Ayase Ueda has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a bold declaration: he intends to score the decisive goal against the Netherlands. The 27-year-old Japanese striker recently concluded a historic campaign with Feyenoord, finishing as the Eredivisie top scorer with 25 goals.
Ueda secured the Golden Boot by an eight-goal margin, driven by a blistering start that saw him net 18 times in his first 15 league matches. His signature performance came on December 6, 2025, with a four-goal haul in a 6-1 victory over PEC Zwolle. In total, he recorded 26 goals across 40 appearances for the Rotterdam club during the 2025-26 season.
The upcoming World Cup presents a unique narrative challenge. Japan is drawn against host nation Netherlands in the group stage, meaning Ueda will face the very fans who celebrated his domestic success. Under coach Robin van Persie, Ueda has evolved from a J-League prospect into Japan’s primary attacking threat, building on his limited role in the 2022 tournament.
His prolific form has attracted significant attention from abroad. Premier League side Brighton is reportedly monitoring the striker, whose European journey began at Cercle Brugge before his 2023 move to Feyenoord. As the 2026 tournament approaches, Ueda stands ready to translate his club dominance into international impact.