Ren Kato

Japanese footballer

Ren Kato (加藤 蓮, Kato Ren, born 28 December 1999) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a left-back for J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos.

Early life

Kato was born in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan.

Club career

In September 2021, while studying at the Meiji University, it was announced that Kato would sign for J2 League side Tokyo Verdy for the 2022 season. He would link up with his new team as a designated special player for the duration of the 2021 season.^[1][2]

Kato made his debut for Verdy against Thespakusatsu Gunma on 13 March 2022, coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute for his teammate Kohei Yamakoshi.^[3] He would score his first goal for the club in a 1-0 victory over Oita Trinita, on the 3rd of April 2022, scoring in the 42nd minute.^[4]

Kato made 40 appearances for Verdy in the 2023 J2 League season, helping them gain promotion to the top-flight through the play-offs.

In December 2023, it was announced that Kato would be moving to J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos for the 2024 season.^[5]

Career statistics

Club

As of 1 April 2024^[6]

1. Includes one appearance in J1/J2 play-off

References

1. "加藤蓮選手（明治大学）加入内定のお知らせ" [Announcement of unofficial decision to join Ren Kato (Meiji University)]. verdy.co.jp (in Japanese). 17 September 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
2. "伝統の明治大出身サイドバックがまた一人…東京V内定DF加藤蓮「プレッシャーではなく、それは誇り」" [There is another full back from the traditional Meiji University ... Tokyo V informal defender Ren Kato "It's not pressure, it's pride"]. web.gekisaka.jp (in Japanese). 3 December 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
3. "ThespaKusatsu Gunma vs Tokyo Verdy - 13 March 2022". int.soccerway.com.
4. "Tokyo Verdy vs Oita Trinita - 3 April 2022". int.soccerway.com.
5. "加藤 蓮選手 完全移籍加入のお知らせ | ニュース". 横浜F・マリノス 公式サイト (in Japanese). 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
6. "Soccer D.B. : 2024 Ren Kato Result by Season". Soccer D.B. Retrieved 1 April 2024.