Reo Hatate, born on 21st November 1997 in Japan, is a seasoned central midfielder known for his tenure at Celtic Football Club. Standing at 5ft 7in (1.71m) tall and weighing 11 stone (70kg), Hatate is a distinguished figure on the Celtic Park pitch, donning the number 41 jersey.
Beginning his professional football career in his home-country, Hatate first emerged on the scene with Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League during the 2019 season, where he made a single first team league appearance. In the following year, he solidified his place in the squad with 31 appearances and five goals. He continued his consistent form into the 2021 season with 30 appearances and another five goals.
In January 2022, Hatate made the significant leap from the J1 League to the Scottish Premiership, joining Celtic for a fee of approximately £1.4m. His first season saw him make 17 appearances and contribute four goals. This introduction was just a taster of what was to come, with Hatate becoming a significant player at Celtic from the 2022-2023 season.
In the following seasons, Hatate demonstrated his qualities on the pitch with 32 appearances and six goals in 2022-2023, 16 appearances with three goals in 2023-2024, and a commendable 37 appearances and ten goals in 2024-2025. In the current 2025-2026 season, Hatate has made 12 appearances and scored once. The midfielder's worth is reflected in his current market value of approximately £11m, according to Transfermarkt.
Throughout his time at Celtic, Hatate has also played a part in the club's international campaigns. He has shown versatility in several competitions, including the Champions League during the 2023-2024 season, the League Cup in 2025-2026, and the Europa League in that same season. He's notched up three starts and two goals in these European competitions.
His skills haven't gone unnoticed on the international stage, either, with Hatate securing a start and two substitute appearances for Japan in the 2024-2026 World Cup Qualifiers. With both his club and country, Hatate's strength in midfield continues to be a pivotal part of their ongoing success.
