Kō Itakura

Ko Itakura (板倉 滉, Itakura Kō; born 27 January 1997) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Japan national team. Known for his ball-playing ability, versatility, and defensive anticipation, Itakura began his career in the J1 League with Kawasaki Frontale before moving to Europe in 2019. After successful loan spells at FC Groningen and FC Schalke 04, he established himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach. In 2025, he became the first Japanese player in history to sign for Ajax.