Japanese footballerJ2 LeagueV-Varen NagasakiDefender

Dai Takeuchi

Dai Takeuchi is a former Japanese professional football defender who played for V-Varen Nagasaki in the J2 League before retiring early in 2016 due to injury.

1. Overview

Dai Takeuchi (武内 大Takeuchi DaiJapanese) is a former Japanese professional football player who primarily played as a defender. Born on May 31, 1992, in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Takeuchi embarked on a promising football career from a young age, representing his country at the youth level before turning professional. He notably played for V-Varen Nagasaki in the J2 League before his early retirement from the sport in 2016 due to injury.

2. Early life and youth career

Dai Takeuchi's journey in football began in his hometown, progressing through local clubs and school teams before making his mark at the national youth level.

2.1. Birth and background

Dai Takeuchi was born on May 31, 1992, in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan. He played as a defender throughout his career. He stands at 71 in (181 cm) tall and weighs 165 lb (75 kg). His preferred foot was his left.

2.2. Youth career

Takeuchi's youth career saw him play for Mitsuoka Kokenkai and Mitsuoka Shonen Soccer Club. During his time at Unzen City Kunimi Junior High School, at the age of 15, he was selected for the U-15 Japan national team and participated in the AFC U-16 Championship 2008 qualifiers.

He then attended Nagasaki Prefectural Kunimi High School, a renowned football powerhouse. In his third year (2010), he served as the team captain and led his team to the 89th National High School Soccer Championship. However, the team was defeated in their opening match.

After graduating from high school, Takeuchi enrolled in Fukuoka University. While studying there, he continued to play football for the Fukuoka University Soccer Club. In April 2014, while still a university student, he was approved as a special designated player for V-Varen Nagasaki. This status allowed him to play in official J.League matches while maintaining his amateur status as a student.

3. Professional career

Dai Takeuchi's professional career centered around his time with V-Varen Nagasaki, where he made his J.League debut before facing an early retirement due to injury.

3.1. V-Varen Nagasaki

As a special designated player, Dai Takeuchi made his J.League debut for V-Varen Nagasaki on July 30, 2014. This match was a J2 League 24th-round fixture against Mito HollyHock, held at K's Denki Stadium Mito. In October 2014, it was officially announced that Takeuchi had signed a provisional contract with V-Varen Nagasaki and would officially join the club for the 2015 season following his graduation from Fukuoka University. He continued to play for the club in the J2 League during the 2015 and early 2016 seasons.

3.2. Retirement

Dai Takeuchi's professional career was cut short due to a serious injury. In May 2016, V-Varen Nagasaki and Takeuchi mutually agreed to terminate his contract, leading to his retirement from professional football.

4. Career statistics

The following table details Dai Takeuchi's club performance throughout his career, including appearances and goals in various leagues and cup competitions.

Club performanceLeagueCupTotal
SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Japan
2011Fukuoka UniversityUniversity League000000
2012University League17000170
2013University League19020210
2014University League19020210
2014V-Varen NagasakiJ2 League300030
2015J2 League800080
2016J2 League000000
Career total (J2 League)11000110
Career total (University League & Emperor's Cup)55040590
Overall career total66040700

5. Honours

Dai Takeuchi achieved several notable honours during his youth and university football career.

5.1. Club

  • Fukuoka University**
    • Kyushu University Soccer Tournament (2011, 2012)
    • Kyushu University Soccer League 1st Division (2012)

5.2. International

  • U-15 Japan national team**
    • Participation in AFC U-16 Championship 2008 qualifiers