Makoto Tanaka
Makoto Tanaka is a former professional football player and current manager from Japan.
He began his professional career with Júbilo Iwata in 1994, where he became a key player.
Tanaka represented the Japan men's national football team from 2004 to 2006, earning 32 caps.
Biography
Early Life
Makoto Tanaka was born on August 8, 1975, in Shizuoka, Japan. He began his journey in football at Shimizu Commercial High School, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the sport that would shape his future.
Club Career
Tanaka joined Júbilo Iwata in 1994, marking the start of a significant chapter in his career. He quickly became a regular player, primarily serving as a center back during the club's golden era. Under his tenure, Júbilo Iwata achieved remarkable success, winning multiple titles including the J1 League championships in 1997, 1999, and 2002, as well as the J.League Cup in 1998 and the Emperor's Cup in 2003. Tanaka also contributed to the club's international success, helping them secure the Asian Club Championship in 1998-99. After a successful stint, he transitioned to Avispa Fukuoka in 2009, where he played until his retirement in 2011, having amassed over 500 career appearances.
International Career
On the international stage, Tanaka represented Japan, making his debut for the national team on April 25, 2004, against Hungary. He played a crucial role in Japan's victory at the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, participating in all six matches. Tanaka was also part of the squad for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, although he had to withdraw due to injury. Over his international career, he earned 32 caps for Japan.
Managerial Career
In December 2023, Tanaka embarked on his managerial career with Tochigi SC in the J2 League. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed in May 2024 after struggling to secure wins in his first 15 matches. Despite the challenges, Tanaka's journey in football continues to evolve as he seeks to make his mark in management.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Tanaka was born in Shizuoka on August 8, 1975. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined Júbilo Iwata in 1994. From 1997, he became a regular player as center back and central player in golden era in club history. The club won many title 1997, 1999, 2002 J1 League, 1998 J.League Cup and 2003 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 1998–99 Asian Club Championship and the 2nd place 1999–00 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. He left the club end of 2008 season for generational change. He moved to J2 League club Avispa Fukuoka in 2009. The club won the 3rd place in 2010 and was promoted to J1 League. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2011 season having played over 500 in his career.
In July 1996, Tanaka was selected for the Japanese U-23 team for the 1996 Summer Olympics. He played in all 3 of Japan's matches as they were eliminated in the group stage, despite two wins, including one against Brazil. It was known as the "Miracle of Miami" (マイアミの奇跡) in Japan. On April 25, 2004, Tanaka debuted for the Japan national team against Hungary. At the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China, he played all 6 matches as Japan won the title. He also represented Japan at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. In 2006, he was called up for Japan's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, but had to withdraw after sustaining a thigh injury prior to the tournament. In total, he played 32 matches for the national team.
In December 2023, it was announced that Tanaka would be taking on his first managerial role with J2 League club Tochigi SC for the 2024 season. After only recording three wins in his first 15 league games in charge, Tanaka was dismissed in May 2024 after only three months in charge.
- Club
- Avispa Fukuoka (2009–2011)
- Club
- Júbilo Iwata (1994–2008)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2004–2006)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Júbilo Iwata1994–2008
- Japan men's national football team2004–2006
- Avispa Fukuoka2009–2011
Played together with
- Abraão Lincoln MartinsAvispa Fukuoka · 2007–2007
- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaJúbilo Iwata · 2015
- Ademir SantosJúbilo Iwata · 1987–1991
Adilson BatistaJúbilo Iwata · 1997–1999- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaJúbilo Iwata · 2014–2014
- Akihiko TakeshigeJúbilo Iwata · 2010–2014
- Akira KonnoJúbilo Iwata · 1997–1999
- Akishige KanedaAvispa Fukuoka · 2016
- Akiyoshi OhashiJúbilo Iwata
- Alejo MenchonAvispa Fukuoka
- Aleksandar ŽivkovićJúbilo Iwata · 2000–2003
- Alen AvdićAvispa Fukuoka · 2002–2002
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Makoto Tanaka is a Japanese professional football manager and former player.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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