Ao Tanaka played 86 minutes as Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in Singapore on Saturday, with Leeds United highlighting the midfielder’s passing performance against a side captained by former Whites winger Raphinha.
In its report published on 14 November, Leeds said Tanaka completed 50 of his 52 attempted passes at the National Stadium. The club also credited him with 70 touches and six duels won.
Ao Tanaka helps Japan beat Brazil
Tanaka started in Hajime Moriyasu’s midfield against Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in the Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore. He remained on the pitch until the 86th minute, when Kodai Sano replaced him.
The result gave Leeds supporters a meeting between a current midfielder and a former favourite, with Raphinha captaining Brazil. Leeds also shared a match photograph of Tanaka with Raphinha in the background, describing it as a memorable night for the Japan international.
A positive international outing for Leeds’ midfielder
The passing figures offer one measure of Tanaka’s involvement in a notable result. Completing 50 passes from 52 attempts is a strong return, though that number alone does not describe the difficulty of each pass or settle comparisons with other midfielders.
The appearance also comes amid discussion about Leeds players’ international workload.
For Leeds, the immediate story is a substantial international appearance and a win over Brazil. It is not an announcement about Tanaka’s place in the next club starting line-up.
How much should international form influence club selection? Tanaka’s performance gives supporters something concrete to discuss, while the next Leeds selection remains a separate decision.
No YouTube highlights or X embed for this match were independently verified for this article. Leeds’ original report and match photograph are linked above; no unrelated video has been substituted.
How much should international form influence Leeds selection?
Ao Tanaka in Japan’s 3-2 win over Brazil in Singapore on 14 November 2026. Photo: Leeds United, Instagram. Landscape crop; corner branding added.
For Leeds United fanwear, visit the LUFC News Store.
1 comment
How much weight should Tanaka’s performance against Brazil carry when Leeds pick their next midfield?
Comment of the Month: paid subscribers vote monthly, and the best comment wins a £20 store voucher. See the rules