Shin Yamada, born May 30, 2000, in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, is a 25-year-old Japanese professional footballer currently playing as a centre-forward for Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership. Known for his sharp finishing and movement inside the box, Yamada gained recognition during the 2024 J1 League season, where he scored 19 goals in 38 matches, making him the top Japanese scorer that year. He signed a four-year deal with Celtic on July 19, 2025, marking his first European club move. While still adapting to the physicality of Scottish football, he remains one of Japan’s most promising attacking prospects.
Shin Yamada Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Shin Yamada |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years (as of July 2025) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer (Centre-Forward) |
| Known For | Kawasaki Frontale, Celtic, 2024 J1 League top scorer |
| Hometown | Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Current Residence | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Education | Toin Yokohama University |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
Early Life
Shin Yamada was born and raised in Yokohama, where he developed an early interest in football. Though details about his family remain private, Yamada’s rise in Japanese football began when he joined the Kawasaki Frontale youth academy at the U-15 level. His time in the academy shaped his technical ability, agility, and positional awareness.
After high school, he attended Toin Yokohama University, where he captained the team and led them to the 2023 Japan University Championship, earning MVP and Best XI honors. His attacking instinct and two-footed finishing made him stand out across university leagues, setting the stage for his professional debut.
Education
| Field | Details |
| College | Toin Yokohama University |
| Football Training | Kawasaki Frontale Youth (U-15 to U-18) |
Yamada’s football journey ran parallel with his academic growth. At university, he was not only a student-athlete but a standout performer who impressed scouts and coaches with his work ethic and leadership.
Career Highlights
Yamada turned professional in 2022 with Kawasaki Frontale, debuting in the J.League Cup against Cerezo Osaka. In 2023, he recorded four goals and two assists in just over 11 full-game equivalents, earning attention as a rising striker.
His breakout year came in 2024, when he scored 19 goals in 38 J1 League matches, tying as the top Japanese scorer and placing third overall. He was known for:
- Strong positioning in the box
- Excellent balance
- High penalty accuracy (3/3 career record)
On July 19, 2025, he signed with Celtic FC, joining fellow Japanese players like Reo Hatate. As of mid-2025, he has played 22 matches, scoring 2 goals and providing one assist. His sprint speed (34.6 km/h) and aerial reach have helped him adapt, though he’s still adjusting to European defenders’ physical play.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Breakthrough Season | 19 goals in 2024 J1 League, top Japanese scorer |
| Major Awards | MVP & Best XI, 2023 Japan University Championship |
| Notable Clubs | Kawasaki Frontale (2022–2025), Celtic FC (2025–present) |
| European Debut | Celtic FC, Scottish Premiership, July 2025 |
Net Worth and Income
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million (as of 2025) |
| Income Sources | Football contracts, endorsements (notably Puma) |
Yamada’s estimated market value ranges between €800,000 and €1.2 million, according to sources like Transfermarkt and FotMob. His net worth reflects his early career earnings and the value of his transfer to Celtic. He is also associated with Puma, indicating brand endorsements have started contributing to his income stream.
Controversies
There are no major controversies linked to Shin Yamada. He maintains a clean public image and is known for his discipline and focus. While some Celtic fans questioned his slow start in 2025, expectations remain high due to his performance in Japan.
Shin Yamada Recent Updates
2023–2024
- J.League Debut: Scored 4 goals and 2 assists in his 2023 rookie season with Kawasaki Frontale.
- Breakout Year: Became a NextGenJLEAGUE star in 2024 with 19 goals, earning praise from domestic and international media.
2025
- Transfer to Celtic: Signed a 4-year contract on July 19, 2025, making headlines as Celtic’s sixth summer signing.
- Early Performance: Has scored 2 goals in 22 appearances, with some tactical growth under Celtic’s structure.
- Fan Reaction: While critics highlight his slow adaptation, supporters remain hopeful he will regain 2024 form.
- Media Comments: Reports suggest Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers referred to Yamada as a “club signing,” sparking minor debate over recruitment alignment.