Reo Hatate
A dynamic Japanese midfielder whose technical brilliance and relentless energy became a driving force for Celtic's domestic dominance.
Born 1997 (age 29)·Japanese footballer·Birthday: November 21·Generation Z
Biography
Reo Hatate's path to football's upper echelons was anything but conventional. Before dazzling in Scotland, he was a standout university player in Japan, balancing academics with a burgeoning football career at Kawasaki Frontale. His intelligence on the pitch, honed in the J1 League, translated instantly when he moved to Celtic in 2022. Hatate didn't just adapt; he electrified, becoming a central figure in Ange Postecoglou's high-octane system. His ability to dictate tempo, score spectacular goals, and cover vast swathes of midfield turf made him an instant fan favorite and a key component in multiple trophy wins. His performances earned him a coveted spot in the Japan national team, showcasing his skills on the world's biggest stages.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Reo was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Reo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Reo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Scottish Premiership title in his first season with Celtic, making an immediate impact in 2022-23.
- Scored a brace on his Old Firm debut against Rangers in a 3-0 victory, instantly cementing his status among Celtic supporters.
- Named in the J1 League's Best XI in 2021 for his performances with Kawasaki Frontale before moving to Europe.
- Earned his first senior cap for the Japan national team in 2022, representing his country in World Cup qualifiers.
Did You Know?
He graduated from Juntendo University with a degree in Health and Sports Science, making him one of the more academically accomplished footballers at the top level.
His younger brother, Keigo Hatate, is also a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper in Japan.
He was named the J.League Rookie of the Year in 2018 while playing for Kawasaki Frontale.
“I see football as a puzzle, and my role is to find the solution.”
