Toshiya Fujita facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | October 4, 1971 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1987–1989 | Shimizu Shogyo High School | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1990–1993 | University of Tsukuba | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1994–2005 | Júbilo Iwata | 336 | (94) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | → Utrecht (loan) | 14 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2008 | Nagoya Grampus | 83 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009–2010 | Roasso Kumamoto | 75 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | JEF United Chiba | 4 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 512 | (107) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–2005 | Japan | 24 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Managerial career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014–2017 | VVV-Venlo (Coach) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Leeds United (Head of Football Development (Asia)) |
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Toshiya Fujita (藤田 俊哉, Fujita Toshiya, born October 4, 1971) is a famous Japanese former footballer. He played as a midfielder, which is a key position in the middle of the field.
Fujita played for several teams during his career. These included Júbilo Iwata, Utrecht, Nagoya Grampus, Roasso Kumamoto, and JEF United Chiba. He won many important titles with Júbilo Iwata. He also played 24 games for the Japan national team between 1995 and 2005.
After he stopped playing, Fujita worked as a coach and in football development. From 2017 to 2018, he was the Head of Football Development (Asia) for the English club Leeds United.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Toshiya Fujita started his football journey in high school and college. He played for Shimizu Commercial High School and University of Tsukuba.
Joining Júbilo Iwata
In 1994, Fujita joined Júbilo Iwata. He was a creative midfielder, meaning he helped set up goals and control the game. He played a big part in making Júbilo Iwata one of the most successful teams in the J1 League.
Fujita was known for being quiet but very effective on the field. He helped his team move the ball from defense to attack. In 1999, his hard work was recognized. He became the team captain and won the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Playing in Europe
In 2003, Fujita went to play for FC Utrecht in the Netherlands. This was a loan, meaning he played for them for a short time. After his loan ended, he returned to Júbilo Iwata in Japan.
Later Club Teams
After returning to Júbilo Iwata, Fujita's playing time became less. In June 2005, he moved to Nagoya Grampus. He played there until 2008.
From 2009, he played for J2 League clubs. He played for Roasso Kumamoto from 2009 to 2010. Then, in 2011, he played for JEF United Chiba. Fujita announced his retirement from playing football in June 2012.
International Matches for Japan
Toshiya Fujita played for the Japan national team. His first game was on February 15, 1995, against Australia.
Major Tournaments
In June 1999, he was called up to the national team again. He played in the 1999 Copa America tournament. In 2001, he was part of the Japan team for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Japan finished in second place in that tournament.
In October 2003, he was selected for the national team by manager Zico. In 2004, he played in the qualification games for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was also part of the team that won the 2004 Asian Cup. Japan won this title two times in a row. Fujita played 24 games for Japan and scored 3 goals before 2005.
Life After Playing Football
After retiring as a player, Toshiya Fujita continued to be involved in football.
Leading Footballers' Association
Fujita was the chairman of the Japan Pro-Footballers Association (JPFA) for five years. He helped turn this organization into a trade union in 2011. This union helps protect the rights of all Japanese footballers.
Coaching and Development Roles
In 2014, Fujita joined the coaching staff of the Dutch team VVV-Venlo.
On July 21, 2017, he left VVV-Venlo to join the English club Leeds United. He became their Head of Football Development (Asia). In this role, he helped find and develop football talent from Asia. In January 2018, Leeds signed their first Japanese player, Yosuke Ideguchi. In late 2018, Fujita left Leeds United. He then became the head of international relations for the Japanese Football Federation.
Achievements and Awards
Toshiya Fujita won many awards and titles during his career.
Team Honors
- Júbilo Iwata
- J1 League: 1997, 1999, 2002
- J.League Cup: 1998
- Japanese Super Cup: 2000, 2003, 2004
- Asian Club Championship: 1998–99
- Asian Super Cup: 1999
- Japan National Team
- FIFA Confederations Cup: Runner-up in 2001
- AFC Asian Cup: Winner in 2004
Individual Awards
- J.League Most Valuable Player: 2001
- J.League Best XI: 1998, 2001, 2002
- Japanese Footballer of the Year: 2002
See also
In Spanish: Toshiya Fujita para niños
