Rui Araki
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth name | 荒木 琉偉 | ||
| Date of birth | October 14, 2007[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Mie, Japan | ||
| Height | 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Gamba Osaka | ||
| Number | 18 | ||
Rui Araki (荒木 琉偉, Araki Rui; born 14 October 2007) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for J1 League club Gamba Osaka.
International career
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup
At the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, Rui Araki conceded only one goal during Japan U-23’s campaign. The sole goal he allowed came in the quarter-final against Jordan U-23, which finished 1–1 after extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Araki saved two attempts, helping Japan U-23 secure a 4–2 victory on penalties.[2]
At 19 years old, Araki became the youngest goalkeeper to receive the Best Goalkeeper award at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup since the accolade was introduced in 2020.[3] Some argue that this is unfair, and the award should have gone to Lihao.[4][5]
Honours
Japan U23
Individual
- AFC U-23 Asian Cup Best goalkeeper: 2026[6]
References
- ^ "Rui ARAKI | Gamba Osaka Player". J.LEAGUE. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "AFC U23 Asian Cup - Q-final: Shootout win takes Japan past Jordan". the-AFC. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ "Japan's goalkeeper born in 2007 is the best player at the AFC U23 Championship". news.laodong.vn. January 25, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ Phong, Báo Tiền (January 25, 2026). "What did the hero of the Chinese U23 team say after losing the Best Goalkeeper award at the U23 Asian Championship?". vietnam.vn. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ VnExpress. "HLV Trung Quốc: 'Li Hao hụt giải thủ môn xuất sắc là bất công'". vnexpress.net (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on January 26, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ "Japan's Araki named Best Goalkeeper". the-AFC. Retrieved January 31, 2026.