Ren Kato

Ren Kato (加藤 蓮) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a left-back for club Yokohama F. Marinos.

Early life
Kato was born in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan.

Club career
In September 2021, while studying at the Meiji University, it was announced that Kato would sign for J2 League side Tokyo Verdy for the 2022 season. He would link up with his new team as a designated special player for the duration of the 2021 season.

Kato made his debut for Verdy against Thespakusatsu Gunma on 13 March 2022, coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute for his teammate Kohei Yamakoshi. He would score his first goal for the club in a 1-0 victory over Oita Trinita, on the 3rd of April 2022, scoring in the 42nd minute.

Kato made 40 appearances for Verdy in the 2023 J2 League season, helping them gain promotion to the top-flight through the play-offs.

In December 2023, it was announced that Kato would be moving to J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos for the 2024 season.