Who is Takehiro Tomiyasu?

Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of the most recognisable Japanese defenders to have graced European football in the modern era. Born on November 5, 1998, in Fukuoka, Japan, he rose through the ranks to play at one of England's biggest clubs, Arsenal, before moving to Dutch giants Ajax in late 2025. He is known for his composure on the ball, his ability to play in multiple defensive positions, and his calm reading of the game. Despite being plagued by recurring injuries in the latter part of his Arsenal career, Tomiyasu remains an important figure for the Japan national team and is eyeing a strong run ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He is equally famous for the warm, humble personality he carries off the pitch, and for being a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium during his time in north London. Nicknamed "Tomi" by teammates and fans, his story is one of perseverance, quiet determination, and talent that transcends borders.

Net Worth and Salary

When it comes to how much Takehiro Tomiyasu is worth, there is no single confirmed figure from the player himself, but based on his career earnings, contract history, and endorsements, Icon Polls estimates his net worth at approximately $29 million as of 2026. That figure factors in his salaries from clubs including Avispa Fukuoka, Sint-Truiden, Bologna, and Arsenal, as well as commercial deals and appearances during his peak years.

During his time at Arsenal, Tomiyasu reportedly earned around $5.2 million per year, which is a significant jump from what he would have earned in his early career in Japan and Belgium. His 2024 contract extension with Arsenal was a three-year deal reportedly worth $15.6 million in total. After leaving Arsenal in July 2025, he joined Ajax on a short-term deal, with earnings reportedly tied to his number of appearances given his recovery from knee surgery. This arrangement made sense for both parties, with Tomiyasu keen to rebuild match fitness and Ajax looking to manage risk while gaining an experienced defender.

Parents

Takehiro Tomiyasu comes from a family where sport is practically in the DNA. His father is known to have been involved in baseball and kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art involving sword-fighting techniques. His mother, Kayoko (also referred to in some sources as Yasuko), was a track and field athlete. Between the two of them, they built a household where athletic effort was expected and respected.

His mother has spoken publicly about her parenting approach, saying she largely left Takehiro to make his own decisions, trusting him to tell right from wrong. She took a hands-off approach that clearly worked, as her son went on to represent Japan at the highest level and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Tomiyasu himself has credited his parents with shaping who he is, both on and off the pitch.

He was the youngest of three children and has two older sisters who were both involved in swimming, which is actually how he stumbled into football. The story of his transition from aspiring swimmer to professional footballer is one of the more charming origin stories in the game.

Wife

As of 2026, Takehiro Tomiyasu has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship or marriage. He is believed to be single, or at the very least, extremely private about his personal life. There have been no confirmed reports of a girlfriend or wife, and Tomiyasu himself has never spoken about a romantic partner in interviews.

He appears to be someone who keeps that part of his life completely away from the spotlight, which is admirable in an era where footballer relationships often dominate headlines. His social media is largely focused on football, training, and moments with teammates. Fans remain curious, but for now, the only confirmed relationship Tomi has made public is the one he has with the game of football.

Height

Takehiro Tomiyasu stands at 6 ft 2 in, or approximately 188 cm. For a full-back, that is a considerable height advantage, and it has served him well both in aerial duels and in his ability to play as a centre-back when needed. His physical presence, combined with his technical quality and two-footedness, has made him one of the more versatile defensive options for both club and country.

His build, reported at around 79 kg, means he is athletic and lean enough to compete at the highest level. When fit, his height and frame make him a difficult opponent in the air and an effective ball-winner on the ground.

Injury

Injury has been the central and unfortunate theme of Tomiyasu's career since 2023. He suffered multiple knee injuries that limited him to just six minutes of Premier League football in the entire 2024-25 season. Arsenal's medical team operated on his knee in February 2025, and at the time of his contract termination in July 2025, he was still not expected to return to full fitness for another four to five months.

Earlier in his Arsenal career, he had dealt with calf strains, muscular issues, and repeated setbacks that prevented him from establishing the kind of consistency his talent deserved. In total, it is estimated that Tomiyasu missed over 690 days and 107 games due to various injuries during his time in north London.

Arsenal eventually made the mutual decision to terminate his contract in July 2025, with the club acknowledging that his injury situation had made it impossible for him to contribute. That decision opened the door for his move to Ajax in December 2025, where he signed a short-term deal as a stepping stone back into regular football. The timing was also strategic, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and Tomiyasu keen to be part of Japan's squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Religion

Takehiro Tomiyasu is reported to practice Buddhism, the predominant religion in Japan. He has not spoken at length publicly about his faith, and like his personal life, he keeps it relatively private. Buddhism is practised by a significant portion of the Japanese population, and it is not uncommon for Japanese footballers to follow its principles of balance, mindfulness, and resilience, all of which align with Tomiyasu's quiet and composed personality.

Nationality

Takehiro Tomiyasu is Japanese. He was born in Fukuoka, the sixth-largest city in Japan, located on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka is known for its rich culture, modern architecture, and strong sporting tradition. Tomiyasu grew up there and represented Japan from youth level all the way through to the senior national team.

He made his senior debut for Japan in October 2018 in a 3-0 win against Panama and has gone on to earn over 42 international caps. He was part of Japan's squads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final, and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He remains a key member of the Samurai Blue setup and is pushing for inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad.

As a boy, Tomiyasu reportedly had the opportunity to join FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy after impressing at a Barca youth camp in Fukuoka at the age of 11. However, the logistics of relocating to Spain made the move too complicated for his family, and it never happened. That decision clearly worked out for both Japanese football and, eventually, for Arsenal.

