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Ayumu Matsumoto

Ayumu Matsumoto is a Japanese professional football midfielder known for his technical and strategic play, who debuted with Gamba Osaka U-23 in 2016 and joined FC Gifu in 2021.

1. Early Life and Career Development

Ayumu Matsumoto, born on April 28, 1998, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, began his football journey within the structured environment of Japanese youth academies, progressing through university football before turning professional.

1.1. Youth Career

Matsumoto spent his formative years in the renowned Gamba Osaka academy system. From 2011 to 2013, he was part of the Gamba Osaka Jr. Youth team. He then advanced to the Gamba Osaka Youth team, playing there from 2014 to 2016. During his time with the youth team, Gamba Osaka Youth notably won the Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Football Premier League WEST in 2015, a significant achievement for his team. In March 2016, along with ten teammates from the youth squad, Matsumoto was registered as a Type 2 player for the Gamba Osaka senior team, allowing him to play in official J.League matches while still being part of the youth system.

1.2. University Career

After graduating from high school, Matsumoto did not immediately join a professional top team. Instead, he chose to pursue a university education while continuing his football development at Kansai University's Sports Association Football Club from 2017 to 2020. During his university years, he played alongside notable contemporaries such as Shin Koyama and Kazuma Nagai. His time at Kansai University was crucial for his development before his professional career.

2. Professional Club Career

Ayumu Matsumoto's professional career officially began in 2016 with Gamba Osaka U-23 before he moved on to establish himself as a key player for FC Gifu. Standing at 70 in (179 cm) tall and weighing 150 lb (68 kg), he primarily plays as a midfielder, utilizing his right dominant foot.

2.1. Gamba Osaka U-23

Matsumoto made his professional debut in the J3 League on April 3, 2016, for Gamba Osaka U-23 in a match against Kataller Toyama. This marked his first appearance in a J.League competition.

Despite his debut with the U-23 team, he did not secure a promotion to the Gamba Osaka senior team.

2.2. FC Gifu

On January 9, 2021, it was announced that Ayumu Matsumoto would join FC Gifu for the 2021 season. He made his professional debut for FC Gifu on March 21, 2021, in a J3 League match against Fujieda MYFC. His first goal in the J.League came on October 23, 2022, during the 30th matchday of the J3 League season, in a game against Azul Claro Numazu held at the Gifu Memorial Center Nagaragawa Stadium. He wears jersey number 19 for FC Gifu.

3. Club Statistics

The table below details Ayumu Matsumoto's club appearances and goals in various competitions as of November 24, 2024.

YearClubLeagueAppearancesGoalsLeague CupAppearancesGoalsEmperor's CupAppearancesGoalsTotal AppearancesTotal Goals
2016Gamba Osaka U-23J320-0020
2021FC GifuJ360-0060
2022J381-1091
2023J3260-20280
2024J32221020252
J3 League Total6431050703


Other official matches:

  • 2023: Gifu Prefectural Football Championship: 1 appearance, 1 goal.
  • In 2016, he was a Type 2 player.
  • First J.League appearance: April 3, 2016, J3 Matchday 3 vs. Kataller Toyama (at Toyama Athletic Recreation Park Stadium).
  • First J.League goal: October 23, 2022, J3 Matchday 30 vs. Azul Claro Numazu (at Gifu Memorial Center Nagaragawa Stadium).

4. Honours

Ayumu Matsumoto has achieved several titles with his clubs throughout his career.

;Gamba Osaka Youth

  • Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Football Premier League WEST: 2015

;FC Gifu

  • Gifu Prefectural Football Championship: 2021, 2022, 2023

5. See Also

  • List of FC Gifu players
  • List of Gamba Osaka players#Academy graduates