Kazushi Kimura
Kazushi Kimura is a former Japanese football player and manager known for his significant contributions to the sport.
He played for Yokohama F. Marinos from 1981 to 1994, becoming a key player in the club's history.
Kimura represented the Japan men's national football team from 1979 to 1986, earning 54 caps and scoring 26 goals.
Biography
Early Life
Kazushi Kimura was born on July 19, 1958, in Hiroshima, Japan. He pursued his education at Meiji University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the sport.
Career
Kimura began his professional journey in football when he joined Nissan Motors, which later became known as Yokohama F. Marinos, in 1981. Over the course of his 13-year career with the club, he became a central figure, wearing the prestigious number 10 shirt from 1982. His exceptional talent earned him the Japanese Footballer of the Year award three times (1983, 1984, and 1989) and he was named to the Japan Soccer League Best Eleven five times. During his tenure, the club achieved significant success, winning multiple titles including the Emperor's Cup and the Japan Soccer League.
In addition to his club success, Kimura represented the Japan national team from 1979 to 1986, earning 54 caps and scoring 26 goals. He made his debut against Indonesia while still a student and participated in various international competitions, including the 1982 and 1986 World Cup qualifications. Notably, he set a record by scoring in six consecutive matches for the national team in 1985.
After retiring from playing in 1994, Kimura transitioned into coaching, taking the helm at Yokohama F. Marinos in 2010. Although he led the team to a promising start, he was ultimately sacked at the end of the 2011 season.
Legacy
Kazushi Kimura's contributions to Japanese football were recognized when he was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2020. His legacy is marked by his impressive achievements on the field and his role in elevating the status of football in Japan.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Kimura was born in Hiroshima on July 19, 1958. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Nissan Motors (later Yokohama Marinos) in 1981. From 1982, he wore the number 10 shirt. He was selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards in 1983 and 1984. The club also won 1983 and 1985 Emperor's Cup. From 1988 to 1990, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup for 2 years in a row. He was also selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards again 1989. In 1990s, the club won 1990 JSL Cup, 1991 and 1992 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won 1991–92 and 1992–93 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. He was a central player in golden era in club history. He retired in 1994. He played 251 games and scored 51 goals in the league. He was selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards 3times and Best Eleven 5 times.
On May 31, 1979, when Kimura was a Meiji University student, he debuted for Japan national team against Indonesia. He played at 1980 Summer Olympics qualification and 1982 World Cup qualification. From 1982, he played in all matches of Japan national team included 1982, 1986 Asian Games, 1984 Summer Olympics qualification and 1986 World Cup qualification. In 1985, he scored goals in six consecutive games. This is a record of continuous score in Japan national team. He played 54 games and scored 26 goals for Japan until 1986.
Kimura became a manager for Yokohama F. Marinos in 2010. In 2011, although the club compete for the champions till half way, the club stalled in the late stages and finished 5th place. He was sacked end of 2011 season.
- Club
- Yokohama F. Marinos (1981–1994)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1979–1986)
Legacy
Team
Japan Soccer League Champions: 1988–89, 1989–90 JSL Cup Champions: 1988, 1989, 1990 Emperor's Cup Champions: 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992 Asian Cup Winners' Cup Champions: 1991–92, 1992–93
Awards
Japanese Football Player of the Year: 1983, 1984, 1989 Japan Soccer League Most Valuable Player: 1989-90 Japan Soccer League Best Eleven (5): 1983, 1984, 1985–86, 1988–89, 1989–90 Japan Soccer League Assists leader: 1984 Japan Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2020
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1979–1986
- Yokohama F. Marinos1981–1994
Played together with
- Abdeljalil HaddaYokohama F. Marinos · 2000–2000
Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorYokohama F. Marinos · 2015–2015- Adhemar Ferreira de Camargo NetoYokohama F. Marinos · 2005–2005
Ado OnaiwuYokohama F. Marinos
Ahn Jung-hwanYokohama F. Marinos · 2004–2005- Akihiro EndōYokohama F. Marinos · 1994–2005
- Alberto AcostaYokohama F. Marinos · 1996–1996
Anderson LopesYokohama F. Marinos
Andrew KumagaiYokohama F. Marinos · 2012–2017- Antônio Monteiro DutraYokohama F. Marinos · 2001–2006
- Antônio Monteiro DutraYokohama F. Marinos · 2012–2014
Ariajasuru HasegawaYokohama F. Marinos · 2007–2011
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Kazushi Kimura is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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