Maya Yoshida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Maya Yoshida
吉田 麻也

Yoshida in 2022
Personal information
Full name	Maya Yoshida
Date of birth	(1988-08-24) 24 August 1988 (age 36)
Place of birth	Nagasaki, Japan
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Centre back
Team information
Current team	LA Galaxy
Number	4
Youth career
2001–2006	Nagoya Grampus
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2010	Nagoya Grampus	71	(5)
2010–2012	VVV-Venlo	54	(5)
2012–2020	Southampton	154	(6)
2020	→ Sampdoria (loan)	14	(0)
2020–2022	Sampdoria	58	(3)
2022−2023	Schalke 04	29	(0)
2023–	LA Galaxy	67	(4)
International career‡
2008	Japan U23	10	(1)
2012–2021	Japan Olympic (O.P.)	12	(1)
2010–2022	Japan	126	(12)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Japan AFC Asian Cup Winner 2011 Qatar Runner-up 2019 United Arab Emirates
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19 July 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 5 December 2022

Maya Yoshida (吉田 麻也, Yoshida Maya, born 24 August 1988) is a Japanese professional footballer. He is a strong centre-back and currently captains the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.

Yoshida played for the Japan national team for many years. He played in over 120 games for his country. He was part of Japan's teams for the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018, and 2022. He also played in the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, 2015, and 2019. Japan won the Asian Cup in 2011 and was second in 2019. Maya also played for Japan's Olympic football team in the 2008, 2012, and 2020 Olympic Games.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Nagoya Grampus

Maya Yoshida was born in Nagasaki, Japan. He started playing football at a young age. His older brother, Honami, helped him find the Nagoya Grampus U-15 team. Maya then moved to Nagoya to be closer to the team.

After five years in the youth academy, he joined the main team in 2007. He first played as a defensive midfielder but later became a centre-back. Maya made his first team debut on May 3, 2007. He scored his first goal for the club in November 2007. By the end of 2007, he had played 24 games.

In 2008, Maya became a regular starter. He formed a strong defense with his teammate Miloš Bajalica. He scored his first goal of the season in August 2008. He helped Nagoya Grampus finish third in the league. Maya won the Rookie of the Year award for his great performance.

In 2009, Maya changed his shirt number to four. He scored Nagoya Grampus's first-ever goal in the AFC Champions League. He continued to play well and scored several goals that season. He helped the club reach the Emperor's Cup Final. This was his last game for Nagoya Grampus.

Moving to VVV-Venlo

Yoshida pictured during his time at VVV-Venlo at the fan gatherings

In December 2009, Maya moved to the Dutch club VVV-Venlo. He signed a three-year contract. He had always wanted to play football in Europe. His former teammate, Keisuke Honda, helped him make this move.

Maya's start at VVV-Venlo was tough because he broke his foot. He missed the rest of the 2009–10 season. He finally made his debut on October 30, 2010. He quickly became a regular player for the team.

In the 2011–12 season, Maya continued to be a key player. He scored an amazing bicycle kick goal in September 2011. This goal was even named the "Goal of the Season" in the Eredivisie. He scored five goals that season. Maya helped VVV-Venlo stay in the top league.

Playing for Southampton

Yoshida playing for Southampton in 2017

On August 30, 2012, Maya joined Premier League team Southampton. He signed a three-year contract. He felt that playing in England would help him grow as a player.

He made his debut for Southampton on September 15, 2012. Maya quickly became a regular starter in defense. He helped Southampton avoid being relegated from the Premier League in his first season. He played 34 games that year.

In the 2013–14 season, Maya played less often at first. He scored his first goal for Southampton in November 2013. He scored his first Premier League goal in February 2014. He played 14 games and scored two goals that season.

For the 2014–15 season, Maya played more often. He signed a new contract with Southampton until 2018. He helped the club finish seventh in the league. This meant they qualified for the UEFA Europa League. He played 23 games and scored one goal.

