Kazuo Ozaki
Kazuo Ozaki is a former professional footballer from Japan who played as a forward.
He began his professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds, where he won multiple major titles including the Japan Soccer League.
Ozaki was the second Japanese player to play in the Bundesliga, joining Arminia Bielefeld in 1983.
Biography
Early Life
Kazuo Ozaki was born on March 7, 1960, in Tokyo, Japan. He began his football journey at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in the sport. After graduating from high school, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1978, where he experienced immediate success. During his time with the club, they won all three major titles in Japan, including the Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup, and Emperor's Cup in 1978. Ozaki's talent shone through as he helped the team secure additional titles in the following years, earning the prestigious Japanese Footballer of the Year award in 1982.
Career
In July 1983, Ozaki took a significant step in his career by moving to Germany to join Arminia Bielefeld, becoming the second Japanese player to compete in the Bundesliga. His time in Germany was marked by both challenges and achievements, as he played for Arminia Bielefeld until 1985, when the club was relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. He continued his career with stints at FC St. Pauli and TuRU Düsseldorf before returning to Japan in 1990 to rejoin Mitsubishi Motors, which later became known as Urawa Reds. In 1993, he moved to Verdy Kawasaki, where he concluded his professional playing career in 1994.
International Career
Ozaki's international career began with the Japan U-20 national team, where he captained the squad during the 1979 World Youth Championship. He made his debut for the Japan men's national team on February 8, 1981, against Malaysia and went on to represent his country in 17 matches, scoring three goals until 1983. His contributions to the national team included participation in the 1982 Asian Games, showcasing his skills on an international stage. After moving to Germany, he was not selected for the national team, marking a significant transition in his career.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Ozaki was born in Tokyo on March 7, 1960. After graduating from high school, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1978. In 1978, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1980 Emperor's Cup, 1981 JSL Cup and 1982 Japan Soccer League. He was also selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards in 1982. In July 1983, Ozaki moved to Germany and joined Arminia Bielefeld. He was the second Japanese to play in the Bundesliga after Yasuhiko Okudera. In 1985, Arminia Bielefeld was relegated to 2. Bundesliga. From 1988, he played at FC St. Pauli (1988–89) and TuRU Düsseldorf (1989–90). In 1990, Ozaki returned to Japan and joined Mitsubishi Motors (later Urawa Reds). He moved to Verdy Kawasaki in 1993. He retired in 1994.
In August 1979, Ozaki was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1979 World Youth Championship. He played in three matches as captain. On February 8, 1981, he debuted for Japan national team against Malaysia. He played at 1982 Asian Games. He played 17 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 1983. After he moved to Germany in 1983, he was not selected Japan.
- Club
- Arminia Bielefeld (1983–1988)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (1993–1994)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (1978–1983)
- Club
- FC St. Pauli (1988–1989)
- Club
- TuRU Düsseldorf (1989–1990)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (1990–1992)
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (1979–1979)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1981–1983)
- League
- Bundesliga
- League
- 2. Bundesliga
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds1978–1983
- Japan national under-20 association football team1979–1979
- Japan men's national football team1981–1983
- Arminia Bielefeld1983–1988
- FC St. Pauli1988–1989
- TuRU Düsseldorf1989–1990
- Urawa Red Diamonds1990–1992
- Tokyo Verdy1993–1994
Played together with
- Abdelaziz AhanfoufArminia Bielefeld · 2006–2007
Adalbert ZafirovArminia Bielefeld · 1998–1998- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
- 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
Akaki GogiaFC St. Pauli · 2012–2013- Akihiro TabataUrawa Red Diamonds · 1997–2002
- Akihisa SonobeUrawa Red Diamonds · 1983–1994
- Akinori MikamiUrawa Red Diamonds · 1988–1994
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Kazuo Ozaki is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He made 17 appearances for the Japan national team scoring three goals.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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