Hiroki Ito, Japan World Cup pick, honed at Santos-affiliated school in Shizuoka | OneFootball

Hiroki Ito, the Bayern Munich defender set to represent Japan at the World Cup, came through Santos Academy in Shizuoka.

According to Diario Do Peixe, he began aged four at Mario Futsal School, founded by Brazilian coach Mario Anmitsu in nearby Iwata. The programme was partnered with Santos for more than a decade, at the site where Japan prepared for the 2002 World Cup.

At 10, Ito spent 10 days in Brazil visiting Santos' youth set-up, working with coach Emerson Ballio. He joined Júbilo Iwata at 13 and made his senior debut at 18.

He moved to Stuttgart, then Bayern Munich signed him for €30 million, R$ 173 million at the time. That fee made him the second most expensive Japanese player, behind midfielder Nakajima’s €35 million move to Al-Duhail in 2018.

Anmitsu continues to develop players in Japan. Graduates include Yamashita Ryoya at Gamba Osaka, Nozue Satoru at Fukushima United and Kenji Aguena at Toledo FC. All spent time in Santos' academy, though he is no longer a Santos Academy franchisee.

He said rising costs and limited returns led him to end the franchise, though he is warmly received in Brazil by Lima, one of the Lendas da Vila. Anmitsu added that Mario Futsal School remains active, will mark 25 years in 2025, and that in football they still compete as Santos FC Japan in federation events.

Source: Diario Do Peixe