Yoshida pictured with the young mascots ahead of a friendly match against FC Augsburg in 2017

In the 2015–16 season, Maya helped Southampton keep clean sheets in the Europa League qualifiers. He scored two goals that season. Southampton finished sixth in the league, qualifying for the Europa League again. He played 27 games.

The 2016–17 season saw Maya become a backup defender. However, he played in all six Europa League matches. He scored his first goal of the season in January 2017. He dedicated this goal to his new baby daughter. Maya also captained Southampton for the first time. He helped the team reach the EFL Cup final. He played his 100th Premier League game in April 2017. This made him the first Japanese player to reach this milestone. He played 37 games and scored two goals.

In the 2017–18 season, Maya signed another contract extension until 2020. He scored two goals that season. He helped Southampton avoid relegation from the Premier League. He played 28 games.

Maya's playing time was limited at the start of the 2018–19 season. He later played more regularly and helped Southampton stay in the Premier League again. He played 20 games that season.

In the 2019–20 season, Maya played less after a tough loss to Leicester City. He left Southampton on June 30, 2020, after eight years with the club.

Time at Sampdoria

On January 31, 2020, Maya joined Italian club Sampdoria on loan. He made his debut in March 2020. He quickly became a favorite among fans. He played 14 games that season.

After his loan, Maya joined Sampdoria permanently. He signed a one-year contract. He played regularly in defense. In January 2021, he signed a new two-year contract. He scored his first goal for Sampdoria in January 2021. He played 34 games and scored once in the 2020–21 season.

In the 2021–22 season, Maya continued to play in defense. He scored two goals early in the season. He faced some injuries but returned to play. He played 26 games and scored two goals. He left Sampdoria in June 2022.

Playing for Schalke 04

On July 5, 2022, Maya joined German club Schalke 04 for free. He signed a one-year contract. He became the third Japanese defender to play for Schalke.

Maya made his Schalke 04 debut as captain. He became a first-choice defender. However, the team struggled, and his performance was sometimes criticized. After the World Cup, he helped the club improve their results. He played 29 league games for Schalke 04. The team was relegated to the second division. He left the club when his contract ended.

Joining LA Galaxy

On August 3, 2023, Maya joined Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy. He signed a contract until the end of the 2024 season.

He made his debut for LA Galaxy on August 26, 2023. He quickly became a regular starter in defense. He scored his first goal for the club in September 2023. He also captained the team for the first time. He played 12 games and scored one goal in 2023.

Before the 2024 season, Maya was named LA Galaxy's new captain. He scored his first goal of the 2024 season in March 2024. He scored his second goal in April 2024. He helped LA Galaxy win the MLS Cup and the Western Conference in 2024.

International Career

Youth and Olympic Teams

Yoshida and Turkmen player Arslanmyrat Amanow at 2019 Asian Cup.

Maya was first called up to Japan's U-23 team in April 2008. He made his debut in May 2008. He played in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

Four years later, he was called up for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He was named captain of the Japan U-23 team. He helped the team keep three clean sheets in the group stage. Maya scored his first goal of the tournament in the quarter-finals. Japan finished fourth in the Olympics.

In June 2021, Maya was chosen for his third Olympic tournament. He was again named captain. He helped Japan win all three group stage matches. In the quarter-finals, he scored the winning penalty in a shootout. Japan lost in the semi-finals and the bronze medal match.

Senior National Team

Yoshida and Neymar clashing for a ball during an opening match of the 2013 Confederations Cup between Brazil and Japan.

Maya was first called up to the senior national team in December 2009. He made his full international debut on January 6, 2010. He hoped to play in the 2010 World Cup but did not make the team.

In December 2010, Maya was part of Japan's team for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He scored his first goal for Japan in January 2011. He helped Japan win the AFC Asian Cup, beating Australia 1–0 in the final.

