# Japanese footballers success in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-footballers-success-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-10-17T01:29:25.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Japanese footballers Shunsuke Saito and Keisuke Goto have demonstrated significant success in European leagues. 

In Belgium, Shunsuke Saito, playing for KVC Westerlo, saw his market value rise from 1.3 million euros in July to 4 million euros by October. His performance, including four goals in seven matches earlier in the season, earned him a debut for the Japan national team. Saito later contributed a decisive heading goal in a cup match against Patro Eisden Maasmechelen to secure a 2-0 victory, bringing his season totals to five goals and two assists.

In Germany, Keisuke Goto achieved a milestone for SC Freiburg by scoring his first Bundesliga goal. Entering as a substitute, he secured a 2-1 victory with an 85th-minute header against Schalke.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Japanese footballers Keisuke Goto and Shunsuke Saito find success in Europe

Japanese players Keisuke Goto and Shunsuke Saito have secured key goals in Europe, with Goto scoring his first Bundesliga goal for Freiburg and Saito contributing to a cup victory for Westerlo.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-footballers-keisuke-goto-and-shunsuke-saito-find-success-in-europe

### 2026-10-10: Shunsuke Saito's market value rises to 4 million euros

Japanese forward Shunsuke Saito's market value has jumped to 4 million euros following strong performances with KVC Westerlo and his debut for the Japan national team.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shunsuke-saitos-market-value-rises-to-4-million-euros

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Cite as: Japanese footballers success in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-footballers-success-in-europe