Sota Kawasaki added: “I followed Mainz 05 last season and watched their matches. I really like their attacking style of play and aggressive pressing. Now I’m excited to bring that style of football onto the pitch wearing the Mainz 05 shirt, to meet the Mainz fans and experience the famous atmosphere in Bundesliga stadiums.”
First team 09.07.2025 - 10:00 Uhr
Mainz 05 sign Sota Kawasaki
23-year-old Japanese midfielder arrives on loan with a buy option from the J.League
1. FSV Mainz have completed the signing of Sota Kawasaki, who can operate as both as a defensive and attacking midfielder. He joins on a year-long loan from Kyoto Sanga and the 05ers have also secured a buy option. Kawasaki was an important player and captain for the team currently in third place in the J.League, having played a total of 179 games for them (14 goals, 11 assists), 109 of which in the top flight (10 goals, 6 assists).
Kawasaki has played 17 games for Japan’s youth national teams, including three at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. The two-footed midfielder was recently called up to Japan’s senior squad for the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, but sacrificed his chance to make his debut in order to sign for Mainz. The two clubs have agreed that the details of the transfer will remain undisclosed.
Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert alongside our latest signing Sota Kawasaki
"An extremely versatile player"
“Sota Kawasaki is an extremely versatile player. He’s technically gifted, can play with both feet and covers lots of ground. One thing that immediately impressed us was how he loves to constantly press opponents high up the pitch, which will make him a great fit for our game. We’re confident that he will integrate wonderfully both professionally and personally with our team, our club, and the city, and that he will be the next in a long line of Japanese players who have made a name for themselves here in Mainz,” said sporting director Niko Bungert.
