Júbilo Iwata
Born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Gotō joined Júbilo Iwata's academy in 2018;[2] he then came through the club's youth ranks,[3][4] while attending Iwata Higashi High School,[2] and made his first-team debut on 20 July 2022, coming on as a substitute against Tokyo Verdy in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup.[5] In October of the same year, he signed his first professional contract with the club.[2][6]
In January 2023, Gotō was officially promoted to Iwata's senior team ahead of the 2023 J2 League season.[3][7][8] On 18 February 2023, he made his league debut aged 17 years and 260 days, coming on as a substitute for Kenyu Sugimoto in the 64th minute before scoring a brace in a 2–3 home defeat to Fagiano Okayama, breaking Iwata's club record for youngest scorer previously held by Naohiro Takahara, who scored aged 18 years and 290 days.[4][9][10][11] On March 18, Gotō made his first professional start in a 2–2 draw against Shimizu S-Pulse in the Shizuoka derby and scored in the 2nd minute.[12] Throughout the season, the striker scored seven goals in 33 league appearances for Iwata,[13][14] helping the team finish second in the league table and, as a result, gain promotion back to the J1 League after a single year of absence.[15][16]
Anderlecht
On 28 November 2023, Belgian Pro League side Anderlecht announced that Gotō would join the team on a season-long loan, with an option-to-buy, starting from 1 January 2024.[13][14][17] He was initially assigned to the club's reserve team, RSCA Futures.[13][18]
On 12 January 2024, he made his debut for RSCA Futures, scoring a penalty kick in a 1–1 league draw against Beerschot.[19] Gotō finished the season with six goals and one assist from 14 appearances. On 5 December, Anderlecht permanently signed Gotō until June 2028.[20]
On 16 January 2025, he made his debut for Anderlecht, coming off the bench in the 40th minute in a 1–0 win against Antwerp in the 1st leg of the Belgian Cup semifinals.[21] On 19 January, Gotō made his league debut against K.V. Kortrijk, replacing Luis Vázquez in the 83rd minute.[22] On 26 January, he made his first start for Anderlecht, scoring a header in the 24th minute assisted by Thorgan Hazard in a 4–1 victory against K.V. Mechelen.[23] On 30 January, Gotō made his UEFA Europa League debut against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, in which he scored in the 79th minute, making the game 2–4. Anderlecht went on to lose the match 3–4.[24] Gotō spent most of the 2024–25 season with RSCA Futures, making 16 appearances for them; scoring seven while assisting two. For Anderlecht, Gotō made ten appearances in all competitions and scored three goals.[25]
Loan to Sint-Truiden
On 7 August 2025, Gotō was loaned out to fellow Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truiden on a deal excluding an option to buy.[26] Gotō played his first game for Sint-Truiden on 8 August against Dender, coming on in the 80th minute for Andrés Ferrari.[27] Gotō scored his first goal for Sint-Truiden against La Louvière in the 91st minute assisted by Rihito Yamamoto on 17 August, making the game 2–1.[28] On 3 December, Gotō scored a brace in a 3–3 draw against Antwerp in the Croky Cup. However, Sint-Truiden lost the game on penalties, eliminating them from the tournament.[29] On 26 December, Gotō scored another brace, this time against Standard Liège in a 2–1 win in the Pro League.[30] On 16 January 2026, Gotō won the Pro League December Player of the Month award after scoring three goals with one assist.[31][32] On 21 February, Gotō assisted twice in a 2–1 win against Dender.[33] On 3 May, Gotō caused controversy after celebrating a 2–0 win against parent club Anderlecht at full-time after scoring in the 75th minute, which infuriated some players on the opposition side. This incident created speculation that Gotō might not play for Anderlecht again.[34] On 12 May, Gotō helped Sint-Truiden confirm their place in a European competition next season after a 0–2 loss against Club Brugge, the first time since 2003.[35]
