Kuryu Matsuki has built his career through early sacrifice, strong leadership and a willingness to face new challenges. Born in Hokkaido, the Japanese footballer left home at 12 to develop his talent at Aomori Yamada. His journey later took him to FC Tokyo, Turkish club Göztepe and Southampton. Along the way, he became an Asian youth award winner and earned a place in Japan’s senior national team. His story combines sporting progress with family support, marriage and the demands of life abroad.
Kuryu Matsuki Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kuryu Matsuki |
| Japanese name | 松木 玖生 |
| Date of birth | 30 April 2003 |
| Age | 23 as of October 2026 |
| Birthplace | Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Club | Southampton FC |
| National team | Japan |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Shirt number | 27 |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Weight | 78 kg in FC Tokyo’s 2024 records |
| Education | Aomori Yamada Middle School and High School |
| Marital status | Married |
| Wife | Name withheld |
| Children | Not confirmed |
| Net worth | Not verified |
| Religion | Not confirmed |
Kuryu Matsuki’s Early Life and Family
Childhood in Muroran
Born on 30 April 2003, Matsuki spent his early years in Muroran, Hokkaido. Football became part of his life at six, when he followed his older brother into the sport.
He joined Muroran Osawa FC, a small club where children of different ages trained together. Playing with older children helped him become comfortable in demanding situations.
His mother later described how he treated children up to six years older as friends. That confidence became a familiar part of his football character.
Parents and Older Brother
Japanese newspaper coverage identifies his father as 宏樹, his mother as 厚香 and his older brother as 瑛大. His brother was three school years ahead of him.
His parents supported his move away from home and helped pay for his development. Matsuki has spoken about wanting to repay their support. Buying them a luxury car was one childhood ambition, although its fulfilment has not been verified.
Education and School Football
Moving Away at Twelve
At 12, Matsuki moved from Hokkaido to attend Aomori Yamada Middle School. The decision meant leaving familiar surroundings for a more demanding football environment.
He attended the middle school between 2016 and 2019, then continued at Aomori Yamada High School until 2022. No university qualification has been verified.
The move placed football at the centre of his daily life. Training, schoolwork and competition helped prepare him for professional demands.
Becoming a School Captain
His progress was quick. He trained with high-school players while still at middle school and became a regular during his first high-school year.
Later, he wore the number ten shirt and served as captain. His final school campaign brought success in the Premier League East youth competition, the national inter-high-school tournament and the national high-school championship.
An Early Goalkeeping Role
Before settling into midfield, Matsuki spent time as a goalkeeper. He moved into an outfield role during primary school. This detail adds an unusual beginning to a career now built on winning possession and supporting attacks.
Kuryu Matsuki’s Professional Career
FC Tokyo: The First Senior Step
Matsuki joined FC Tokyo for the 2022 season. Moving straight from school football into Japan’s top division required a major adjustment, but he earned regular opportunities.
His debut came against Kawasaki Frontale. He finished his first J1 season with 31 appearances and two goals.
Across three league campaigns, his FC Tokyo record reached 71 appearances and five goals. Those figures cover league football and should be kept separate from cup matches.
| J1 season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 31 | 2 |
| 2023 | 22 | 1 |
| 2024 | 18 | 2 |
| Total | 71 | 5 |
His time in Tokyo gave him experience against senior professionals and helped turn his school reputation into a stronger foundation.
Lyon Trial and European Ambitions
Before joining FC Tokyo, Matsuki had a trial with Lyon in 2021. He did not become a professional Lyon player, but the experience exposed him to a European football setting.
He eventually chose to begin his senior career in Japan. That route gave him regular competitive experience before his later move overseas.
Southampton Transfer in 2024
Southampton confirmed his arrival on 30 July 2024. He signed a four-year contract after leaving FC Tokyo.
The move was followed immediately by a loan to Göztepe for the 2024–25 season. His first campaign as a Southampton player therefore took place in Turkey.
This gave him another stage of development before competing for a place in England.
Göztepe Loan Season
Matsuki made 34 appearances across all competitions for Göztepe, contributing six goals and five assists.
Those totals show that his influence extended beyond defensive work. He could support attacks and contribute directly to goals.
Living and playing in Turkey also brought a new language, different opponents and unfamiliar routines. He returned to Southampton in summer 2025 with broader professional experience.
