Yu Kobayashi (小林 悠, Kobayashi Yū) is a Japanese professional footballer known primarily for his time with Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League.

• Full name: Yu Kobayashi
• Date of birth: September 23, 1987
• Place of birth: Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
• Position: Forward / Winger
• Current / Notable club: Kawasaki Frontale (long-time club; joined in 2012 after university and early professional years)
• Previous clubs: YSCC Yokohama (youth/early), and he played professionally for Tokyo Verdy earlier in his career before moving to Kawasaki Frontale
• National team: Japan national team (has earned caps and contributed in qualifiers and friendlies)

Career highlights

• Key figure in Kawasaki Frontale's strong J1 League campaigns, contributing many goals and assists from the forward line.
• Has been one of the J1 League's top scorers in multiple seasons and won domestic honors with Kawasaki Frontale including league titles.
• Recognized for pace, intelligent movement, finishing ability, and work rate on and off the ball.

Playing style

• Versatile attacker who can play centrally as a striker or wide as a winger.
• Known for off-the-ball runs, sharp finishing in the penalty area, and linking play with midfield creators.

Notes: The club name is Kawasaki Frontale (often styled KAWASAKI FRONTALE). Information such as current club membership, statistics, and recent achievements may have changed if checked after 2024, so consult the latest sources for up-to-date stats and transfers.