FC Cincinnati have re-signed midfielder Yuya Kubo to a contract through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026, the club announced today. Kubo, 29, joined the Orange and Blue in January 2020 and has made the fourth-most appearances for FC Cincinnati, all-time.
“We’re excited to have Yuya back with FC Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “Yuya’s ability on the ball, ground coverage, and positional versatility make him an integral part of our group. He’s also a player of high character and a great teammate, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be with us this coming season and beyond.”
In 2023, Kubo made 37 appearances across all competitions – his most games played since the 2017-18 season with KAA Gent (42) – scoring two goals and adding three assists. Both of Kubo’s goals this season came in U.S. Open Cup competition, including his 114th minute equalizer against Inter Miami CF in the semifinals at TQL Stadium.
Since making 20 appearances in his first campaign with FC Cincinnati in the shortened-2020 season, Kubo has played in increasingly more games each season with FCC. His 116 appearances – including 100 in MLS regular season play – both rank fourth in club history behind Nick Hagglund, Brandon Vazquez and Álvaro Barreal.
Kubo has scored seven goals and added eight assists in his four seasons with the club. His versatile style has seen the Japanese international feature in the midfield, at forward and as a winger.
Prior to joining FC Cincinnati, Kubo made 303 career appearances, while scoring 86 goals and adding 23 assists, in 10 professional seasons in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Japan.
Kubo’s professional career began in 2011 when he signed for Japanese second-division side Kyoto Sanga. Following the conclusion of the 2013 J2 League season, Kubo joined Swiss perennial power BSC Young Boys before moving to Belgian first-division side KAA Gent in January 2017. He additionally the 2018-19 season on loan with Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg.
At the international level, Kubo has made 13 appearances, scoring two goals and adding two assists for Japan since making his senior international debut in an international friendly against Oman on Nov. 11, 2016.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati re-sign midfielder Yuya Kubo to a contract through 2025, with an option for 2026, on Dec. 12, 2023.
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