Masaru Hirayama facts for kids

Masaru Hirayama (平山 大) is a former professional football player from Japan. He was born on June 3, 1972. Masaru Hirayama played as a defender, which means his main job on the field was to protect his team's goal. He worked to stop the other team from scoring points.

Masaru Hirayama's Football Career

Early Life and University Football

Masaru Hirayama grew up in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Before he became a professional athlete, he attended Chuo University. Playing football during his university years helped him prepare for a career in the sport. This time allowed him to develop his skills and get ready for the big leagues.

Playing for Nagoya Grampus Eight

In 1995, after finishing his university studies, Masaru Hirayama joined a professional football team. This team was called Nagoya Grampus Eight. They played in the J1 League, which is Japan's top football league. In his first year, he played in many games as a "center back." A center back is a key defensive player. They usually play in the middle of the defense. Their job is to block shots, clear the ball, and mark opposing attackers.

He helped Nagoya Grampus Eight win the Emperor's Cup in 1995. This is a very important football tournament in Japan. The team also finished second in the J1 League in 1996. This was a great achievement for the team and for Masaru Hirayama.

Moving to Kawasaki Frontale and Retirement

In 1997, Masaru Hirayama moved to a different team. This new team was Kawasaki Frontale. At that time, Kawasaki Frontale was part of the Japan Football League. He continued to play as a defender for them. After playing for two seasons with Kawasaki Frontale, he decided to retire from professional football. He ended his career at the close of the 1998 season.