Yuki Kakita was born on 14 July 1997 in Gunma. He came through Kashima Antlers' youth ranks and won the J1 League in 2016 and the Emperor's Cup in 2016–17 with the senior side. After loan spells at Tokushima Vortis (J2 League winner in 2020) and Sagan Tosu, he moved to Kashiwa Reysol on loan in summer 2024 with a permanent move that year.
His Kashiwa career has been outstanding. The 2024 split season produced 4 J1 matches at Kashima before the move and 13 J1 matches at Kashiwa with a goal. The 2025 season was a breakthrough: 38 J1 League matches with 6 goals and 5 assists.
For Japan, Kakita was a member of the squad that won the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in 2025, contributing 4 goals and an assist across 28 senior friendly appearances and 2 EAFF tournament matches.
A 187cm two-footed centre forward with elite hold-up play, finishing ability and the technical security to combine in tight spaces, Kakita is one of the J1 League's most reliable senior strikers. He is in the wider 2026 FIFA World Cup squad picture as a senior striker option.