Daiki Higuchi

1. Overview

Daiki Higuchi (樋口 大輝_{Higuchi Daiki}^Japanese), born on April 8, 1984, in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Japan, is a retired Japanese football player and a current football manager and coach. Primarily a defender during his playing days, Higuchi embarked on a professional career that spanned both his native Japan and Thailand. After concluding his playing career in 2018, he transitioned into coaching and managerial roles, primarily within the Thai football league system. His career highlights include achieving promotion from the third tier to the first tier of Thai football with Thai Honda F.C. and winning the Thai Division 1 League championship in 2016. Higuchi is also recognized for his social contributions, particularly through the "Peace Ball Action Thailand" initiative, which leverages football for community development.

2. Early Life and Youth Career

Daiki Higuchi was born on April 8, 1984, in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Japan. His early football development took place through the Japanese youth system. From 2000 to 2002, he attended Kumamoto Prefectural Kamoto High School, where he began to establish himself as a promising player. Following high school, Higuchi continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Fukuoka University from 2003 to 2006. During his university years, he was recognized as a leading side player in Kyushu student football, being selected for both the Kyushu Youth Selection and Kyushu University Selection teams, showcasing his talent and dedication before turning professional.

3. Playing Career

Daiki Higuchi's professional playing career was marked by his tenures in both Japanese and Thai football leagues, where he primarily played as a defender. He was known for his versatility, often playing as a full-back (SB).

4. Managerial Career

Following his retirement as a player, Daiki Higuchi transitioned into football management and coaching, primarily working in Thailand.

5. Honours

During his playing career, Daiki Higuchi achieved significant club honours, particularly during his time in Thailand.

• Thai Honda FC**
  • Thai Division 1 League Champion: 2016

6. Career Statistics

Daiki Higuchi's professional playing career statistics are detailed below, primarily covering his time in Japan's JFL. Statistics for his time in Thailand are less comprehensively recorded in available sources.

7. Social Contribution

Beyond his professional football career, Daiki Higuchi is actively involved in social contribution initiatives through sports. In 2014, he established the "Peace Ball Action Thailand" project. This initiative leverages football as a tool for community benefit and social impact, particularly focusing on bringing joy and opportunities to underprivileged children. As part of this program, Higuchi has organized events such as a "World Cup" for refugee children and those from mountain ethnic groups in Mae Sot, Thailand. His efforts highlight a commitment to using his platform to promote smiles and positive change through the power of football.

8. Club and Coaching History

This table provides a comprehensive chronological list of all professional clubs and coaching positions Daiki Higuchi has been affiliated with throughout his career.