Profile

In 1992, he joined J-League’s Yokohama Flügels from Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School.
In 1994, he was selected for the U-21 Japan national team aiming for the Atlanta Olympics, and was also scouted by coach Falcão and selected for the A national team. As captain of the Japan U-21 national team, he contributed to the team’s first Olympic appearance in 28 years.

In 1996, at the Atlanta Olympics, he played a key role in the “Miracle of Miami” victory against Brazil, attracting attention not only from soccer fans but also from the general public.
Afterward, he played for Verdy Kawasaki (now Tokyo Verdy 1969), Santos FC and Goiás EC (Brazil), Shonan Bellmare, Tokyo Verdy, Anyang LG Cheetahs and Incheon United (South Korea), and announced his retirement on May 19, 2005.

During the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he covered the events on-site, reporting on a wide range of sports in addition to soccer. Currently, in addition to being a soccer commentator and appearing in the media, he organizes his own ZONO Soccer School for young children to promote the sport. In 2009, he was called up to the Japan beach soccer team led by coach Ramos and made a comeback as an active player. At the World Cup in Dubai, UAE, held in November of the same year, he contributed to the team’s best 8 finish. His pet is a miniature pig.

Affiliated Teams

1989-199

Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School

1992-1996

Yokohama Flügels

199

Verdy Kawasaki (now Tokyo Verdy 1969)

1998

Santos (Brazil: Loan)

1999

Goiás (Brazil: Loan)

2000

Shonan Bellmare

2001-2002

Tokyo Verdy 1969

2003

Anyang LG Cheetahs (South Korea)

2004

Incheon United (South Korea)