Yuki Kobayashi, born in Hyogo on 18 July 2000 (age 25), is a Japanese centre-back who came through the J-League before moving to Europe. His early senior spell at Yokohama FC brought the steadiest run of league football of his first years, and his best return in front of goal came there in 2020 with two league goals in 28 appearances.
That form led him on to Vissel Kobe, and Celtic took him from there in January 2023. His time in Glasgow was brief, but it still brought tangible success: he was part of the squad that won the Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup in 2022-23.
Kobayashi left Celtic in August 2024 for Portimonense. From there, his career moved through another spell abroad with Jagiellonia Bialystok, where he has remained a regular first-team presence in 2025-26. He has made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Polish side this season, including 15 in the league, with one goal, and has also featured in Conference League qualifying and the competition proper.
The broader shape of his career is fairly clear now: a defender developed in Japan, a short Celtic spell that brought medals, then a couple of moves to find steadier footing. He is currently established in the Jagiellonia side, and Transfermarkt values him at about £553,000.
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