A dangerous tackle by a Real Madrid defender on Takefusa Kubo, a key player for the Japanese national team and Real Sociedad, has ignited widespread criticism from Japanese football fans. The incident occurred during a La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid on August 27th, Korean time.
The Incident Unfolds
In the 10th minute of the first half, Kubo received a pass on the right flank and began a promising dribble into the opponent’s territory. Real Madrid fullback Álvaro Carreras, observing Kubo’s movement, quickly closed the distance. Carreras attempted a sliding tackle, aiming to dispossess Kubo. While his right foot made contact with the ball, he was unable to cleanly win possession. Crucially, Carreras’s left foot then struck Kubo’s leg, causing the Japanese star to fall to the ground clutching his leg.
The referee immediately blew the whistle to stop play and issued Carreras a yellow card for the challenge. The severity of the tackle was not lost on observers. DAZN commentator and former Japanese international, Yoichi Kakitani, stated, “A yellow card was the obvious outcome. While he did touch the ball, the tackle was excessively aggressive and dangerous.”
Fan Reaction and Concerns Over Past Injuries
Japanese media outlet ‘Abema’ reported that Japanese football fans also reacted strongly on social media. Comments flooded platforms expressing dismay, with sentiments such as “That was an excessively dangerous tackle,” “Carreras, what were you thinking?” “It was too severe,” “He left a bad impression,” “He should have been sent off,” and “He almost injured Kubo again with another dangerous tackle.”
These reactions are particularly poignant given Kubo’s recent injury history. During the 2025-2026 season, he was sidelined for over two months due to a thigh injury. Furthermore, a knee injury sustained during the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup meant he could not properly complete his pre-season preparations. The incident, occurring so soon after his return and with lingering concerns about his physical condition, understandably heightened the anxiety among fans.
Managerial Decisions and Tactical Considerations
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho made a substitution at halftime, replacing Carreras with Marc Cucurella. The match had ended the first half at a 1-1 draw, with Kylian Mbappé scoring for Real Madrid and Luka Sučić netting for Real Sociedad. Mourinho explained his decision to substitute Carreras, stating, “Carreras received a yellow card.” He elaborated, “It is dangerous to defend against Kubo for the entire 90 minutes after receiving a yellow card. Kubo is strong in one-on-one situations.” This decision underscored the manager’s awareness of Kubo’s threat and the risks associated with a defender already on a booking facing such a dynamic player.
Real Madrid went on to secure a 4-1 victory. Mbappé scored again in the second half, and further goals from Vinícius Júnior and another from Mbappé sealed the win. Kubo was substituted in the 74th minute, replaced by Mikel Oyarzabal, and moved to the bench.
Looking Ahead
Real Sociedad currently holds a record of two wins and two losses after four matches, while Real Madrid maintains a perfect record with two wins from two games. Kubo is set to face a familiar face on the pitch soon. He will soon compete against his former teammate and close friend Takefusa Kubo, who now plays for Atlético Madrid. Their reunion is scheduled for September 14th in San Sebastián, when Real Sociedad faces Atlético Madrid in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
