Ryuzo Morioka
Ryuzo Morioka is a former professional footballer from Japan who played as a defender.
He began his professional career with Kashima Antlers in 1994.
Morioka transferred to Shimizu S-Pulse in 1995, where he became a central figure in the defense.
Biography
Early Life
Ryuzo Morioka was born on October 7, 1975, in Yokohama, Japan. He developed a passion for football at a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the sport. After graduating from high school, he took a significant step in his football journey by joining the Kashima Antlers in 1994.
Club Career
Morioka's professional career began with the Kashima Antlers, where he played from 1994 to 1995. He then transferred to Shimizu S-Pulse in August 1995, where he became a key player as a central defender. During his time with Shimizu, the team achieved notable successes, including winning the 1996 J.League Cup and the 2001 J1 League title. The club also made its mark in Asia, winning the 1999–2000 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. However, as his playing time diminished in 2005, he moved to Kyoto Sanga FC in 2007, where he served as captain and led the team to promotion to the J1 League before retiring at the end of the 2008 season.
International Career
Morioka's international career with the Japan national team began on March 31, 1999, when he made his debut against Brazil. He quickly established himself as a regular player, participating in significant tournaments such as the 1999 Copa America and the 2000 Asian Cup, where Japan emerged as champions. He was also part of the squad for the 2002 World Cup, although injuries limited his participation. By the time he retired from international football in 2003, he had earned 38 caps for Japan.
Coaching Career
After hanging up his boots, Morioka transitioned into coaching, starting at Kyoto Sanga FC in 2009. He held various coaching roles until 2016, including a stint at Sagawa Printing Kyoto. In 2017, he took on the managerial role at Gainare Tottori in the J3 League, but his tenure was short-lived due to poor results, leading to his dismissal in June 2018.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Morioka was born in Yokohama on 7 October 1975. After graduating from high school, he joined Kashima Antlers in 1994. He moved to Shimizu S-Pulse in August 1995. He played many matches as center back. The club won 1996 J.League Cup and 2001 J1 League. In Asia, the club won the champions 1999–2000 Asian Cup Winners' Cup and te 3rd place 2000–01 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. However his opportunity to play decreased from 2005. He moved to J2 League club Kyoto Sanga FC in 2007. He played as captain and the club was promoted to J1 League in 2007. He retired end of 2008 season.
In April 1995, Morioka was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1995 World Youth Championship, but he did not play in the match. On 31 March 1999, Morioka debuted for Japan national team against Brazil. After the debut, he became a regular player and played all matches including 1999 Copa America in 1999. He mainly played as central defender in three back as Masami Ihara successor. He also served as captain in many matches. In September 2000, he was elected Japan U-23 national team as over age for 2000 Summer Olympics. He played 3 games as captain. In October, he played at 2000 Asian Cup. He played full-time in all 6 matches and Japan won the champions. He also played at 2001 Confederations Cup and Japan won the 2nd place. In 2002, he could not play for injury. He was elected Japan for 2002 World Cup. He played as captain in first match against Belgium, but he was injured and replaced. After 2002 World Cup, in March 2003, he was elected Japan again by new manager Zico. On 8 June 2003, the match against Argentina is his last game for Japan. Although he was a member of Japan for 2003 Confederations Cup in June, he did not play in the match. He played 38 games for Japan until 2003.
After retirement, Morioka started coaching career at Kyoto Sanga FC in 2009. He served as coach for top team and manager for youth team until 2016 excluding 2014 he moved to Sagawa Printing Kyoto and served as coach. In 2017, he moved to J3 League club Gainare Tottori and became a manager. However Gainare results were bad and finished at the bottom place of 17 clubs. He was sacked in June 2018 when the club was at the 7th place.
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (1994–1995)
- Club
- Kyoto Sanga FC (2007–2008)
- Club
- Shimizu S-Pulse (1995–2006)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1999–2003)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Kashima Antlers1994–1995
- Shimizu S-Pulse1995–2006
- Japan men's national football team1999–2003
- Kyoto Sanga FC2007–2008
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
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2010–2010
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2011–2015
- Akinori NishizawaShimizu S-Pulse · 2007–2008
- Akira KubotaKyoto Sanga FC · 1995–1996
- Akira NarahashiKashima Antlers · 1997–2006
- Akito TachibanaShimizu S-Pulse · 2011–2013
- Alair de Souza Camargo JúniorKyoto Sanga FC · 2011–2011
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ryuzo Morioka is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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