Kiyotaka Matsui

Early Life

Kiyotaka Matsui was born on January 4, 1961, in Takatsuki, Japan. He pursued his education at Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, where he laid the foundation for his future career in football.

Club Career

Matsui began his professional journey in football when he joined Nippon Kokan, later known as NKK SC, in 1983. Over the next nine years, he became a key player for the club, helping them secure a second-place finish in the Japan Soccer League for three consecutive years and winning the prestigious JSL Cup in 1987. In 1992, Matsui transitioned to Shimizu S-Pulse, a new team in the J.League, where he continued to showcase his skills as a goalkeeper until his retirement in 1993.

National Team Career

Matsui's international career began on May 31, 1984, when he made his debut for the Japan national football team against China. He quickly established himself as a regular goalkeeper, participating in the 1986 World Cup qualification and representing Japan in the 1986 Asian Games and the qualification for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Throughout his national team career, he played a total of 15 matches until 1988, contributing significantly to Japan's footballing efforts during that era.