Leo Kokubo: 6 Untold TRUTHS about the Japan goalkeeper of Nigerian descent nicknamed 'Minister of defence'

Leo Kokubo: 6 Untold TRUTHS about the Japan goalkeeper of Nigerian descent nicknamed 'Minister of defence'

David Ben 19:39 - 14.08.2024

Pulse Sports reveals details about Japanese-born Nigerian goalkeeper Leo Kokubo: Profile, Age, Salary, Net Worth, How Rich is he in 2024?

LeoBrian Kokubo recently made waves at the just-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, Kokubo is more than just Japan's first-choice goalkeeper. 

Kokubo carries a unique heritage, being of Nigerian and Japanese descent. 

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo | Getty

While many know him for his remarkable saves on the pitch, Pulse Sports reveals some key details to know about Japanese football’s rising star.

LeoBrian Kokubo: 6 Things you need to know about Japanese-born Nigerian goalkeeper

Who is Leo Kokubo?

Leo Kokubo
Japan goalkeeper of Nigerian descent Leo Kokubo | Instagram

LeoBrian Kokubo is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Belgian team Sint-Truiden and the Japan national team.

Kokubo rose to prominence after his impressive showing for the Asian footballing giants at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.

Leo Kokubo Age

Leo Kokubo was born on January 23, 2001 in Chiba, Japan.

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo is 23 years old | IMAGO

As of August 2024, he is 23 years old.

Leo Okubo’s Nigerian Descent EXPLAINED

Leo Kokubo parents
Leo Kokubo’s father is a Nigerian while his mother is Japanese | Instagram

Leo Kokubo's Nigerian roots come from his father, while his mother is Japanese. 

Growing up in Japan, he was exposed to a blend of cultures, which he credits for shaping his style of play.

Leo Kokubo father and mother
Leo Kokubo’s parents | Instagram

Despite his deep connections to both Japan and Nigeria, Kokubo chose to represent Japan internationally.

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo and his grandmother | Instagram

 However, he has fully embraced his dual heritage. 

Leo Kokubo International Career

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo of Japan | Instagram

Kokubo has been a key player for Japan at various youth levels, including the U-16, U-18, and U-23 teams. 

His journey through these ranks culminated in his starring role at the 2024 Olympics.

 His performance at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup final, where he saved a crucial penalty to secure Japan's victory over Uzbekistan, marked a pivotal moment in his career.

Kokubo helped Japan win the competition for the second time in their history. 

He was consequently named as "Man of the match" for his heroic performance in the final.

Brian’s performance at the Paris Olympics saw several fans dub him the 'minister of defence' in the comments section of his appreciation post on Instagram, after Japan’s 3-0 quarterfinal defeat against Spain who went on to win gold.

Leo Kokubo Club Career

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo won the Portuguese cup with Benfica in 2023 | Instagram

Before joining Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League in 2024, Kokubo spent time with Benfica B in Portugal and Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol.

After departing Kashiwa in 2019, Kokuba played for Benfica until 2022.

In Portugal, Kokubo honed his skills and gained valuable experience, contributing to the team's win in the Portuguese Super Cup in 2023. 

Leo Kokubo Social Media

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo | via Instagram

Leo Kokubo is currently on social media where he is often active.

LeoBrian Kokubo
Leo Kokubo | Instagram

His Instagram account has more than 37,000 followers.

Leo Kokubo
Leo Kokubo | via Instagram

Brian Kokubo often shares snaps of her personal life and football career on his social media page.

Meanwhile, Leo Kokubo’s account on X currently has more than 6,000 followers.

Tags: