Kozo Arai
Kozo Arai is a former Japanese footballer known for his versatility as a midfielder and defender.
He began his professional career with JEF United Chiba in 1969, where he played until 1978.
Arai was a member of the Japan men's national football team from 1970 to 1977, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
Biography
Early Life
Kozo Arai was born on October 24, 1950, in Etajima, Japan. His passion for football began at a young age, leading him to pursue the sport seriously after graduating from high school.
Career
Arai's professional career kicked off in 1969 when he joined Furukawa Electric, which later became known as JEF United Chiba. Over the course of his nine-year tenure with the club, he made a significant impact, playing 124 games and scoring 17 goals. His contributions helped the team secure the Japan Soccer League title and the Emperor's Cup in 1976, as well as the JSL Cup in 1977. Arai's exceptional skills on the field earned him a spot in the Japan Soccer League Best Eleven four times, in 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1976.
In addition to his club success, Arai was a key player for the Japan national team from 1970 to 1977. He made his debut during the 1970 Asian Games against Malaysia and went on to represent Japan in various international competitions, including the 1974 World Cup qualification and the 1976 Summer Olympics qualification. Throughout his national team career, he played 47 matches and scored 4 goals.
Legacy
Kozo Arai is remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his fighting spirit, which was recognized with the Japan Soccer League Fighting Spirit award in 1971. His contributions to Japanese football have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of players.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Arai was born in Etajima on October 24, 1950. After graduating from high school, he joined Furukawa Electric in 1969. In 1976, the club won Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1977 JSL Cup. He retired in 1978. He played 124 games and scored 17 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven 4 times (1971, 1973, 1974 and 1976).
In December 1970, Arai was selected Japan national team for 1970 Asian Games. At this competition, on December 10, he debuted against Malaysia. He also played at 1974 Asian Games, 1972 Summer Olympics qualification, 1974 World Cup qualification and 1976 Summer Olympics qualification. He played 47 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1977.
- Club
- JEF United Chiba (1969–1978)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1970–1977)
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Japan Soccer League Best Eleven: 1971, 1973, 1974, 1976 Japan Soccer League Fighting Spirit: 1971
Clubs
- JEF United Chiba1969–1978
- Japan men's national football team1970–1977
Played together with
Ado OnaiwuJEF United Chiba · 2014- Akihiro HyodoJEF United Chiba · 2012–2014
- Akihiro TabataJEF United Chiba · 2001–2002
- Akira TakeuchiJEF United Chiba · 2011–2014
- Alex Antônio de Melo SantosJEF United Chiba · 2009–2010
An Byong-junJEF United Chiba · 2015–2015
Andrew KumagaiJEF United Chiba · 2017
Arnold ScholtenJEF United Chiba · 1997–1998- Atsuhiko EjiriJEF United Chiba · 1990–1998
- Atsushi ItoJEF United Chiba · 2006–2008
- Atsushi ShiraiJEF United Chiba · 1997–1998
- Atsuto TataraJEF United Chiba · 2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Kozo Arai is a former Japanese footballer. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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