Yu Hirakawa

Yu Hirakawa (平河 悠) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Bristol City.

Early life
Hirakawa was born in Kashima. He played youth football for Saga Higashi High School and Yamanashi Gakuin University.

Career
In September 2021, it was announced that Hirakawa would join J2 League club Machida Zelvia as a designated special player. He made his debut for Machida on the 5 December 2021 against Albirex Niigata. He scored his first goal for the club on the 13 March 2022, scoring in the 20th minute against Fagiano Okayama. He was part of the Machida team that won the 2023 J2 League.

In April 2024, Hirakawa won his first Monthly MVP award for his performances at the start of the 2024 J1 League season.

On 9 July 2024, Hirakawa joined EFL Championship club Bristol City on a season-long loan.

Honours
Machida Zelvia
 * J2 League: 2023

Japan U23
 * AFC U-23 Asian Cup: 2024

Individual
 * J1 League Monthly MVP: February/March 2024