Naoto Arai
Midfielder at Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Current Team: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
📊 Season Summary
All competitions • Real data| Season | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/26 | AFC Champions League Elite | 5 | 0 | 1 | 7.00 |
| 25/26 | Japanese Super Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6.60 |
| 2025 | J. League Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7.10 |
| 2025 | J1 League | 27 | 4 | 2 | 6.95 |
| 24/25 | AFC Champions League Two | 7 | 0 | 5 | 7.42 |
| 2024 | J. League Cup | 6 | 0 | 3 | 7.25 |
| 2024 | J1 League | 35 | 7 | 4 | 7.18 |
| 2023 | J1 League | 24 | 2 | 0 | 6.91 |
| 2021 | J1 League | - | 0 | 0 | - |
📋 Match Log
Last 15 matches| Date | Competition | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 2025 | Japanese Super Cup | 6.6 |
| Feb 19, 2025 | AFC Champions League Two | 8.5 |
| Feb 23, 2025 | J1 League | 6.7 |
| Feb 26, 2025 | J1 League | 6.4 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | J1 League | 7.1 |
| Mar 12, 2025 | AFC Champions League Two | 7.2 |
| Mar 16, 2025 | J1 League | 6.6 |
| Mar 29, 2025 | J1 League | 6.4 |
| Apr 2, 2025 | J1 League | 7.6 |
| Apr 6, 2025 | J1 League | 7.4 |
| May 7, 2025 | J1 League | 6.6 |
| May 11, 2025 | J1 League | 7.0 |
| May 17, 2025 | J1 League | 6.7 |
| May 25, 2025 | J1 League | 7.1 |
| May 31, 2025 | J1 League | 7.0 |
⚡ Player Characteristics
Strengths
📈 Career Totals
Aggregated across 9 seasons, 5 competitions👥 Teammates at Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Full Squad →
📊 Season Statistics
AFC Champions League Elite 25/26📝 About Naoto Arai
Naoto Arai is a 29-year-old JP professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Currently representing Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Naoto Arai stands at 173cm With a market valuation of €755K, Naoto Arai represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.
Naoto Arai's professional career began at their academy. Over their career, Naoto Arai has made 6 transfers. The most recent move saw Naoto Arai join Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2024.
This season, Naoto Arai has contributed 1 assists in 5 appearances. Accumulating 302 minutes, averaging 60 per game.
Expert Tactical Profile
KickAI Scouting Analysis
This tactical analysis and scouting report on Naoto Arai has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Naoto Arai's role as a midfielder at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, examining their JP playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.
Player Archetype
Naoto Arai profiles as a creative hub who orchestrates attacks with vision and passing range. Elite qualities include passing and ball control, which make them a threat in build-up play. At 29, experience now matches physical capability – peak performance window.
Formation Fit
Best deployed in:
✅ Key Strengths
- passing
- ball control
⚠️ Development Areas
- No significant weaknesses identified
**Playing Style Comparison**: Naoto Arai has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne – a creative maestro who dictates the tempo. While every player is unique, the stylistic similarities in vision and passing are evident.
✨ What Makes Them Special
What sets Naoto Arai apart from other midfielders? It's the combination of passing, ball control that creates a unique profile. Their ability to see passes others can't is what elevates them above the average player.
🔄 Career Turning Point
🔮 Future Outlook
📊 AFC Champions League Elite 25/26 Analysis
In the current season, Naoto Arai has made 5 appearances in their competition, contributing 1 assists. With an average rating of 7.00, Naoto Arai has been excellent. Accumulating 302 minutes, Naoto Arai averages 60 minutes per game.
🔥 Recent Form
Over the last 5 matches, Naoto Arai has maintained strong form with an average rating of 7.06. Performance ratings ranged from 6.4 to 8.5, demonstrating fluctuating form.
📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)
📊 Performance Statistics
How Naoto Arai compares to league average this season
Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.
🩺 Player Status & Availability
Available
No reported injuries
Under Contract
Current club: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
No Active Rumors
Last updated: 1/14/2026
€0.8M
SofaScore estimate
💹 Career Value Trajectory
Transfer fee history and market value trend
🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)
Avg Rating: 7.01Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.
💰 Transfer History
6 transfers| Date | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/21/2024 | Albirex Niigata | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Unknown |
| 2/1/2023 | Cerezo Osaka | Albirex Niigata | Unknown |
| 1/31/2023 | Tokushima Vortis | Cerezo Osaka | - |
| 2/1/2022 | Cerezo Osaka | Tokushima Vortis | - |
| 1/9/2021 | Albirex Niigata | Cerezo Osaka | Unknown |
| 2/9/2019 | Niigata Uni M. | Albirex Niigata | Free |
📅 Career Progression & Journey
Naoto Arai's professional football journey began at a local academy, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Naoto Arai developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.
The career path of Naoto Arai has taken them through 4 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer.
Currently, Naoto Arai represents Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2024, Naoto Arai continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Naoto Arai into the player they are today.
📈 Performance Analysis & Context
When evaluating Naoto Arai's performance in context, their average rating of 7.00 positions them among above-average performers for their position. With 1 direct goal contributions (0 goals, 1 assists) in 5 appearances, Naoto Arai averages 0.20 goal contributions per match. Averaging 60 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a midfielder at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Naoto Arai's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.
🔗 Related Content & Categories
Explore more content related to Naoto Arai, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Naoto Arai
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✓ KickAI Analysis Team
Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing
Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.
Verify data from official sources:
📋 Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Naoto Arai
- Nationality
- JP
- Age
- 29 years
- Height
- 173 cm
- Position
- Midfielder
- Shirt
- #13