Takahito Soma facts for kids

Takahito Soma (相馬 崇人, Sōma Takahito, born December 10, 1981) is a former Japanese football player. He was a talented defender who played for several top clubs in Japan and Europe during his career. Soma was known for his strong play on the left side of the field. He helped his teams win important championships, including the AFC Champions League.

Takahito Soma's Football Journey

Takahito Soma was born in Kawasaki, Japan, on December 10, 1981. He started his football journey early, playing for the youth team of Verdy Kawasaki. After his time with the youth team, he went to Kokushikan University.

Starting His Professional Career

While still a university student, Soma joined the J1 League club Tokyo Verdy in 2003. He worked hard and by September 2004, he became a regular player. He played as a left side back, taking over from Atsuhiro Miura when he joined the Japanese national team. That year, Verdy won the 2004 Emperor's Cup, a big achievement! In 2005, Soma continued to play regularly. However, his team, Verdy, finished 17th in the league and was moved down to the J2 League.

Success with Urawa Reds

In 2006, Soma moved to another J1 club, Urawa Reds. He played many games, often coming in as a substitute on the left side of the midfield. In 2007, even though Alessandro Santos left the club, Soma still faced competition for a starting spot from Tadaaki Hirakawa. By 2008, Soma became a regular player as a left side midfielder. During his three seasons with Urawa Reds, the team achieved great success. They won the J1 League in 2006, the 2006 Emperor's Cup in 2006, and the 2007 AFC Champions League in 2007.

Playing in Europe

After his contract with Urawa Reds ended in January 2009, Soma decided to try playing football in Europe. On January 29, 2009, he signed a contract with Marítimo, a club in Portugal's top league, the Primeira Liga. He played there for a year and a half. After his time in Portugal, he moved to Germany and joined 2. Bundesliga club Energie Cottbus.

Return to Japan and Retirement

In July 2011, Takahito Soma returned to Japan. He joined J1 League club Vissel Kobe. In 2011, he faced some injuries, but in 2012, he became a regular left side back for Vissel Kobe. Unfortunately, Vissel finished 16th in the league that year and was also moved down to the J2 League. In 2013, injuries again limited his playing time. However, Vissel Kobe managed to return to the J1 League after just one year. After playing for Vissel Kobe for six seasons, Soma decided to retire from professional football. Throughout his career, he played over 260 league games and scored 15 goals.

Awards and Honours

Takahito Soma won several important titles during his football career:

Club Achievements

• Tokyo Verdy
  • Emperor's Cup: 2004

• Urawa Reds
  • AFC Champions League: 2007
  • J1 League: 2006
  • Emperor's Cup: 2006
  • Japanese Super Cup: 2006

External Links

• Takahito Soma – FIFA competition recordLua error in Module:WikidataCheck at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
• Takahito Soma at SoccerwayLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).Lua error in Module:WikidataCheck at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
• Takahito Soma at J.League Lua error in Module:WikidataCheck at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

See also

In Spanish: Takahito Sōma para niños