Daisuke Matsui

Early years

In 2000, Matsui graduated from Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School (鹿児島実業高校) and began his professional career with Kyoto Purple Sanga of the J1 League.

Kyoto Purple Sanga

After his J1 League rookie season Purple Sanga were relegated to J2 League. However, the following season Matsui played a prominent role in helping his club finish first in J2, earning the club a promotion back to J1. In 2002 the club continued their success by having a strong season, finishing sixth in the league and winning the Emperor's Cup. The club's success and Matsui's increased exposure lead to Matsui being called up to the national team for the first time in 2003. However, his club was again relegated to J2 after the 2003 season, and could not earn a return to Division 1 after the 2004 season.

Le Mans

In 2004, after four and a half seasons in Kyoto, Matsui signed with Le Mans of Ligue 2 in France. Matsui chose Le Mans, then a second division club, over Lazio, one of the top clubs in Serie A, because he believed that the style of Italian football was too defensive. In Japan, Matsui had been criticized for his small physique and mental weakness, but he adapted to the fast, physical style of French football by changing his style and holding on to the ball less. In his first season with Le Mans, he helped the club earn a runners-up finish in Ligue 2 and a promotion to Ligue 1. In 2005–06, in Matsui's first season playing in Ligue 1, Le Mans began undefeated in its…

Matsui made his national team debut on 22 June 2003 with Japan at 2003 Confederations Cup against Colombia and scored his international goal against Angola on 11 October 2005. He also played for the U-23 national team at the 2004 Olympics. Despite his performance at Le Mans, Matsui was not part of Zico's selection for the 2006 World Cup. Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier criticized the decision stating that "Matsui was selected as one of the best foreign players in France and didn't make it into the squad of 23 Zico selected, which is a pity given his form and experience." Matsui was called up for the first time under Ivica Osim's reign to play in friendlies against Austria and Switzerland in September 2007. Matsui has continued to make national team appearances under Takeshi Okada, who has replaced Osim after Osim suffered a stroke in November 2007. In 2010, Matsu was selected Japan for 2010 World Cup. He played all 4 matches and Japan qualified to the knockout stage. He also played at 2011 Asian Cup. He played 2 matches and Japan won the champions. This Asian Cup was his last game for Japan. He played 31 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 2011.

Club

As of end of 2018 season

International

Scores and results list Japan U23's and Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Matsui goal.

Kyoto Purple Sanga

Emperor's Cup: 2002 J2 League: 2001 Japan

AFC Asian Cup: 2011 Kirin Cup: 2008