Nozomi Hiroyama
Nozomi Hiroyama is a Japanese association football player who has made significant contributions both on and off the field.
He played for Montpellier Hérault Sport Club during the 2003-2004 season, marking his presence in European football.
Hiroyama had a stint with the Richmond Kickers from 2011 to 2012, showcasing his versatility in different leagues.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Nozomi Hiroyama is a former professional footballer from Japan, known for his role as a midfielder. He began his football journey with JEF United Ichihara in the J1 League, where he made a significant impact by helping his team reach the final of the J.League Cup in 1998. Over four years, he made 120 appearances and scored 20 goals, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Professional Career
Hiroyama's career took him beyond Japan, as he signed with Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño in 2001. He made history as the first Japanese player to score in the Copa Libertadores, netting two goals in the tournament and contributing to his team's success. After a year and a half in South America, he returned to Japan, playing for various clubs including Cerezo Osaka, Tokyo Verdy, and the Richmond Kickers in the United States. His international career included representing Japan at the U-20 level and making his senior debut in 2001 against Senegal.
Coaching Career and Personal Life
After retiring from professional play, Hiroyama transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for Japan's U17 national team. His time in Paraguay left a lasting impression on him, as he developed a fondness for local cuisine, including Sopa paraguaya and Empanadas, and even learned a few words in the Guarani language. Hiroyama's journey reflects his passion for football and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players in Japan.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Japan
Hiroyama began his career with his hometown team, JEF United Ichihara, in the Japanese J1 League, helping his team to the final of the J.League Cup in 1998, and making 120 appearances and scoring 20 goals in total in his four years with the team. Whilst Hiroyama was at JEF United, the physical trainer of the team was Paraguayan, who gave good references to him, and then the opportunity was given to Hiroyama to play at Cerro Porteño.
South America
Cerro Porteño
Hiroyama signed for Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño in 2001, and during his time in South America became the first Japanese footballer to play and score in the Copa Libertadores. Hiroyama featured for Cerro Porteño for 1 year and a half. He was coached by Cesar Jacquet. Hiroyama was one of two foreigners in Cerro Porteño's squad, which included Costa Rican footballer Froylan Ledezma. In Cerro Porteño's team, Hiroyama colleagued with Aldo Bobadilla, Diego Barreto, Nelson Zelaya, Carlos Baez, Sergio Aquino, Jorge Luis Campos, Guido Alvarenga, Julio dos Santos, Cesar Ramirez, Virgilio Ferreira, Santiago Salcedo and Ledezma. Hiroyama scored 3 goals in 27 league games for Cerro Porteño. Hiroyama scored in a 1–0 victory against Sportivo San Lorenzo. In the 2001 Copa Libertadores, Hiroyama scored 2 goals in 7 games. On 22 March 2001, Hiroyama scored a double in a 4–0 away victory against Sport Boys Callao in the Copa Libertadores. Both goals came in the first half of the game. On 10 April,…
In June 1997, Hiroyama was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1997 World Youth Championship. He played 4 matches as right midfielder and scored a goal against Paraguay. On October 4, 2001, Hiroyama debuted for Japan national team against Senegal. On October 7, he also played against Nigeria. He played 2 games for Japan in 2001.
In 2020, Hiroyama was the second coach of Japan's under-16 national team.
- Club
- Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (2003–2004)
- Club
- Richmond Kickers (2011–2012)
- Club
- JEF United Chiba (1996–2000)
- Club
- S.C. Braga (2002–2003)
- Club
- Cerezo Osaka (2005–2005)
- Club
- Thespa Gunma (2009–2010)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (2004–2008)
- Club
- Cerro Porteño (2001–2001)
- Club
- Sport Club do Recife (2002–2002)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2001–2001)
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (1997–1997)
Personal
In Paraguay, Hiroyama liked Sopa paraguaya and Empanadas. Also, he drank lots of Terere and took with him a Terere thermus kit to keep drinking. In terms of Paraguay's Guarani language, Hiroyama learnt a few words.
Clubs
- JEF United Chiba1996–2000
- Japan national under-20 association football team1997–1997
- Cerro Porteño2001–2001
- Japan men's national football team2001–2001
- S.C. Braga2002–2003
- Sport Club do Recife2002–2002
- Montpellier Hérault Sport Club2003–2004
- Tokyo Verdy2004–2008
- Cerezo Osaka2005–2005
- Thespa Gunma2009–2010
- Richmond Kickers2011–2012
Played together with
Aarón ÑíguezS.C. Braga · 2015
Abdelhamid El KaoutariMontpellier Hérault Sport Club · 2007–2015- Abdelkader Ben BoualiMontpellier Hérault Sport Club · 1933–1935
Abderrahmane MahjoubMontpellier Hérault Sport Club · 1960–1963
Abdoulaye TraoréS.C. Braga · 1986–1986
Abel FerreiraS.C. Braga · 2004–2005- Abraão Lincoln MartinsThespa Gunma · 2011–2012
- Acleisson ScaionThespa Gunma · 2015–2015
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
- Ademar da Silva Braga JúniorCerezo Osaka · 1995–1995
Ademir de MenezesSport Club do Recife · 1939–1942
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Nozomi Hiroyama is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder where he is currently the head coach of Japan U17.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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