Tomoyuki Sakai facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Tomoyuki Sakai | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 29 June 1979 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Misato, Saitama, Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Midfielder | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–1997 | JEF United Ichihara | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1997–2000 | JEF United Ichihara | 92 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001–2003 | Nagoya Grampus Eight | 74 | (5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2007 | Urawa Reds | 50 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2008 | Vissel Kobe | 10 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | Fujieda MYFC | 18 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2011 | Pelita Jaya | 11 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | Persiwa Wamena | 12 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2012 | Persiram Raja Ampat | 33 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | Deltras Sidoarjo | 0 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 300 | (17) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1994–1995 | Japan U-17 | 3 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998–1999 | Japan U-20 | 7 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Japan U-23 | 4 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Japan | 1 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Tomoyuki Sakai (酒井 友之, Sakai Tomoyuki, born 29 June 1979) is a former Japanese football player. He played as a Midfielder and was also part of the Japan national team.
Contents
Tomoyuki Sakai's Club Career Highlights
Tomoyuki Sakai was born in Misato, Japan, on June 29, 1979. He began his professional football journey with JEF United Ichihara in 1997. He had previously played for their youth team.
Playing as a Midfielder
Sakai quickly became an important player for JEF United Ichihara. He often played as a defensive midfielder, helping to protect his team's goal. He stayed with the club until 2000.
In 2001, Sakai moved to Nagoya Grampus Eight. Here, he showed his versatility by playing not only as a defensive midfielder but also as a right midfielder. He played many games for Nagoya Grampus Eight for three seasons.
Success with Urawa Reds
In 2004, Tomoyuki Sakai joined Urawa Reds, a well-known Japanese club. Even though he didn't play in every game, he was part of a very successful team.
During his time at Urawa Reds, the club achieved great things. They finished second in the J1 League in both 2004 and 2005. They also won the prestigious Emperor's Cup twice, in 2005 and 2006. This was a very successful period for Sakai and his team.
Later Club Years
After his time at Urawa Reds, Sakai moved to Vissel Kobe in July 2007. In 2009, he played for Fujieda MYFC.
From 2010, Tomoyuki Sakai played football in Indonesia. He joined several clubs there, including Pelita Jaya, Persiwa Wamena, Persiram Raja Ampat, and Deltras Sidoarjo. He finished his professional playing career in 2013.
Tomoyuki Sakai's National Team Journey
Tomoyuki Sakai represented Japan at various levels, starting from a young age. He showed his talent early on by playing for Japan's youth national teams.
Playing for Japan's Youth Teams
In August 1995, Sakai was chosen for the Japan U-17 national team. He played in all three matches at the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
Later, in April 1999, he was selected for the Japan U-20 national team. He played in all seven matches at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. Japan had a fantastic tournament, finishing in second place.
The 2000 Summer Olympics
In September 2000, Sakai was part of the Japan U-23 national team for the 2000 Summer Olympics. This team had many famous players like Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura.
Sakai played in all four matches during the Olympics. In a quarterfinal match against the United States, the game was tied 2-2. The match went to a penalty shootout, where the United States won.
Debut for Japan's Senior Team
On December 20, 2000, Tomoyuki Sakai made his first appearance for the Japan national team. He played in a match against South Korea. This was a big moment in his career, representing his country at the highest level.
Honors and Awards
Tomoyuki Sakai achieved several honors during his football career, both with his clubs and with the national team.
Club Honors
- Urawa Reds
- J1 League (1): 2006
- Emperor's Cup (2): 2005, 2006
Country Honors
- FIFA World Youth Championship runner-up: 1999
See also
In Spanish: Tomoyuki Sakai para niños
