Masaaki Sawanobori
Masaaki Sawanobori is a former Japanese football player known for his midfield prowess.
He spent his entire professional career at Shimizu S-Pulse from 1992 to 2005.
Sawanobori was a member of the Japan men's national football team from 1993 to 2000.
Biography
Early Life
Masaaki Sawanobori was born on January 12, 1970, in Fujinomiya, Japan. He pursued his education at Tokai University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for a successful career in the sport.
Career
Sawanobori began his professional career in 1992 when he joined Shimizu S-Pulse, a club based in his home prefecture of Shizuoka. He quickly established himself as a key player, earning the J.League Rookie of the Year award in 1993. Over his 13-year tenure with the club, he played 381 matches and scored 85 goals, becoming a beloved figure among fans and earning the nickname "Mr. S-Pulse". His contributions helped the team secure several titles, including the J.League Cup in 1996, the 1999–2000 Asian Cup Winners' Cup, and the Emperor's Cup in 2001. Sawanobori retired from professional football in 2005.
In addition to his club success, Sawanobori represented the Japan national team from 1993 to 2000. He made his debut during the 1994 World Cup qualification and participated in the 1994 Asian Games. Throughout his international career, he played 16 matches and scored 3 goals, with his last appearance coming during the 2000 Asian Cup qualification.
Legacy
Masaaki Sawanobori's impact on Japanese football is significant, both at the club and national levels. His dedication to Shimizu S-Pulse and his contributions to the national team have left a lasting legacy in the sport, inspiring future generations of players in Japan.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Sawanobori was born in Fujinomiya on January 12, 1970. After graduating from Tokai University, he joined new club Shimizu S-Pulse based in his local Shizuoka Prefecture in 1992. He played as regular player from first season. He was selected J.League Rookie of the Year in 1993. In 1996, the club won J.League Cup. In 1999, the club won the 2nd place in J1 League and he was selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards. In Asia, the club also won 1999–2000 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. In 2001, the club won Emperor's Cup. He retired in 2005. He played 381 games and scored 85 goals in the league. Sawanobori was immensely popular at S-Pulse, and having spent his entire career at the club he was affectionately known as Mr S-Pulse.
In April 1993, Sawanobori was selected Japan national team for 1994 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on April 8, he debuted against Thailand. In 1994, he also played at 1994 Asian Games. In September 1999, he played for Japan for the first time in 5 years. In 2000, he played at 2000 Asian Cup qualification. This qualification was his last game for Japan. He played 16 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 2000.
- Club
- Shimizu S-Pulse (1992–2005)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1993–2000)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Shimizu S-Pulse1992–2005
- Japan men's national football team1993–2000
Played together with
- Ademir SantosShimizu S-Pulse · 1992–1996
Ahn Jung-hwanShimizu S-Pulse · 2002–2003- Akihiro HayashiShimizu S-Pulse · 2012–2013
- Akihiro HyodoShimizu S-Pulse · 2005–2010
- Akihiro NagashimaShimizu S-Pulse · 1994–1995
- Akinori NishizawaShimizu S-Pulse · 2007–2008
- Akito TachibanaShimizu S-Pulse · 2011–2013
- Alair de Souza Camargo JúniorShimizu S-Pulse · 2001–2002
Alessandro SantosShimizu S-Pulse · 1997–2003
Alex BrosqueShimizu S-Pulse · 2011–2012- Alexandre GoulartShimizu S-Pulse · 2006–2007
- Anderson Andrade AntunesShimizu S-Pulse · 2007–2007
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Masaaki Sawanobori is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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