Yuki Abe is a former professional footballer from Japan, born in 1981.
He made his professional debut at the age of 16, setting a record as the youngest Japanese professional player in the J1 League.
Abe transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds in 2007 for a record domestic transfer fee of around $3 million.
Biography
Early Life
Yuki Abe was born in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan, in 1981. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth side of JEF United Ichihara, which later became JEF United Chiba. His talent was evident early on, as he made his professional debut at just 16 years and 333 days old on August 5, 1998, setting a record as the youngest Japanese professional player in the J1 League.
Club Career
Abe's professional career took off with JEF United Chiba, where he played from 1998 to 2006. During his time there, he became the club captain and led them to win the J.League Cup in both 2005 and 2006, earning a spot in the league's Best Eleven during those years. In January 2007, he transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds for a record fee of around ¥360 million (approximately $3 million), where he continued to shine. Abe played a crucial role in Urawa's success, helping them secure the AFC Champions League title in 2007 and participating in the Club World Cup.
In 2010, Abe moved to England to join Leicester City, where he made his debut in September and scored his first goal in May 2011. However, due to homesickness, he returned to Japan in January 2012 to rejoin Urawa Red Diamonds, continuing his impactful career.
International Career
Abe's international career began with the Japan national under-20 and under-23 teams, where he showcased his skills at the 2004 Olympics. He made his senior debut in January 2005 and went on to represent Japan 53 times, scoring three goals. Abe was part of the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all of Japan's matches. His contributions to the national team were significant, although he missed out on the 2011 Asian Cup victory.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Yuki Abe has been recognized for his talent and leadership on the field. He has received multiple honors, including the J.League Best Eleven awards in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2016, and the J.League Cup New Hero Award in 2005. His journey from a young prodigy to a respected veteran in Japanese football is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
JEF United Chiba
Born in Ichikawa, Chiba, Abe, then a member of the JEF United Ichihara (now JEF United Chiba) youth side, made his debut with the senior club at the age of 16 years and 333 days on 5 August 1998, at the time a record for the youngest Japanese professional player and J1 League. He went on to become JEF United's captain, and led the club to the 2005 and 2006 J.League Cup titles while being named to the league's Best Eleven during the span.
Urawa Reds
On 22 January 2007, Abe joined Urawa Reds, the defending J1 League and Emperor's Cup champions, for a transfer fee of around ¥360 million (around $3 million), a record amount for a Japanese player in a domestic deal. Abe helped Urawa Reds to win the 2007 AFC Champions League. He scored once in the second leg of the final against Iran's Sepahan FC. Abe participated in the 2007 Club World Cup playing for Urawa who eventually lost to AC Milan. Urawa finished in third place.
Leicester City
On 26 August 2010, Abe was signed by English Championship club Leicester City, signing a three-year contract. He made his debut in a 2-1 league win over Cardiff City on 14 September, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4–2 win over Ipswich Town on 7 May 2011. His last league goal for the club was in a 1–0 win over Brighton on 17 September 2011. Suffering from homesickness, Abe's contract was cancelled by mutual consent on 22 January 2012 and he returned to Japan to re-join former club Urawa…
Abe made his senior national team debut on 29 January 2005, in a friendly match against Kazakhstan and scored his first national team goal on 6 September 2006 against Yemen in a 2007 Asian Cup qualification match. He was not selected to Japan's 2006 World Cup team, but he has become a regular under his former JEF United coach Ivica Osim, who took over as the national team head coach after the World Cup. He had previously represented Japan at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels, appearing in all three first round matches at the 2004 Olympics and scoring a goal against Italy. He appeared in all of Japan's games at the 2010 World Cup. Despite missing out on Japan's 2011 Asian Cup victory, on 29 March 2011 he played 45 minutes against the J-League All Stars. On 4 August 2011 Abe was announced in the Japan squad to play South Korea. He played 53 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 2011.
Club
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Abe goal.
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2007–2010)
- Club
- Leicester City F.C. (2010–2012)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2012–)
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (2000–2000)
- Club
- Japan national under-23 football team (2002–2004)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2005–2011)
- National team
- Japan
- Club
- JEF United Chiba (1998–2006)
- Club
- Iwate Grulla Morioka
Legacy
JEF United Chiba
J.League Cup: 2005, 2006 Urawa Red Diamonds
AFC Champions League: 2007, 2017 J.League Cup: 2016 Suruga Bank Championship: 2017 Emperor's Cup: 2018 Individual
J.League Best Eleven: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2016 J.League Cup New Hero Award: 2005
Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds2012current
- Iwate Grulla Moriokacurrent
- JEF United Chiba1998–2006
- Japan national under-20 association football team2000–2000
- Japan national under-23 football team2002–2004
- Japan men's national football team2005–2011
- Urawa Red Diamonds2007–2010
- Leicester City F.C.2010–2012
Played together with
Abdul Fatawu IssahakLeicester City F.C. · 2023
Ade AkinbiyiLeicester City F.C. · 2000–2002
Ademola LookmanLeicester City F.C. · 2021–2022- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000
Ado OnaiwuJEF United Chiba · 2014- Ado OnaiwuUrawa Red Diamonds
- Adriano Gerlin da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2001–2001
Adrien SilvaLeicester City F.C. · 2017–2020- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2012–2012
Ahmed MusaLeicester City F.C. · 2016–2018- Akihiro HyodoJEF United Chiba · 2012–2014
- Akihiro TabataJEF United Chiba · 2001–2002
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yuki Abe is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He played 53 times for Japan between 2005 and 2011 and was a member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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