Akira Kitaguchi
Akira Kitaguchi is a former Japanese association football player known for his role as a forward.
He played for Urawa Red Diamonds from 1957 to 1966, contributing to the team's early years in the Japan Soccer League.
Kitaguchi was a member of the Japan men's national football team from 1958 to 1959, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
Biography
Early Life
Akira Kitaguchi was born on March 8, 1935, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He pursued his education at Kwansei Gakuin University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for his future career in the sport.
Career
Kitaguchi began his professional football journey in 1957 when he joined Mitsubishi Motors. He played as a forward and was part of the team during a pivotal time when Mitsubishi Motors became a member of the newly formed Japan Soccer League in 1965. Over his club career, he played for Urawa Red Diamonds from 1957 to 1966, participating in four league games before retiring in 1966.
In addition to his club career, Kitaguchi represented the Japan men's national football team. He was selected for the national team while still a university student in 1956 for the Summer Olympics in Melbourne, although he did not compete. His international debut came on May 26, 1958, during the Asian Games against the Philippines, where he went on to play 10 matches and scored one goal for Japan until 1959. Kitaguchi's contributions to Japanese football during the late 1950s helped lay the groundwork for future generations of players.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Kitaguchi was born in Osaka Prefecture on March 8, 1935. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1957. In 1965, Mitsubishi Motors joined new league Japan Soccer League. He retired in 1966. He played 4 games in the league.
In 1956, when Kitaguchi was a Kwansei Gakuin University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, but he did not compete. In May 1958, he was selected Japan for 1958 Asian Games. At this competition, on May 26, he debuted against Philippines. He played 10 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 1959.
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (1957–1966)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1958–1959)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds1957–1966
- Japan men's national football team1958–1959
Played together with
- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000
Ado OnaiwuUrawa Red Diamonds- Adriano Gerlin da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2001–2001
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2012–2012
- Akihiro TabataUrawa Red Diamonds · 1997–2002
- Akihisa SonobeUrawa Red Diamonds · 1983–1994
- Akinori MikamiUrawa Red Diamonds · 1988–1994
Alessandro SantosUrawa Red Diamonds · 2004–2009- Alfred NijhuisUrawa Red Diamonds · 1997–1998
Alpay ÖzalanUrawa Red Diamonds · 2004–2005
Andrzej KubicaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000- Antônio Benedito da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 1995–1995
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Akira Kitaguchi is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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