Urawa Reds have applied to have Nihon University student Hayato Ueki designated as a "2025 JFA/J.League Special Designated Player," and the application has been approved by the Japan Football Association.

[Player name] UEKI Hayate
[Date of Birth] October 11, 2003 (21 years old)
[Birthplace] Kanagawa Prefecture
[Height/Weight] 173cm/71kg
Position: Midfielder
[Soccer history] Hachimatsu SC → Yokohama F･Marinos Junior Youth Oppama → Nihon University Fujisawa High School → Nihon University

*Ueki Hayato has been accepted to join Urawa Reds for the 2026 season.

[What are JFA/J.League special designated players?]
The purpose is to provide an environment that matches each individual's abilities, regardless of the type of sport or federation, during the period when soccer players develop most rapidly.
Overview Student athletes who belong to teams run by universities (school corporations) other than J.League clubs, or teams affiliated with the Japan Club Youth Soccer Federation, and only players who are certified by the JFA will be able to play in J.League Trial while remaining registered with their team.