Gaku Shibasaki was born on 28 May 1992 in Aomori Prefecture and attended Aomori Yamada High School, one of Japan's celebrated football schools. He signed with Kashima Antlers in 2011 and quickly became one of the J1 League's most cerebral central midfielders. Over six full seasons in Kashima he won three J.League Cups (2011, 2012, 2015), the J1 League title in 2016, and the Emperor's Cup in 2016–17.
He made his European move in January 2017 to Spain with second-tier Tenerife, then took the unusual step of joining La Liga side Getafe later that year on a free. After two seasons at Getafe — including a top-half La Liga finish — he moved to Deportivo La Coruña in 2019 (€2 million) and then Leganés in 2020. His Leganés period in Segunda División was particularly productive, with several seasons of starting roles and three goals across 2021–22.
In September 2023 Shibasaki returned home to Kashima Antlers on a free transfer. The pinpoint long passer is now an experienced presence in Kashima's midfield, helping bring through the next generation of Japanese midfielders. He has continued to feature in 2024 and 2025 J1 League seasons, with consistent assist contributions.
For Japan, Shibasaki is best remembered for his goal against Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup — a precise long-range strike that put Japan 1–0 up against the eventual semi-finalists. He won the EAFF E-1 Championship in 2013 with the senior team and remains a deeply respected midfield voice in Japanese football.