Seiichiro Maki is a former professional footballer known for his role as a forward in Japanese football.
Maki began his professional career with JEF United Chiba, where he played from 2003 to 2010.
He represented the Japan national team from 2005 to 2009, earning 38 caps and scoring 8 goals.
Biography
Early Life
Seiichiro Maki is a Japanese former professional footballer born in Japan, who played as a forward. He began his football journey at Komazawa University in Tokyo, where he was a key player alongside Masaki Fukai. After graduating in 2003, Maki embarked on a professional career that would see him play for several clubs both in Japan and abroad.
Career
Maki's professional debut came with JEF United Chiba, where he made his first appearance on March 22, 2003, against Tokyo Verdy. He scored his first goal on August 2, 2003, against Urawa Reds. Over the years, he became a starting forward and helped JEF United win the J.League Cup in 2005 and 2006. However, the club faced challenges in the late 2000s, culminating in relegation in 2009. Maki's career took him to FC Amkar Perm in Russia and Shenzhen F.C. in China, but he struggled for playing time at both clubs. He returned to Japan in 2011, joining Tokyo Verdy, and later played for Roasso Kumamoto until his retirement in 2018.
Maki also had a notable international career, representing Japan from 2005 to 2009. He debuted in the national team during the 2005 East Asian Football Championship and was part of Japan's squad for the 2006 World Cup, where he played against Brazil. He scored two goals in the 2007 Asian Cup, contributing to Japan's success in the tournament.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Maki married former actress Tomoko Kitagawa in June 2007. He comes from a sports-oriented family, with his younger brother Yuki also being a former footballer and his sister Karina a former handball player. Maki's journey through football reflects his dedication and passion for the sport, leaving a legacy as a skilled forward in Japanese football history.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Maki was a key player for Komazawa University in Tokyo along with Masaki Fukai. After graduating from Komazawa University in 2003, Maki joined JEF United Ichihara (later JEF United Chiba). He made his first professional appearance on 22 March 2003 against Tokyo Verdy. He scored his first professional goal on 2 August 2003 against Urawa Reds. For his first year at JEF, he was often used as a second-half substitute. However, in 2005 he became a starting forward for the team. JEF won the champions in 2005 and 2006 J.League Cup. However many players left the club and the club results were sluggish late 2000s. JEF finished at the bottom place in 2009 season and was relegated to J2 League first time in the club history. His opportunity to play decreased for generational change in 2010. In July 2010, Maki moved to Russian Premier League club FC Amkar Perm. In March 2011, he moved to Chinese Super League club Shenzhen Ruby. However he could not play many matches in both clubs. In August 2011, he returned to Japan and signed with J2 League club Tokyo Verdy. He played many matches as mainly substitute forward in three seasons. In 2014, he moved to his local club Roasso Kumamoto. He played more than 30 matches as mainly substitute forward every season. However his opportunity to play decreased in 2018 and Roasso was relegated to J3 League end of 2018 season. He retired end of 2018 season.
Maki represented Japan in the 2001 Summer Universiade in Beijing, contributing to their championship win by scoring 3 goals in the tournament. In July 2005, Maki was selected Japan national team for 2005 East Asian Football Championship. At this tournament, he debuted against North Korea on 31 July. In 2006, he was selected for Japan's World Cup squad and started a match against Brazil. He was a member of the Japan team for the 2007 Asian Cup finals and played four games. He scored two goals in the tournament, both against Vietnam. He played 38 games and scored 8 goals for Japan until 2009.
Club
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Maki goal.
- Club
- JEF United Chiba (2003–2010)
- Club
- FC Amkar Perm (2010–2010)
- Club
- Shenzhen F.C. (2011–2011)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (2011–2013)
- Club
- Roasso Kumamoto (2014–2018)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2005–2009)
- National team
- Japan
Personal
Maki married former actress Tomoko Kitagawa (ja) in June 2007. His younger brother Yuki is also a former footballer. His younger sister Karina is a former handball player.
Clubs
- JEF United Chiba2003–2010
- Japan men's national football team2005–2009
- FC Amkar Perm2010–2010
- Shenzhen F.C.2011–2011
- Tokyo Verdy2011–2013
- Roasso Kumamoto2014–2018
Played together with
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
Ado OnaiwuJEF United Chiba · 2014- Akihiro HyodoJEF United Chiba · 2012–2014
- Akihiro TabataJEF United Chiba · 2001–2002
- Akira IbayashiTokyo Verdy · 2012
- Akira TakabeRoasso Kumamoto · 2005–2006
- Akira TakabeTokyo Verdy · 2003–2003
- Akira TakeuchiJEF United Chiba · 2011–2014
- Alan PinheiroTokyo Verdy · 2015–2015
- Alan PinheiroTokyo Verdy · 2016
Alcindo SartoriTokyo Verdy · 1995–1995
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Seiichiro Maki is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He played for the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…