Establishing Himself at Southampton
His competitive Southampton debut came against Northampton Town on 12 August 2025 in the League Cup.
Two weeks later, he scored against Norwich City in the same competition. On 24 February 2026, he scored twice in a 5–0 Championship victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Southampton credits him with six goals across all competitions during the 2025–26 season.
Japan Career and International Honours
Progress Through Youth Football
Matsuki represented Japan across multiple youth age groups and captained the under-20 team. He also took part in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In 2024, he helped Japan win the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, playing in all six matches. The tournament added a major international team honour to his career.
Senior Japan Debut
His senior breakthrough came in September 2026. On 24 September, he scored against Uruguay just 11 minutes into his Japan debut.
He played 64 minutes as Japan won 3–1. Scoring immediately made the occasion memorable, but continued selection would depend on sustained club and international performances.
Clarifying His AFC Award
His individual honour is officially the AFC Youth Player of the Year award for 2022. The presentation took place in 2023. Keeping those dates separate avoids confusion between the award year and the ceremony.
Playing Style and Strengths
Matsuki is a left-footed midfielder who combines energy with a willingness to challenge for possession. He can contribute centrally and in more advanced areas.
His game includes forward movement, shooting and support for teammates. Goals from midfield have become an important part of his contribution.
He has named Phil Foden as a player he admires. During his early career, he also highlighted the accuracy of his left-footed kicking.
Leadership is another part of his background. Captaining school and youth international teams required him to take responsibility before reaching senior football.
Wife, Marriage and Children
FC Tokyo announced Matsuki’s marriage on 22 September 2023, when he was 20.
His wife is a private individual. The club withheld her name and age, and reliable details about their relationship history remain unavailable.
The announcement date should not be treated as the exact wedding date.
No reliable current confirmation establishes whether the couple have children. A factual account should leave that question open.
Kuryu Matsuki’s Salary and Net Worth
Estimated Football Salary
Capology estimates his fixed Southampton salary for 2026–27 at £15,000 gross per week, equivalent to £780,000 annually before bonuses.
Another salary website gives a higher figure. Neither amount is an official club disclosure, so his precise earnings remain unconfirmed.
Net Worth and Income Sources
His net worth has not been reliably established. Football wages alone cannot reveal personal wealth because taxes, spending, assets and debts also matter.
His main identifiable income source is professional football. Specific income from bonuses, sponsorships or image rights has not been verified.
Business Ventures and Management
Balance Style announced a management agreement with Matsuki in February 2022. The arrangement covered career support, branding and activities away from football.
This was a professional management relationship. It does not establish that he owned the company, and its current status has not been confirmed.
No verified company founded by Matsuki or independent business venture has been identified.
Nationality, Religion and Personal Interests
Matsuki is Japanese and represents Japan internationally. His nationality should not be used to assume a specific ethnic identity or religious belief.
His religion has not been confirmed. There is also no reliable basis for assigning him a precise regional accent or English fluency level.
An archived FC Tokyo questionnaire gives small insights into his interests. He named sauna visits as a hobby and natto as a favourite food alongside rice.
Latest News and Career Outlook
Through 24 October 2026, Matsuki had played 12 Championship matches in the 2026–27 season, recording three goals, one assist and one yellow card.
He scored in Southampton’s 3–2 victory over West Ham that day. The club’s subsequent QPR preview highlighted his recent attacking contribution and the manager’s challenge to increase his goal total.
These figures cover that October snapshot, rather than the completed season.
At 23, his legacy remains unfinished. His achievements already connect school football success, Asian youth recognition and progress across three countries.
His next task is consistency: turning promising performances into lasting influence for Southampton and Japan. The same qualities that shaped his early development—confidence, effort and responsibility—remain central to that challenge.
FAQs
Who is Kuryu Matsuki?
Kuryu Matsuki is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Southampton FC and Japan’s national team.
How old is Kuryu Matsuki?
He is 23 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 30 April 2003 in Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan.
Who are Kuryu Matsuki’s parents?
His father is named 宏樹 Matsuki, and his mother is 厚香 Matsuki. They supported his move to Aomori Yamada to develop his football career.
Is Kuryu Matsuki married?
Yes. FC Tokyo announced his marriage on 22 September 2023. His wife’s name and age were kept private.
Does Kuryu Matsuki have siblings?
Yes. He has an older brother named 瑛大 Matsuki, who is three school years ahead of him and inspired him to start playing football.
