Ueda Ayase’s Historic Hat-Trick Ignites Eredivisie
Feyenoord’s Japanese Sensation Rewrites Dutch Football History
October 21, 2025, marks a remarkable chapter in Dutch football as Feyenoord’s Ueda Ayase continues to astonish Eredivisie fans and statisticians alike. The Japanese striker’s extraordinary form has not only propelled his club to the summit of the league but also placed him on the verge of breaking a long-standing scoring record that has endured for nearly seven decades.
Hat-Trick Heroics in Rotterdam
Feyenoord’s 7-0 demolition of Heracles in the 9th round of the 2025-2026 Eredivisie season was a spectacle for the ages, and Ueda Ayase was at the heart of it. The forward dazzled De Kuip with a flawless first-half hat-trick, becoming the first Japanese player to achieve such a feat in Eredivisie history. His clinical finishing and movement off the ball left Heracles’ defense in disarray, setting the tone for a dominant team performance.
Ueda’s treble was not only a personal milestone but also a statement of intent from Feyenoord, who remain unbeaten in their opening nine league matches. The emphatic victory solidified their position at the top of the table and sent a clear message to their title rivals.
Chasing a 69-Year-Old Eredivisie Record
With 11 goals in just nine league appearances, Ueda Ayase has surged ahead in the Eredivisie’s top scorer race. His nearest competitors trail significantly, each with only five goals to their names. What makes Ueda’s achievement even more impressive is that all his goals have come from open play; he has yet to convert a single penalty this season. This underlines his ability to find the net in dynamic situations and his value as a pure striker.
Ueda’s current scoring rate places him on track to threaten the legendary Eredivisie single-season record of 43 goals, set 69 years ago by the prolific striker Coen Dillen during the 1956-57 campaign. That benchmark has long been considered unassailable, but Ueda’s relentless consistency is forcing fans and pundits to reconsider what is possible in modern Dutch football.
Impact Beyond the Eredivisie
Ueda’s remarkable run is not limited to club football. The striker has been equally effective on the international stage, scoring seven goals in his last four appearances for both Feyenoord and the Japanese national team. His form has provided a significant boost to Japan’s attacking options as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
For Feyenoord, Ueda’s contributions go beyond just goals. His movement, work rate, and ability to link up play have made him an indispensable part of Arne Slot’s attacking system. Teammates and coaches alike have praised his professionalism and adaptability, qualities that have helped him settle quickly in the Dutch league.
Feyenoord’s Unbeaten Start and Title Ambitions
Feyenoord’s unbeaten run in the Eredivisie has been one of the early talking points of the season. The Rotterdam club has not only displayed attacking flair but also defensive solidity, conceding just a handful of goals. Much of their attacking impetus can be attributed to Ueda’s sharpness in front of goal, but the team’s collective effort has been equally vital.
Manager Arne Slot has managed to integrate new signings seamlessly while maintaining the core of the squad that finished strongly last season. The synergy between midfield creators and Ueda’s finishing ability has made Feyenoord a formidable force, with many now tipping them as favorites for the domestic title.
The Broader Significance for Japanese Football
Ueda Ayase’s success in the Eredivisie is resonating in Japan, where football fans are following his journey with pride. His performances are inspiring a new generation of Japanese players to pursue opportunities in Europe’s top leagues. Ueda’s achievements highlight the growing influence of Japanese footballers on the global stage and underscore the importance of international experience in player development.
Looking Ahead: Can Ueda Make History?
As the Eredivisie season progresses, all eyes will be on Ueda Ayase to see if he can maintain his phenomenal scoring pace. Surpassing Coen Dillen’s 43-goal record would not only secure Ueda’s place in Dutch football folklore but also elevate his status as one of Asia’s finest exports to European football.
Feyenoord’s upcoming fixtures will test their credentials, but with Ueda leading the line, the Rotterdam club’s ambitions are higher than ever. If Ueda continues at this rate, the 2025-2026 season could go down as one of the most memorable in Eredivisie history.
For now, Dutch football fans can savor the performances of a striker in peak form, rewriting records and raising the standard for those who follow. The story of Ueda Ayase is not just about goals; it is about breaking barriers, inspiring future talent, and reminding the football world that history is always waiting to be made.