30-year-old Japan forward Takuma Asano is developing in leaps and bounds on the international scene. His eye-opening performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar has been integral to this boom. Asano, formerly of Bundesliga club VfL Bochum, is now making a big impact in RCD Mallorca’s surprise push for Europe in LaLiga. And he’s already made some remarkable progress on that trip. Great achievements such as finishing his second Bundesliga campaign a punchy 21 goals deep and scoring that amazing goal against Germany in the World Cup.
Asano’s move from Germany to Spain has clearly been a beneficial one. He endured a tough debut season at Bochum as a result of a serious injury. Currently at Mallorca, he’s indispensable to the club’s dreams of playing in Spain’s top flight. His goal against Alavés showcased his skill and determination, making him a pivotal player in Mallorca’s pursuit of European competition. As it stands, Mallorca find themselves ninth in the LaLiga table, and so much of their success can be attributed to Asano’s impressive contributions.
The biggest moment of Asano’s career so far has arrived at this World Cup, when the forward scored a stunning winner against Germany. He beat defender Nico Schlotterbeck before sending a powerful shot into the net, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with no chance. That focus on the small details paid off with this floaty goal, leading to Japan’s upset 2-1 win against Germany. It carved Asano’s place into World Cup history.
Reflecting on his growth as a player, Asano remarked, “It is a really great time for me. I am enjoying my football and my life. I am 30 now and a different player to when I was young.” His unique experiences in multiple leagues have informed his understanding of the game on and off the field. “I just focused on my football. Where I am, it does not matter for me,” he added.
Asano’s time in Europe has been transformative. He spent two years east of the Adriatic in Serbia. From there, he moved to Bochum and found fulfillment as much outside the lines—his wife is from Bochum—as within them. More than anything, the culture and camaraderie he found there has played an integral role in shaping his journey as a player. “I was really happy in Serbia. I enjoyed the lifestyle,” he stated.
Asano’s ambition extends beyond individual accolades. The legacy of the World Cup has motivated O’Brien and his teammates to hope for bigger and better things. “Now every Japanese player wants to win the World Cup. Before, I think Japanese players, Japanese people, did not think about it,” he said. Indeed, Asano feels that this complete change of mindset is essential if Japanese football is to prosper.
Along with his hope for individual achievement at the national level, Asano is keenly aware of the goals of Mallorca. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential for European qualification: “I think if we play 100 per cent and play good, it is possible. We need to go to Europe next season.” His no-nonsense approach and captaincy on the pitch will be key as Mallorca admits continuation to LaLiga’s rugged terrain.
As the season goes on, Asano will have a key role to play for Mallorca. The goal for the team should be to cling on to their position within the top half of the table. His skills, experiences and passion for the game make for an incredible story. Both his current teammates and Japan’s next generation of hopeful young players idolize him.
“Now, everyone thinks like that, me also. Since that World Cup in Qatar, we feel like we could do it. Next time, I don’t know, maybe we still need time, but in the future. Everybody is thinking about winning the World Cup. That last World Cup, it changed us.” – Takuma Asano
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