On the soccer field, Martini and Jese have earned worldwide respect for their outstanding achievements and loyalty to their club. They played for only one club throughout their careers, and this loyalty is a valuable quality in itself. The Japanese professional soccer league is also full of such players who have stuck to one team, even members of the national team. Today, we'll review a few of these iconic figures.
1. Masahiro Fukuda (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Born in 1966, Masahiro Fukuda, a former striker, joined Japanese professional soccer after graduation and joined Mitsubishi Motors, the predecessor of Urawa Red Diamonds, in 1989. He played 26 matches for the team in his debut season and scored 36 goals, helping the team not only to get promoted, but also to make a name for himself in the Japanese soccer world.
2. Masayoshi Sawadon (Shimizu Heartbeat)
Born in 1970, Masaru Sawaden joined Shimizu Heartbeat for the 1992 season after graduating from Tokai University. He had a stellar career with Shimizu Heartbeat, including becoming the 1993 Nippon Professional League Rookie of the Year.
3. Kanko Morishima (Sakura Osaka)
Born in 1972, Hiroki Morishima graduated from Hiroshima and joined Osaka Sakura's predecessor, Yanmar Diesel, in 1991. He was one of the best eleven in the Nippon Professional League (NPL) after an outstanding debut season.
4. Zeng Duanzhun (Kashima Antlers)
Jun Soga, a goalkeeper for Kashima Antlers, began training as a youth player and was officially promoted to the first team in 1998 at the age of 19. During his time with Kashima Antlers, he won several awards including Best Young Player.
5. Keita Suzuki (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Born in 1981, Keita Suzuki joined Urawa Red Diamonds in 2000 after graduating from high school. He had a brilliant career with Urawa Red Diamonds, including becoming Japan's Footballer of the Year.
6. Isao Kurihara (Yokohama Mariners)
Isuzo Kurihara, who plays as a midfielder, began his youth training with the Yokohama Mariners during his junior high school years. During his career with the Yokohama Mariners, he was selected for the Japan national team on several occasions.
The loyalty and dedication of these players is a valuable asset to Japanese soccer. Their stories, too, inspire a new generation of players.
This week's JLF live streaming schedule:
July 16, 6:00 p.m. Tosu Sandstone vs. Yokohama Mariners (Cable 602/662)
July 16, 6:00 pm Nagoya Whale vs Kawasaki Frontale (Cable 604/664)
July 16, 6:00 p.m. Kashiwa Reysol vs. Hokkaido Sapporo Gonzaga (Cable 605/665)
July 17, 5:30pm Kyoto Immortals vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Cable 601/661)
This week's Sunday B live streaming schedule:
July 17, 5:30pm FC Ryukyu vs. Omiya Squirrels (Cable 602/662)
