Yu Hirakawa

Yu Hirakawa
平河悠
Personal information
Full name	Yu Hirakawa
Date of birth	3 January 2001 (age 23)
Place of birth	Kashima, Saga, Japan
Height	1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	Machida Zelvia
Number	7
Youth career
0000–2018	Saga Higashi HS
2019–2023	Yamanashi Gakuin University
Senior career*
Years	Team
2021–	Machida Zelvia
Medal record
Men's football
Representing Japan
AFC U-23 Asian Cup
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11 May 2024 (UTC)

Yu Hirakawa (平河悠, Hirakawa Yu, born 3 January 2001) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a forward for J1 League club Machida Zelvia.

Early life

Hirakawa was born in Kashima. He played youth football for Saga Higashi HS and Yamanashi Gakuin University.^[1]

In September 2021, it was announced that Hirakawa would join J2 League club Machida Zelvia as a designated special player.^[2] He made his debut for Machida on the 5 December 2021 against Albirex Niigata.^[3] He scored his first goal for the club on the 13 March 2022, scoring in the 20th minute against Fagiano Okayama.^[4] He was part of the Machida team that won the 2023 J2 League.

In April 2024, Hirakwa won his first Monthly MVP award for his performances at the start of the 2024 J1 League season.^[5]

As of 14 April 2024^[6]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National Cup		League Cup		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Japan			League		Emperor's Cup		J. League Cup		Total
Machida Zelvia	2021	J2 League	1	0	0	0	–		1	0
	2022	J2 League	16	2	0	0	–		16	2
	2023	J2 League	35	6	2	2	–		37	8
	2024	J1 League	7	1	0	0	0	0	7	1
Career total			59	9	2	2	0	0	61	11

Machida Zelvia

Japan U23

Individual