Masaki Watai

Masaki Watai (渡井 理己, Watai Masaki; born 18 July 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and currently play for Kashiwa Reysol.

Masaki Watai
渡井 理己

Personal information
Date of birth	(1999-07-18) 18 July 1999 (age 26)
Place of birth	Fujinomiya, Japan
Height	1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team	Kashiwa Reysol
Number	11
Youth career
2015–2017	Shizuoka Gakuen High School
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2018–2024	Tokushima Vortis	119	(14)
2022–2024	→ Boavista (loan)	28	(1)
2025–	Kashiwa Reysol	0	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 28 December 2024, 16:55 (UTC)

Career

Watai was born in Shizuoka Prefecture on 18 July 1999. After graduating from Shizuoka Gakuen High School, he joined J2 League club Tokushima Vortis in 2018. On 6 June, he debuted against Tochigi SC in Emperor's Cup.^[1]

Watai was loaned to Portuguese club, Boavista for the 2022–23 season. On 8 July 2023, Watai was again sent on a season-long loan to Boavista, this time with a future option to buy.^[2]

On 29 December 2024, Watai announce official transfer to J1 club, Kashiwa Reysol from 2025 season.^[3]

Career statistics

Club

As of the start from 2025 season.^[4][5]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup[a]		League cup[b]		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Tokushima Vortis	2018	J2 League	0	0	1	0	—		—		1	0
	2019		29	6	2	0	—		2[c]	0	33	6
	2020		38	6	2	0	—		—		40	6
	2021	J1 League	27	1	1	0	5	0	—		33	1
	2022	J2 League	19	1	1	0	2	0	—		22	1
	2024		6	0	0	0	—				6	0
	Total		119	14	7	0	7	0	2	0	135	14
Boavista (loan)	2022–23	Primeira Liga	15	1	1	0	2	0	—		18	1
	2023–24		13	0	1	0	1	0	—		15	0
	Total		28	1	2	0	3	0	—		33	1
Kashiwa Reysol	2025	J1 League	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	Total		0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
Career total			147	15	9	0	10	0	2	0	168	15

1. Includes Emperor's Cup, Taça de Portugal
2. Includes J. League Cup, Taça da Liga
3. Appearances in J2 League promotion play-offs

Honours

Tokushima Vortis

• J2 League: 2020