In recent years, Belgium has become a popular destination for Japanese talent, and Rihito Yamamoto (born December 12, 2001) is one of the recent examples to make his mark in the Jupiler Pro League with Sint-Truiden.
The defensive midfielder’s rise has been steady and consistent.
A product of Tokyo Verdy’s academy, Yamamoto made his professional debut in 2019 while still in high school, quickly earning a reputation as a technically gifted and intelligent player.
His breakthrough came in the J2 League, where his composure on the ball and versatility across midfield drew attention from bigger J1 clubs.
In 2022, he secured a move to Gamba Osaka, gaining top-flight experience in the J1 League.
A year later, he took the leap to Europe, joining Sint-Truiden on loan for the 2023/2024 season.
Despite initially being used as a substitute, Yamamoto adapted quickly.
He featured in 33 league matches and proved himself a reliable presence in midfield.
His ability to read the game and contribute both defensively and offensively has made him an important part of the squad.
His performances convinced the Belgian side to make his transfer permanent in June 2024.
On the international stage, Yamamoto showcased his ability at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
There, he scored decisive goals against Paraguay and Mali, helping Japan progress to the knockout rounds.
Those standout moments underlined his knack for stepping up in big games.
In August 2025, Yamamoto scored his first goal as a full Sint-Truidense player in a win over Zulte Waregem, further proof of his growing influence in the side.
His consistency and work ethic continue to make him a player to watch in the Belgian top flight.
This Rihito Yamamoto scout report and player analysis will examine his style of play and tactical role at Sint-Truiden ahead of the 2025/2026 season and assess how he might continue to develop in the Belgian Pro League as he works toward becoming a mainstay for both club and country.
Rihito Yamamoto Stats
Rihito Yamamoto’s profile reflects a midfielder who contributes across multiple phases of play, with a clear emphasis on defensive work and reliable distribution.
His standout area is defensive involvement.
He ranks very highly for defensive duels per 90 (80.2 percentile), showing a willingness to engage consistently in regaining possession.
While his duel success (54.8 percentile) and aerial presence (43.4 percentile in aerial duels won) are more modest, his activity level highlights his importance in breaking up opposition play.
In possession, Yamamoto shows steady, if unspectacular, output.
His accurate passing (75.6 percentile) and dangerous passes per 90 (61.8 percentile) indicate he can move the ball effectively and provide progressive options.
His volume of progressive passes (55.2 percentile) is solid, though his received passes (35.0 percentile) suggest he is not always the main outlet in midfield build-up.
On the attacking side, Yamamoto offers very limited output.
His expected goal contribution (20.8 percentile), actual goal contribution (0.3 per 90, 39.1 percentile), and shots per 90 (32.9 percentile) show he is not a consistent threat in the final third.
Overall, Rihito Yamamoto profiles as a hard-working, defensively active midfielder who combines energy with safe passing.
While not a creative force or goal-scoring presence, his ability to cover ground, disrupt play, and keep possession circulating makes him a dependable option in midfield.
The next step in his development will be improving his positioning and involvement in possession, which will give him more influence beyond his defensive contributions.
Rihito Yamamoto Stats
Rihito Yamamoto Style Of Play
Yamamoto plays as a defensive-leaning central midfielder or a ball-winning 6/8 hybrid, active, disciplined, and reliable in possession.
He isn’t a major creative or attacking force, though he can occasionally find the net from the edge of the box or thread a smart through ball.
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