George Yonashiro is a former football player and manager who represented Japan after being born in Brazil.
He played for Tokyo Verdy from 1972 to 1986, making a significant impact in Japanese football.
Yonashiro played as a midfielder, showcasing his skills in both club and international matches.
Biography
Early Life
George Yonashiro was born on November 28, 1950, in São Paulo, Brazil. His journey in football began when he joined the Yomiuri club in 1972, marking the start of a significant career in Japanese football.
Club Career
Yonashiro played as a midfielder for Tokyo Verdy, formerly known as Yomiuri, from 1972 until his retirement in 1986. During his time with the club, he made a remarkable impact, playing 239 games and scoring 93 goals. His tenure saw the team achieve notable successes, including winning the JSL Cup in 1979, the league championship in 1983 and 1984, and the Emperor's Cup in 1984. He was recognized for his exceptional performance by being selected to the Best Eleven five times.
International Career
In January 1985, Yonashiro became a naturalized Japanese citizen, allowing him to represent the Japan national football team. He made his international debut on October 26, 1985, during the World Cup qualification match against South Korea, playing two games for Japan that year.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Yonashiro transitioned into management, starting with Yomiuri in 1986. He led the team to multiple titles, including the 1986–87 Japan Soccer League title and consecutive Emperor's Cup victories. His coaching career continued with stints at Kyoto Purple Sanga, FC Ryukyu, Giravanz Kitakyushu, and Blaublitz Akita, where he achieved significant promotions and successes, including leading Blaublitz Akita to the J3 League in 2014 before resigning later that year.
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Career & Clubs
Yonashiro was born in São Paulo, Brazil on November 28, 1950. He joined Japan Soccer League Division 2 club Yomiuri in 1972. The club was promoted to Division 1 in 1978. In 1979, the club won first title JSL Cup. The club won the league champions in 1983, 1984. The club also won 1984 Emperor's Cup and 1985 JSL Cup. He retired in 1986. He played 239 games and scored 93 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven 5 times.
In January 1985, Yonashiro was approved for naturalisation as a Japanese citizen by the Ministry of Justice. In October, when he was 34 years old, he was selected to the Japan national team for the 1986 World Cup qualification. At this competition, on October 26, he debuted against South Korea. He played two games for Japan in 1985.
Yonashiro began his managerial career with Yomiuri in 1986, leading the club to the 1986–87 Japan Soccer League title, consecutive Emperor's Cup victories in 1986 and 1987, and the 1987 Asian Club Championship before resigning in 1990. He later managed Kyoto Purple Sanga twice, first in 1994 as successor to Seishiro Shimatani, and again in 1996 following Oscar. In 2004, Yonashiro took charge of FC Ryukyu, guiding the team from the Prefectural Leagues to the Regional Leagues in 2005 and the Japan Football League in 2006. He then joined Giravanz Kitakyushu in 2007, overseeing promotions to the Japan Football League in 2008 and the J2 League in 2010, before stepping down at the end of that season. His final managerial post came with Blaublitz Akita in 2013, where he achieved promotion to the newly established J3 League in 2014. He resigned later that year.
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (1972–1986)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1985–1985)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Tokyo Verdy1972–1986
- Japan men's national football team1985–1985
Played together with
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
- Akira IbayashiTokyo Verdy · 2012
- Akira TakabeTokyo Verdy · 2003–2003
- Alan PinheiroTokyo Verdy · 2015–2015
- Alan PinheiroTokyo Verdy · 2016
Alcindo SartoriTokyo Verdy · 1995–1995- Alcindo SartoriTokyo Verdy · 1997–1997
Alexandre LopesTokyo Verdy · 2002–2003
Anaílson Brito NoletoTokyo Verdy · 2006–2006- Antônio Benedito da SilvaTokyo Verdy · 1991–1992
- Antônio Bento dos SantosTokyo Verdy · 1994–1994
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
George Yonashiro is a former football player and manager. Born in Brazil, he played for the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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