Akira Nishino is a prominent figure in Japanese football, known both as a player and a manager.
He played for Kashiwa Reysol from 1978 to 1990, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Nishino represented the Japan men's national football team from 1977 to 1978, earning 12 caps.
Biography
Early Life
Akira Nishino was born on April 7, 1955, in Saitama, Japan. He pursued higher education at Waseda University, where he honed his skills in football, eventually leading to his selection for the Japan national team during his university years.
Playing Career
Nishino began his professional career in 1978 when he joined Hitachi, which later became Kashiwa Reysol. Over his 12-year tenure with the club, he made significant contributions, helping the team secure a second-place finish in the 1980 JSL Cup and winning the Japan Soccer League in 1982. He was recognized for his talent by being elected to the Best Eleven in the 1985-86 season. Nishino also represented the Japan men's national football team from 1977 to 1978, earning 12 caps and scoring one goal, including a debut in the World Cup qualification against Israel.
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player in 1990, Nishino transitioned into coaching, starting with Hitachi. He made a notable impact as the manager of the Japan U-20 and U-23 national teams, leading them to qualify for the 1996 Summer Olympics, where they achieved a historic bronze medal. Nishino returned to Kashiwa Reysol in 1997, where he guided the team to win the 1999 J.League Cup. His managerial journey continued with Gamba Osaka, where he celebrated numerous successes, including winning the J.League Division 1 and the AFC Champions League. He was recognized as Best Manager multiple times during his career. Nishino's coaching career also included stints with Vissel Kobe and Nagoya Grampus, showcasing his enduring influence in Japanese football.
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Career & Clubs
Nishino was born in Saitama on 7 April 1955. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Hitachi in 1978. The club won the 2nd place at 1980 JSL Cup and 1982 Japan Soccer League. He retired in 1990. He was elected Best Eleven in 1985–86.
In March 1977, when Nishino was a Waseda University student, he was selected in Japan national team for 1978 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on 6 March, he debuted against Israel. He played 12 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 1978.
Early years
After retirement, in 1990, Nishino became a coach for Hitachi (later Kashiwa Reysol). From 1991, he managed the Japan U-20 national team and Japan U-23 national team. At U-23 Japan in 1996 Summer Olympics Qualifiers, Japan qualified to 1996 Summer Olympics for the first time in 28 years since 1968 Summer Olympics, where Japan won the bronze medal. At 1996 Olympics, although Japan won 2 matches, Japan lost in the First round. At this time, Japan beat Brazil in first game. It was known as the "Miracle of Miami" (マイアミの奇跡) in Japan.
Kashiwa Reysol
In 1997, Nishino returned to Kashiwa Reysol and became a coach. In 1998, he became a manager. In 1999, he led the club to win the 1999 J.League Cup. In 2000, the club won the 3rd place in J.League Division 1 for 2 years in a row and he received Best Managers award. However, he was sacked in July 2001.
Gamba Osaka
In 2002, Nishino signed with Gamba Osaka. In 2005, the club won J.League Division 1 for the first time in club history and he was elected for the Best Manager award. In 2008, the club won AFC Champions League and the 3rd place at 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. He was also elected AFC 'Coach of the Year' awards. The club also won the 2007 J.League Cup, the 2008 and the 2009 Emperor's Cup. He resigned in 2011. In May 2012, he signed with Vissel Kobe as Masahiro Wada's successor. However, he was sacked in November.
Nagoya Grampus
In 2014, Nishino signed with Nagoya Grampus and managed…
- Club
- Kashiwa Reysol (1978–1990)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1977–1978)
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1977–1978
- Kashiwa Reysol1978–1990
Played together with
- Adebayo AdigunKashiwa Reysol · 2009–2010
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaKashiwa Reysol · 2008–2009
- Akihiro HyodoKashiwa Reysol · 2011–2011
- Akimi BaradaKashiwa Reysol · 2009
Akira MatsunagaKashiwa Reysol · 1971–1982- Akiyoshi OhashiKashiwa Reysol
- Alceu Rodrigues Simoni FilhoKashiwa Reysol · 2007–2007
- Alceu Rodrigues Simoni FilhoKashiwa Reysol · 2009–2010
- Aldieres Joaquim dos Santos NetoKashiwa Reysol · 1998–1998
- Alex Antônio de Melo SantosKashiwa Reysol · 2008–2008
An Yong-hakKashiwa Reysol · 2011–2012
Anselmo RamonKashiwa Reysol · 2009–2009
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Akira Nishino is a Japanese football manager and former player.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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