Shinji Ono is a celebrated Japanese footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder.
He began his professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds in 1998, where he quickly made an impact.
Ono became the youngest Japanese player to play in a World Cup at the age of 18 during the 1998 tournament.
Biography
Early Life
Shinji Ono was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, where he began his journey in football. He made his professional debut with Urawa Red Diamonds in 1998, quickly making a name for himself as a talented midfielder. That same year, he became the youngest Japanese player to participate in the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his skills on the global stage at just 18 years old.
Career Highlights
Ono's career took a significant turn after his impressive performance at the 1999 World Youth Championship, where he captained the Japanese Under-20 team to the finals. However, a severe knee injury during Olympic qualifying sidelined him for a considerable time. In 2001, he moved to Feyenoord in the Netherlands, where he made history by becoming the first Japanese player to win a European trophy, the 2002 UEFA Cup. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Ono's talent shone through, earning him respect from peers, including Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who called him the toughest opponent he ever faced.
After returning to Japan to play for Urawa Reds again, Ono ventured back to Europe with VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga. He continued to represent Japan on the international stage, participating in three World Cups and earning a reputation as one of Asia's footballing stars, known for his vision and superb passing skills. His career spanned various clubs, including stints in Australia and back in Japan, where he played until 2023.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Urawa Reds
Ono grew up in the Shizuoka Prefecture and began his professional career with Urawa Reds in the J1 League in 1998. The same year, he became the youngest Japanese player to play at 1998 World Cup, at age 18. He caught the attention of foreign clubs with his performance at the 1999 World Youth Championship in Nigeria, where he captained the Japanese Under-20 side that reached the final. But later that year, he suffered a severe knee injury in a qualification match for the 2000 Olympics with Japan's Under-23 side, forcing him to miss the rest of the season and Olympic qualifying.
Feyenoord
After a strong performance at the 2001 Confederations Cup, Ono moved to Feyenoord of the Dutch Eredivisie in 2001. In his first season, he helped Feyenoord win the 2002 UEFA Cup, making him the first Japanese in history to win a European trophy. However, a string of injuries kept him sidelined for long periods. After he missed the majority of 2004–05, the club sold him. His stint at the Rotterdam based club is highly rated and Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder said "Shinji Ono is the toughest opponent I've ever faced".
Urawa Reds return
On 13 January 2006, Ono returned to the J1 League, signing a three-year deal with his former club Urawa Reds.
Bochum
In the 2008 January transfer window, Ono returned to Europe, signing with Bundesliga's Bochum. On 3 February 2008, Ono made his Bundesliga debut in an away game against Werder Bremen, and he had…
When fit, Ono was an ever-present member of the Japan national team. He made his full international debut on 1 April 1998 against South Korea in a friendly. After his appearance in the 1998 World Cup, he was a key member of the Japanese squad in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He has represented Japan at every age level starting with the U-16 team, and was one of three overage selections at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Injuries limited Ono to just one appearance in the final round of the qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and missed the Confederations Cup in 2003 and 2005. He played in his third World Cup finals in Germany.
Known as Tensai (天才, Japanese for Genius), Ono is one of the biggest stars in Asian football, known for his vision, technique and superb passing. Although his primary position is attacking midfielder, he can play anywhere in the midfield, including defensive midfield and either wing.
Club
As of 27 September 2023
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ono goal.
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (1999–1999)
- Club
- Japan national under-23 football team (2004–2004)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1998–2008)
- Club
- FC Ryukyu Okinawa (2019–2020)
- Club
- Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (2021–2023)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Japan
- Club
- Feyenoord Rotterdam (2001–2005)
- Club
- VfL Bochum (2007–2010)
- Club
- Shimizu S-Pulse (2010–2012)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (1998–2001)
- Club
- Western Sydney Wanderers FC (2012–2014)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2006–2007)
- Club
- Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (2014–2019)
- Club
- Japan national under-17 football team (1995–1995)
Clubs
- Japan national under-17 football team1995–1995
- Japan men's national football team1998–2008
- Urawa Red Diamonds1998–2001
- Japan national under-20 association football team1999–1999
- Feyenoord Rotterdam2001–2005
- Japan national under-23 football team2004–2004
- Urawa Red Diamonds2006–2007
- VfL Bochum2007–2010
- Shimizu S-Pulse2010–2012
- Western Sydney Wanderers FC2012–2014
- Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo2014–2019
- FC Ryukyu Okinawa2019–2020
- Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo2021–2023
Played together with
Aaron MooyWestern Sydney Wanderers FC · 2012–2014- Adalto Batista da SilvaHokkaido Consadole Sapporo · 2001–2001
- Ademir SantosShimizu S-Pulse · 1992–1996
- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000
Ado OnaiwuUrawa Red Diamonds
Adri van MaleFeyenoord Rotterdam · 1930–1940- Adriano Gerlin da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2001–2001
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2012–2012
Aggelos CharisteasFeyenoord Rotterdam · 2006–2007
Ahn Jung-hwanShimizu S-Pulse · 2002–2003- Aio FukudaFC Ryukyu Okinawa
- Akihiro HayashiShimizu S-Pulse · 2012–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Shinji Ono is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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