Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has capped off a standout year for club and country by scooping another prestigious award.
Ao Tanaka was at the heart of the Leeds side that won promotion from the Championship last season, winning the club’s player of the year award.
He has since gone on to impress in the Premier League, scoring his first top-flight goal in style against Chelsea before adding a dramatic equaliser against Liverpool.
Tanaka’s Japan will travel to the World Cup this summer, and the Leeds man is expected to play a key part in their campaign.
Now, Tanaka has been recognised for his contribution to the Japanese national team by claiming a prestigious accolade in his home country.
Would you make any changes for Sunderland? 🤔
Leeds United star Ao Tanaka receives prestigious nomination
After enjoying a brilliant year at both domestic and international levels in 2025, Tanaka has been named in the official Japanese Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year.
The award aims to recognise the eleven JPFA-affiliated players who have performed best in the calendar year, and Tanaka is one of the midfielders recognised.
It is the first time that the Leeds man has featured in the list, and he is one of nine players included in the team who are based overseas.
Tanaka is one of only two representatives based in the Premier League, as he features alongside Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Jamada.
Brenden Aaronson deserves to start ahead of Ao Tanaka against Sunderland. Discuss… 🤔
Daniel Farke has a difficult decision to make on Ao Tanaka
Although Tanaka remains a firm fan favourite at Elland Road, he has been on the fringes of Leeds’ starting line-up this season.
Tanaka scored in consecutive games against Chelsea and Liverpool before enduring a tough game against Brentford, which saw him lose his place in the starting side the following week.
Brenden Aaronson shone against Crystal Palace, receiving a standing ovation after being substituted, having been called up to replace Tanaka in Leeds’ starting line-up.
With a crucial trip to Sunderland on the horizon, Farke now has to decide whether to stick with Aaronson or recall Tanaka to his starting line-up.
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