Transfer Values

When Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2021, the reported transfer fee was in the region of £16 to £17 million, a fee that was considered a bargain by most Arsenal supporters given the quality he brought to the side in his debut season. He quickly became the club's first-choice right-back and won the club's Player of the Month award in September 2021.

His transfer value has naturally declined following his sustained injury issues. As of early 2026, various football market trackers estimate his current transfer value to be somewhere between 6 million and 8.4 million euros, a significant drop from his peak valuation. His move to Ajax was a free transfer, and his current deal is a short-term contract designed to help him rebuild his career value ahead of a potential summer 2026 move.

If Tomiyasu can stay fit and perform consistently for Ajax through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, it is not unreasonable to expect his market value to rise again. His age (27), technical ability, and experience at the highest level still make him an attractive option for clubs across Europe's top leagues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Takehiro Tomiyasu

1. What is Takehiro Tomiyasu's net worth in 2026?

Icon Polls estimates Takehiro Tomiyasu's net worth at approximately $29 million in 2026, based on career earnings, contract history, and endorsements accumulated since his professional debut.

2. What club does Takehiro Tomiyasu play for in 2026?

As of 2026, Takehiro Tomiyasu plays for Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie. He joined the club in December 2025 on a short-term deal after mutually terminating his contract with Arsenal.

3. Why did Tomiyasu leave Arsenal?

Tomiyasu left Arsenal in July 2025 after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. He had been sidelined with a serious knee injury and had played just six minutes of football in the entire 2024-25 season. With his recovery expected to take several more months and competition for places at Arsenal intense, both parties agreed it was best for him to move on and find a new club.

4. How tall is Takehiro Tomiyasu?

Takehiro Tomiyasu stands at 188 cm (6 ft 2 in). His height makes him an effective player in aerial duels and has allowed him to be deployed as both a full-back and a centre-back during his career.

5. Is Takehiro Tomiyasu married?

No, Tomiyasu has not publicly confirmed any marriage or romantic relationship. He appears to keep his personal life entirely private, and there is no confirmed information about a girlfriend or wife as of 2026.

6. Who are Takehiro Tomiyasu's parents?

Tomiyasu's father was involved in baseball and kendo, while his mother, Kayoko (also referred to as Yasuko in some sources), was a track and field athlete. Both parents played a key role in shaping his disciplined and hardworking character.

7. What is Tomiyasu's religion?

Takehiro Tomiyasu is reported to practice Buddhism, in line with the religious traditions widely followed in Japan.

8. What position does Tomiyasu play?

Tomiyasu primarily plays as a right-back but can also operate as a centre-back. His versatility across the defensive line has been one of his most valued qualities throughout his career.

9. How many appearances did Tomiyasu make for Arsenal?

Tomiyasu made 84 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal between 2021 and 2025, scoring two goals and registering six assists. His time at the club was unfortunately blighted by recurring injuries.

10. What is Tomiyasu's salary at Ajax?

The exact salary details of his Ajax deal have not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest his earnings are linked to the number of appearances he makes, making it a performance-based, short-term arrangement.

11. What was Tomiyasu's salary at Arsenal?

During his time at Arsenal, Tomiyasu was reported to earn approximately $5.2 million per year. His 2024 contract extension was reportedly worth $15.6 million over three years.

12. What is Tomiyasu's current transfer value?

As of early 2026, Tomiyasu's transfer value is estimated at between 6.2 and 8.4 million euros by football market analysts. This is a significant reduction from his peak valuation due to his prolonged injury absence.

13. Has Tomiyasu played at the FIFA World Cup?

Yes. Tomiyasu represented Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He is also aiming to be part of Japan's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

14. What nationality is Takehiro Tomiyasu?

Takehiro Tomiyasu is Japanese. He was born in Fukuoka, Japan, and has represented the Japan national team (known as the Samurai Blue) at senior level since 2018.

15. How did Tomiyasu start playing football?

Interestingly, Tomiyasu originally intended to follow his older sisters into competitive swimming. However, after injuring his jaw in an accident at his grandmother's house, he was unable to swim and instead attended a football session. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to pursue football instead.

16. Did Tomiyasu almost join Barcelona?

Yes. As an 11-year-old, Tomiyasu attended an FC Barcelona youth camp in Fukuoka and impressed enough to be offered a spot at La Masia in Spain. However, the prospect of relocating was too complicated for his family at the time, and the move did not happen.

17. What injuries has Tomiyasu suffered?

Tomiyasu has dealt with a range of injuries throughout his career, including calf strains, muscular injuries, and most significantly, recurring knee problems. He underwent knee surgery in February 2025 and missed virtually the entire 2024-25 season. It is estimated he missed over 690 days of football across his Arsenal career due to various injuries.

18. What was Tomiyasu's transfer fee from Bologna to Arsenal?

Arsenal signed Tomiyasu from Bologna in August 2021 for a reported fee of around £16 to £17 million. At the time, many considered it a bargain given the quality he delivered in his debut season.

19. Does Tomiyasu have siblings?

Yes. Tomiyasu has two older sisters. They were both involved in swimming, which is what first drew the family toward competitive sports and inadvertently led Tomiyasu toward football.

20. What are Tomiyasu's hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, Tomiyasu is known to enjoy golf and cooking. After moving abroad early in his career, he took an interest in preparing his own meals, something he has spoken about in interviews as a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while living away from home.

21. Who is Tomiyasu's football idol?

Tomiyasu has cited former Argentina international Javier Mascherano as one of his footballing inspirations. Mascherano was known for his intensity, intelligence, and versatility as a defender and midfielder, qualities that Tomiyasu has shown throughout his own career.

22. What jersey number does Tomiyasu wear?

Tomiyasu wore the number 18 shirt during his time at Arsenal. His jersey number at Ajax may vary depending on squad allocation.