Naoki Soma
Naoki Soma is a former Japanese football player and current manager, known for his versatility as a defender and midfielder.
He began his professional career with Kashima Antlers in 1994, where he played for nearly a decade.
Soma was a key player during Kashima Antlers' successful era in the 1990s, winning multiple J.League titles and domestic cups.
Biography
Early Life
Naoki Soma was born on July 19, 1971, in Shizuoka, Japan. He pursued his education at Waseda University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for a successful career in the sport.
Playing Career
Soma began his professional career in 1994 when he joined the Kashima Antlers. Over the next nine years, he became a key player for the team, contributing to their success during a golden era that included winning multiple J.League titles and domestic cups. Notably, he was selected for the Best Eleven for four consecutive years from 1995 to 1998. In 2000, the Antlers achieved a historic treble, winning the J1 League, J.League Cup, and Emperor's Cup. However, an injury in December 2000 sidelined him for nearly a year, and upon his return, he faced increased competition for playing time. In 2002, he had a brief loan spell at Tokyo Verdy before returning to Kashima and later moving to Kawasaki Frontale, where he played until his retirement in 2005.
International Career
Soma's international career with the Japan national team spanned from 1995 to 1999. He made his debut against Ecuador and quickly established himself as a regular player, participating in significant tournaments such as the 1996 AFC Asian Cup and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all matches. He concluded his international tenure with 58 caps and 4 goals.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Soma transitioned into coaching, starting with FC Machida Zelvia in 2010. He later managed Kawasaki Frontale but was dismissed in 2012 due to underperformance. In 2014, he returned to FC Machida Zelvia, leading them to a second-place finish in 2015, which secured their promotion to the J2 League. Most recently, he was appointed as the manager of Kagoshima United, set to take charge in 2025.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Soma was born in Shizuoka on July 19, 1971. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Kashima Antlers in 1994. He played as left-back and became one of the main player in a successful era of the club. In the 1990s, the club won several titles: the 1996 J.League, 1998 J.League, 1997 J.League Cup and 1997 Emperor's Cup. He was also selected for the Best Eleven for four years in a row (1995-1998). In 2000, the club won all three major titles in Japan: J1 League, J.League Cup and Emperor's Cup. However at Emperor's Cup in December 2000, he sustained an injury and he could not play for about a year. Although he came back in the latter half of 2001, his opportunity to play decreased behind Augusto. In 2002, he moved to Tokyo Verdy on loan. He returned to Kashima Antlers in 2003 and moved to Kawasaki Frontale in 2004. At Kawasaki Frontale, he played as defensive midfielder and sweeper. He retired at the end of the 2005 season.
On May 28, 1995, Soma debuted for the Japan national team against Ecuador. After his debut, he became a regular player as left-back and left midfielder. In 1996, he played in all matches included 1996 AFC Asian Cup. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification in 1997, Japan achieved qualification for 1998 FIFA World Cup first time Japan's history. He played in all matches at the 1998 World Cup. He also played at 1999 Copa America. He played 58 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1999.
Soma retired at the end of the 2005 season. After working as a TV pundit, Soma managed the Japan Football League side FC Machida Zelvia in 2010. He held a managerial post in charge of J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale prior to the 2011 season. On April 12, 2012, Kawasaki dismiss coach Naoki Soma after performing 'far below expectations'. The 40-year-old coach was sacked with the club's president stating the team were performing 'far below expectations' having aimed to win the title this term. In 2014, he signed with J3 League side FC Machida Zelvia again. He led the club to won the 2nd place in 2015 and promoted to J2 League. On 14 November 2024, Soma announcement officially appointment manager of Kagoshima United from 2025.
Club
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Soma goal.
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (1994–2003)
- Club
- Kawasaki Frontale (2004–2005)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (2002–2002)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1995–1999)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Kashima Antlers1994–2003
- Japan men's national football team1995–1999
- Tokyo Verdy2002–2002
- Kawasaki Frontale2004–2005
Played together with
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2010–2010
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2011–2015
- Akira IbayashiTokyo Verdy · 2012
- Akira ItoKawasaki Frontale · 1995–2001
- Akira KonnoKawasaki Frontale · 2000–2006
- Akira NarahashiKashima Antlers · 1997–2006
- Akira TakabeTokyo Verdy · 2003–2003
- Akito FukumoriKawasaki Frontale · 2011
- Alan PinheiroKawasaki Frontale · 2013–2013
- Alan PinheiroTokyo Verdy · 2015–2015
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Naoki Soma is a Japanese football manager and former player. He played for the Japan national team until 1999. He is currently the manager of Kagoshima United.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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