Hajime Hosogai is a versatile Japanese footballer who has played as both a midfielder and full-back throughout his career.
He began his professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds, where he played from 2005 to 2010 and won the AFC Champions League in 2007.
In 2011, Hosogai moved to Germany, initially joining Bayer 04 Leverkusen before being loaned to FC Augsburg.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Hajime Hosogai is a Japanese professional footballer known for his versatility on the field, primarily playing as a midfielder. Born in Japan, he began his football journey with Urawa Red Diamonds, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the club's most promising talents. His contributions were pivotal in helping the team secure the AFC Champions League title in 2007, and he represented Urawa at the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup.
Professional Career
In December 2010, Hosogai took a significant step in his career by moving to Germany to join Bayer 04 Leverkusen. He was loaned to FC Augsburg, where he made an immediate impact, scoring his first Bundesliga goal against his parent club. After a successful stint at Augsburg, he returned to Leverkusen before moving to VfB Stuttgart in 2016. His career continued to flourish as he played for various clubs, including Kashiwa Reysol, Buriram United, and Bangkok United, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different leagues.
International Career
On the international stage, Hosogai represented Japan at multiple youth levels and was part of the squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He made his senior debut in 2010 and scored his first goal for the national team during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals against South Korea. Over his international career, he earned 30 caps and scored once, contributing to Japan's success in the tournament.
Legacy and Retirement
As of October 2024, Hosogai announced his intention to retire at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career that has left a lasting impact on Japanese football. His journey from a promising youth player to an international representative exemplifies his dedication and passion for the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Hosogai was amongst the most promising players of Urawa Red Diamonds. Having helped the Red Diamonds to the AFC Champions League in 2007, he played for Urawa at the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup. On 23 December 2010, he left Japan and transferred to the German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who promptly loaned him out to FC Augsburg. On 9 September 2011, he scored his first Bundesliga goal against Leverkusen. Playing for the newly promoted Bavarian club, Hosogai helped avoiding relegation before returning to Bayer Leverkusen for the 2012–13 season. On 25 July 2016, Hosogai moved to VfB Stuttgart. He joined Kashiwa Reysol on 24 March 2017. On 6 December 2018, it was confirmed that Hosogai would join the Thai league club Buriram United for the 2019 season. On 12 December 2019, it was announced that Hosogai had joined club Bangkok United on a season-long loan deal. In October 2024, he announced he would retire at the end of the season.
Hosogai has represented Japan at numerous youth levels. He was a member of the Japan team for the 2008 Summer Olympics finals, and made his debut for the Japan national team in a 1–0 win against Paraguay (playing in his natural role as central midfielder) at his home stadium in Saitama on 4 September 2010, after being called up for the first time by caretaker Hiromi Hara and under the auspices of new manager Alberto Zaccheroni. He scored his first goal for the senior national team on 25 January 2011 in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi-final match against South Korea.
Club
As of 23 February 2017
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first.
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2005–2010)
- Club
- FC Augsburg (2011–2012)
- Club
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2011–2013)
- Club
- Hertha BSC (2013–2016)
- Club
- Bursaspor (2015–2016)
- Club
- Japan national under-23 football team (2006–2008)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2010–2014)
- Club
- VfB Stuttgart (2016–2017)
- Club
- Kashiwa Reysol (2017–2018)
- Club
- Buriram United F.C. (2019–2021)
- Club
- Bangkok United F.C. (2020–2021)
- Club
- Thespa Gunma (2021–)
- League
- Bundesliga
- League
- 2. Bundesliga
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Urawa Red Diamonds
AFC Champions League: 2007 J. League Division 1: 2006 Emperor's Cup: 2005, 2006 Japanese Super Cup: 2006 Japan
AFC Asian Cup: 2011 Individual Thai League 1 Player of the Month (1): February 2020
Clubs
- Thespa Gunma2021current
- Urawa Red Diamonds2005–2010
- Japan national under-23 football team2006–2008
- Japan men's national football team2010–2014
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen2011–2013
- FC Augsburg2011–2012
- Hertha BSC2013–2016
- Bursaspor2015–2016
- VfB Stuttgart2016–2017
- Kashiwa Reysol2017–2018
- Buriram United F.C.2019–2021
- Bangkok United F.C.2020–2021
Played together with
Aaron MokoenaBayer 04 Leverkusen · 1998–1999- Abraão Lincoln MartinsThespa Gunma · 2011–2012
Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016- Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016
Adam HložekBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2022–2024
Adam MatysekBayer 04 Leverkusen · 1998–2001- Adhemar Ferreira de Camargo NetoVfB Stuttgart · 2001–2003
- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000
Admir MehmediBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2015–2018
Ado OnaiwuUrawa Red Diamonds- Adrian KnupVfB Stuttgart · 1992–1994
- Adriano Gerlin da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2001–2001
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Hajime Hosogai is a Japanese professional footballer who plays for Thespa Gunma. He is a flexible player, able to play as a full-back or defensive midfielder. He made 30 appearances for the Japan national team scoring once.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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