/1533/saison_id/2016
  19. https://fbref.com/en/squads/bea5c710/2017-2018/Eibar-Stats
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.com/takashi-inui/leistungsdaten/spieler/98249
  21. https://en.as.com/en/2018/05/02/soccer/1525277206_982554.html
  22. https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2018/03/12/5aa6e396268e3e45548b45f2.html
  23. https://www.football-espana.net/2018/06/01/done-deal-inui-joins-betis
  24. https://en.realbetisbalompie.es/news/latest_news/takashi-inui-nuevo-futbolista-del-real-betis-para--11761
  25. https://www.transfermarkt.us/takashi-inui/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/98249/saison/2018
  26. https://fbref.com/en/squads/fc536746/2018-2019/c12/Real-Betis-Stats-La-Liga
  27. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/-alaves-sign-japan-midfielder-inui-from-betis-idUSKCN1PI1XL/
  28. https://www.football-espana.net/2019/01/24/done-deal-takashi-inui-joins-alaves-on-loan-from-real-betis
  29. https://en.realbetisbalompie.es/news/latest_news/real-betis-and-deportivo-alaves-reach-an-agreement-for-the-loan-of-takashi-inui-21505
  30. https://kids.kiddle.co/Takashi_Inui
  31. https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/la-liga-alaves-vs-eibar-mar-09-2019-game-boxscore-49473
  32. https://www.transfermarkt.com/deportivo-alaves/startseite/verein/1108/saison_id/2018
  33. https://cooljapansoccer.wordpress.com/tag/takashi-inui/page/3/
  34. https://www.football-espana.net/2019/07/24/takashi-inui-leaves-real-betis-returns-to-eibar
  35. https://www.sdeibar.com/en/news/takashi-inui-returns-home
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/takashi-inui/leistungsdaten/spieler/98249
  37. https://fbref.com/en/squads/bea5c710/2019-2020/Eibar-Stats
  38. https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/official-statement-laliga-agrees-suspension-of-the-competition
  39. https://tribuna.com/en/clubs/eibar/table/2020-2021/la-liga/
  40. https://www.football-espana.net/2021/06/28/relegated-eibar-release-seven-players-ahead-of-2021-22-segunda-division-season
  41. https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/27752
  42. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/takashi-inui/verletzungen/spieler/98249
  43. https://www.yanmar.com/us/about/sports/soccer/sponsored/cerezo/history/
  44. https://www.worldfootball.net/report/emperors-cup-2022-viertelfinale-cerezo-osaka-sanfrecce-hiroshima/
  45. https://www.shogunsoccer.com/p/jleague-2023-season-preview-6-fc
  46. https://www.transfermarkt.com/shimizu-s-pulse/transfers/verein/1062/saison_id/2022
  47. https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/44989
  48. https://www.jleague.jp/awards/2023/j2.html
  49. https://www.shogunsoccer.com/p/2024-j2-season-review
  50. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/164204/takashi-inui
  51. https://fbref.com/en/squads/aac46d36/Shimizu-S-Pulse-Stats
  52. https://www.shogunsoccer.com/p/jleague-j1-2025-mid-season-review
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.us/takashi-inui/nationalmannschaft/spieler/98249
  54. https://en.eintracht.de/news/asian-cup-2015-japan-defeated-48261/
  55. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/463988/australia-japan
  56. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/627/league/FIFA.WORLD/season/2018
  57. https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/FIFA.WORLD/season/2018
  58. https://inside.fifa.com/news/belgium-dig-deep-edge-japan-2980668
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  60. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/29488/Takashi_Inui.html
  61. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/53714-takashi-inui
  62. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/11704/Japan_Honduras.html
  63. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/20390/Belgium_Japan.html
  64. https://www.jleague.co/history/j2/2010/
  65. https://www.transfermarkt.us/eintracht-frankfurt/erfolge/verein/24
  66. https://www.transfermarkt.us/takashi-inui/erfolge/spieler/98249
  67. https://fbref.com/en/comps/49/2023/2023-J2-League-Stats
  68. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv9hdeOvliu/
  69. https://www.jleague.jp/awards/2024/j2.html
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