Maya helped Japan qualify for the 2014 World Cup. He was part of the team for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Yoshida playing for Japan during a match against Belgium in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

In May 2014, Maya was chosen for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He started all three group stage matches. Japan was eliminated from the tournament. Later in 2014, he scored his first goal for Japan in three years.

In December 2014, Maya played in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He scored a goal in Japan's first match. Japan was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout.

Maya continued to play a key role in World Cup qualifying matches. He scored several goals and helped Japan keep many clean sheets. In March 2017, he captained Japan for the first time. He helped Japan qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Yoshida booked for handball during a match against Qatar in the AFC Asian Cup final; leading to a penalty converted successfully from the opposition team and resulting Japan losing 3–1.

On May 31, 2018, Maya was selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He played every minute of Japan's group stage matches. Japan was knocked out by Belgium in the round of 16. His performance in the World Cup was praised.

In December 2018, Maya was named captain for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. He led Japan all the way to the final. Japan lost 3–1 to Qatar in the final.

Yoshida playing for Japan during a match against Vietnam in 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Maya continued to captain Japan in 2019 and 2020. He played his 100th match for Japan in November 2019. He helped Japan qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In November 2022, Maya was included in Japan's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was again named captain. He played all three group stage matches. Japan reached the knockout stage. In the round of 16, Japan lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout. Maya was one of the players who missed his penalty.

After the World Cup, Maya hinted that he might retire from international football. He has not been called up to the national team since then.

Personal Life and Interests

Maya Yoshida has two brothers, Mirei and Honami. He says his older brother, Honami, was very important in starting his football career. His parents had planned to name him "Maya" even if he was a girl, and they kept the name when he was born a boy.

Maya got married in September 2012. Four years later, he became a father to a baby daughter. While playing for Southampton, he lived in Winchester. He became a permanent resident in the United Kingdom and feels partly English. His family runs a boarding house in Nagasaki for children who need a place to stay for high school.

Growing up, Maya was a big fan of the Dragon Ball Z anime and manga series. He used to have a large collection of Dragon Ball Z items. He says this helped him learn to be generous and give back to society.

Maya speaks Japanese and is fluent in English. He also studied Italian and Spanish. He published his first book, Unbeatable Mind, in May 2018.

In August 2019, Maya promised to donate one percent of his salary to the Saints Foundation, a charity. He also became an ambassador for the foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged people to stay home. He also used his own money to buy 10,000 masks from Japan and give them to hospitals in Genoa, Italy.

In June 2022, Maya became the president of the Japan Professional Soccer Players Association.

Career Statistics

Club

International

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

List of international goals scored by Maya Yoshida

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	9 January 2011	Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar	2	Jordan	1–1	1–1	2011 AFC Asian Cup
2	2 September 2011	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	9	North Korea	1–0	1–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	14 November 2014	Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan	47	Honduras	1–0	6–0	Friendly
4	12 January 2015	Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle, Australia	49	[[Palestinian National Authority {{{altlink}}}|Palestinian National Authority]]	4–0	4–0	2015 AFC Asian Cup
5	3 September 2015	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	56	Cambodia	2–0	3–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
6	12 November 2015	National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore	60	Singapore	3–0	3–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
7	24 March 2016	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	62	Afghanistan	3–0	5–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	3 June 2016	Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan	64	Bulgaria	4–0	7–2	2016 Kirin Cup
9					5–0
10	28 March 2017	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	73	Thailand	4–0	4–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
11	10 October 2019	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	98	Mongolia	2–0	6–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
12	29 March 2022	Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan	115	Vietnam	1–1	1–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification

Awards and Achievements

Southampton

• EFL Cup runner-up: 2016–17

LA Galaxy

• MLS Cup: 2024
• Western Conference (MLS): 2024

Japan

• AFC Asian Cup: 2011; runner-up: 2019

Individual Awards

• AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament: 2019
• IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year: 2020, 2022
• IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Decade: 2020

See also

In Spanish: Maya Yoshida para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps