Japanese Talent Forward Kubo Takefusa's Sharp Decline in Form: 0 Goals in 17 Games Over 9 Months, Market Value Drops by €40 Million in 3 Years

With the rise of Japanese football, more and more Japanese players are moving to Europe's top five leagues. According to incomplete statistics, there are currently 32 Japanese players competing in Europe's top five leagues, with some also serving as key starters for major European clubs. However, although these overseas-based Japanese players appear successful on the surface, they each face their own difficulties. For example, the Japan international forward currently playing for La Liga side Real Sociedad has encountered the biggest low point of his career so far.

In terms of on-field performance, Takefusa Kubo is currently in very poor form. Data shows that since scoring against Levante on December 20, 2025, he has gone 9 months and a total of 17 official matches without a goal, remaining stuck in a prolonged goal drought.

As Kubo's poor form has continued, his market value on Transfermarkt has also kept declining. December 2023 was the peak of Kubo's market value, when his transfer value reached €60 million. Afterwards, as his performances continued to decline, his value fell successively to €50 million, €40 million, and €30 million. By June this year, Kubo's market value had dropped to just €20 million. Compared with his peak value of €60 million, Kubo's market value has fallen by a total of €40 million within three years.

It should be noted that Kubo is only 25 years old this year and is still in the prime period of his career. Seeing his market value continue to fall during such an important stage has naturally caused disappointment and concern.

After entering the new season, Kubo's form has remained poor. Data shows that after the first four rounds of La Liga, he had started three times but recorded 0 goals and 0 assists. For a forward, such a performance is undoubtedly disappointing. In addition, Kubo struggled in several key matches: in the 0-1 defeat to Real Betis, he played 58 minutes with only one shot and no key passes; against Real Madrid, he played 74 minutes with zero shots and only one key pass, offering little impact; against Espanyol, he came on as a substitute for only 12 minutes and still recorded no notable attacking statistics; in the 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo, he played 61 minutes and provided only one key pass, while still failing to score.

Kubo's sudden and sharp decline in form has caused concern about his future. If he continues to struggle, he may gradually lose his place at Real Sociedad and could even be left out of the squad. It is hoped that the Japan international can rediscover his previous peak form soon; otherwise, it may become difficult for him to continue staying at Real Sociedad.