Sydney FC has signed two-time AFC Champions League winner and two-time FIFA Club World Cup participant Takahiro Sekine on a three-year contract.
The Japanese winger arrives having captained one of Asia’s biggest clubs Urawa Red Diamonds, where he made over 400 appearances, scoring 40 goals and contributing 53 assists.
Sekine helped the Japanese giants lift the AFC Champions League title in both 2017 and 2022, as well as the Emperor’s Cup (2021), Japanese Super Cup (2022) and J.League Cup (2016), cementing his place as one of Urawa’s greatest-ever players.
His wealth of international experience includes appearances in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against European heavyweights Inter Milan, South American giants River Plate and Mexican powerhouse Monterrey.
He also competed in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, facing eventual champions Manchester City and Egyptian giants Al Ahly and scored the J-League Goal of the Season in 2017.
Sekine is exceptionally versatile being comfortable on either wing, at left or right full-back, or in central midfield.
The Japanese star also brings technical quality and leadership to Patrick Kisnorbo’s squad and is no stranger to Australian football, having faced Sydney FC during the 2016 AFC Champions League and scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers a year later.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Sydney FC and experience a new challenge in the A-League,” said the 31-year old.
“I have great memories of playing against Australian clubs in the AFC Champions League, including Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
“Sydney FC is a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and big ambitions. I want to help the team succeed, bring excitement to our fans and play beautiful football that everyone enjoys watching.
“This is a fresh challenge for me and my family, and I can’t wait to get started and give everything for this club.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes Sekine’s arrival will provide enormous value both on and off the pitch.
“Takahiro is an outstanding footballer whose career speaks for itself,” Kisnorbo said.
“To captain one of Asia’s biggest clubs, win the AFC Champions League twice and play more than 400 games in one of the strongest leagues in Asia demonstrates incredible quality, consistency and professionalism.
“He’s played in multiple AFC Champions League campaigns and two FIFA Club World Cups against the biggest clubs in world football, so he brings invaluable experience to our dressing room.
“What makes him even more exciting is his versatility. He can play across either wing, at full-back on both sides or through midfield, giving us outstanding flexibility while adding quality, intelligence and leadership to the squad.
“He’ll be a fantastic role model for our younger players and we’re delighted to welcome him to Sydney FC.”
Sekine will wear the number 14 shirt and arrives in Sydney in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the Australia Cup 2026 and A-League 2026-27 season.
