Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka earns JPFA Team of the Year spot | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has capped a standout year by being named in the Japanese Professional Footballers’ Association’s official Team of the Year for 2025.

According to Leedsunited.news, it is the first time Tanaka has made the list. He is among nine overseas-based selections and one of only two Premier League representatives, alongside Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Jamada.

Tanaka was central to Leeds’ promotion from the Championship last season and collected the club’s player of the year award.

He has carried that form into the Premier League, netting his first top-flight goal against Chelsea before striking a late equaliser against Liverpool.

Despite his popularity at Elland Road, he has spent periods on the fringes of the starting line-up. A difficult outing against Brentford saw him lose his place the following week.

Japan will head to the World Cup this summer, and Tanaka is expected to play a key part in their campaign.

Source: Leedsunited.news