FC Tokyo have announced that midfielder Soma Anzai will join Portuguese second-tier side FC Penafiel on loan. The loan deal runs until 30 June 2026, giving the 23-year-old his first opportunity to test himself in European football.
Loan details and contract period
The move was officially confirmed on 24 January, with J.League and FC Tokyo both reporting that Anzai will spend the remainder of the season at Penafiel. The deal is a season-long loan until the end of June 2026, allowing the player to gain valuable experience in Liga Portugal 2.
Anzai joined FC Tokyo’s first team in 2024 and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, making 30 appearances and scoring 2 goals in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. His high work rate and technical ability have made him a key part of Tokyo’s attacking options.
Player profile: Soma Anzai
| Name | Soma Anzai |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Date of birth | 29 September 2002 |
| Place of birth | Meguro, Tokyo (Japan) |
| Height / Weight | 175cm / 68kg |
| Preferred foot | Right |
Youth and club career
- FC BONOS MEGURO
- FC Tokyo Soccer School (Advanced Class, Fukagawa course)
- FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa (runners-up at U-15 Prince Takamado Trophy)
- Aomori Yamada High School
- Waseda University
- FC Tokyo (from 2024)
Strengths and style of play
Anzai is a versatile midfielder who can operate across the right side or in more central roles. He combines intensity in the press with good close control and the ability to carry the ball forward, making him effective both in build-up play and in the final third.
In addition to his attacking contribution, he is known for his willingness to track back, contest duels and cover large distances over 90 minutes. This all-round profile should translate well to the physical and fast-paced environment of the Portuguese second division.
About FC Penafiel
FC Penafiel compete in Liga Portugal 2 and are fighting to climb the table after a difficult first half of the season. The club will look to Anzai to add energy, creativity and balance on the right side of midfield as they push for improved results.
For Anzai, the move offers a chance to adapt to European football, face a different style of opponents and prove that he can be a difference-maker outside Japan. A strong spell in Portugal could open the door to further opportunities, either back at FC Tokyo or elsewhere abroad.
What Anzai has said about the move
Speaking through the club’s official channels, Anzai described the decision to leave Tokyo on loan as a difficult but necessary step in order to challenge himself overseas. He reflected on how special it was to play again at the stadium he had dreamed of since the age of 13, and expressed pride in having given everything for FC Tokyo, especially during a tough previous season.
He also thanked the fans for their constant support and stressed his determination to show them a stronger version of himself by performing well in Portugal.
Impact on FC Tokyo and Japanese football
The loan move continues a growing trend of J.League players heading to Europe at a relatively young age. For FC Tokyo, it is both a short-term loss and a potential long-term gain: if Anzai returns with European experience under his belt, the club could benefit from a more mature player—or see him take another step up the ladder of European football.
Related video and social media
Further information on Anzai’s move and future performances can be found via FC Tokyo’s official website, YouTube channel and X (Twitter) account.
https://www.youtube.com/user/fctokyochannel
