Naoki Takahashi facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 8, 1976 | ||
| Place of birth | Fukuoka, Japan | ||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1992–1994 | Tokai University Daigo High School | ||
| 1995–1998 | Fukuoka University | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1999–2005 | Albirex Niigata | 141 | (4) |
| Total | 141 | (4) | |
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Naoki Takahashi (高橋 直樹, Takahashi Naoki, born August 8, 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He was a defender, a player whose main job is to stop the other team from scoring goals. He played his entire professional career for the team Albirex Niigata.
Playing Career Highlights
Naoki Takahashi was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, on August 8, 1976. He loved playing football from a young age. After finishing his studies at Fukuoka University, he joined a professional football team called Albirex Niigata in 1999.
When he joined, Albirex Niigata had just moved up to the J2 League, which is Japan's second-highest football league. Naoki quickly became an important player for the team. By July 1999, he was a regular starter, often playing as a center back alongside another player named Sérgio. A center back is a key defensive position right in front of the goalkeeper.
Over the next few years, Naoki continued to play many matches. However, after 2002, a new player named Yoshiaki Maruyama joined the team, and Naoki's chances to play in games became fewer.
In 2003, his team, Albirex Niigata, had a fantastic season! They won the championship in the J2 League. This big win meant they were promoted to the J1 League for the 2004 season. The J1 League is the top football league in Japan.
Naoki played some matches in the J1 League in 2004. He played more often again in 2005, showing his skills in the top league. After the 2005 season, Naoki Takahashi decided to retire from professional football. He played a total of 141 league games and scored 4 goals during his career with Albirex Niigata.
