Koji Kumagai facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Koji Kumagai | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | October 23, 1975 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Towada, Aomori, Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991–1993 | Sanbongi Agricultural High School | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1994–2004 | Kashima Antlers | 116 | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2005 | Vegalta Sendai | 40 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 156 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995 | Japan U-20 | 4 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Koji Kumagai (熊谷 浩二, Kumagai Koji, born October 23, 1975) is a former Japanese football player. He played as a Midfielder during his career. Koji is well-known for his time with the Kashima Antlers club, where he helped them win many important championships.
Contents
Koji Kumagai's Football Career
Playing for Clubs
Koji Kumagai was born in Towada, Japan, on October 23, 1975. After finishing high school, he joined the Kashima Antlers football club in 1994. In his early years, he did not play in many matches.
However, by the year 2000, Koji became a regular player. He often played as a defensive midfielder. This was a fantastic year for Kashima Antlers. The club won all three major football titles in Japan:
- The J1 League (the top league)
- The J.League Cup
- The Emperor's Cup
Winning all three titles in one year was a first in the history of the J1 League. Kashima Antlers continued their success, also winning the J1 League championship in 2001. They also won the 2002 J.League Cup in 2002.
In 2003, Koji played less often. In July 2004, he moved to another club called Vegalta Sendai. He played for Vegalta Sendai until the end of the 2005 season. After that, he retired from playing professional football.
Playing for Japan's National Team
Koji Kumagai also had the chance to play for his country. In April 1995, he was chosen to be part of the Japan U-20 national team. This team played in the 1995 World Youth Championship.
During this important tournament, Koji played in all four matches. He was a key player, staying on the field for the entire game in each match. He played his usual role as a defensive midfielder, helping his team in the championship.
See also
In Spanish: Kōji Kumagai para niños
