Tomohiko Ikoma facts for kids

Tomohiko Ikoma (生駒 友彦, Ikoma Tomohiko, August 25, 1932 – April 27, 2009) was a Japanese football player and manager. He was a talented goalkeeper. Ikoma played for the Japan national team. He also managed a club team called Mitsubishi Motors.

Tomohiko Ikoma's Football Journey

Tomohiko Ikoma was born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, on August 25, 1932. He loved football from a young age. He became a professional player and later a coach.

Playing for Clubs

While studying at Kwansei Gakuin University, Ikoma was part of a special team. This team was called All Kwangaku. It included players from his university and graduates. They were very successful.

Ikoma helped his team win the Emperor's Cup twice. They won in 1953 and again in 1955. This was a big achievement for him.

After finishing university, Ikoma joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1955. He played for this club until 1966. In 1965, a new league called the Japan Soccer League started. Ikoma was part of the team, but he did not play in any league games. He retired from playing football in 1966.

Representing Japan

Tomohiko Ikoma also played for his country. On January 2, 1955, he made his first appearance for the Japan national football team. He played against the team from Burma (now Myanmar).

In total, Ikoma played 5 games for Japan in 1955. These were important matches for him and his country.

Becoming a Coach

In 1966, while still playing for Mitsubishi Motors, Ikoma took on a new role. He became the team's playing manager. This meant he was both a player and the coach.

He managed the club for one season. At the end of 1966, he decided to stop playing and coaching. He retired from his football career.

Tomohiko Ikoma passed away on April 27, 2009, in Kobe. He was 76 years old.