Junya Itō

Junya Itō (伊東 純也, Itō Jun'ya; born 9 March 1993) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a forward for the Belgian Pro League team Genk and the Japan national team.

After attending Kanagawa University for four years, Itō first became a Special Designated Player for Ventforet Kofu, and obtained a new contract with the J1 League side. His first professional season attracted attention from Chiba-based Kashiwa Reysol, which signed him in January 2016.

On 31 January 2019, Itō moved from Kashiwa Reysol to Genk on a one-year loan. On 18 September, he made his Champions League debut as a starter in the group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg. On 30 March 2020, Itō signed permanently with Genk on a three-year contract.

On 29 July 2022, Itō joined Ligue 1 club Reims. On 23 October, he scored the winner in a 2–1 victory against Auxerre. In the 2023–24 Ligue 1 opening game on 12 August 2023, Itō scored a stunning opening goal against Marseille, but Reims eventually lost 2–1. In August 2025, following his club's relegation from Ligue 1 in the 2024–25 season, Itō returned to Genk and signed a three-year contract.

Itō made his Japan national team debut in 2017. He was selected for Hajime Moriyasu's final World Cup squad in October 2022.

On 15 May 2026, Itō was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Belgian First Division A Team of the Season: 2020–21

Belgian First Division A top assist provider: 2021–22

Belgian First Division A Goal of the Season: 2021–22

Japan Pro-Footballers Association Best XI: 2022, 2023, 2024