Japanese footballerMidfielderJ.League playerCerezo Osaka player

Daiki Kogure

Daiki Kogure is a Japanese footballer, born 1994, who plays as a midfielder or defender for Iwate Grulla Morioka and has represented Japan at youth international levels.

1. Overview

Autograph of Daiki Kogure from 2019
Autograph of Daiki Kogure from 2019

Daiki Kogure is a Japanese footballer who primarily plays as a midfielder or defender, often deployed as a full-back. Born on May 17, 1994, in Ryūgasaki, Ibaraki, he is known for his ability to make runs behind defenders and his strong dribbling skills. Kogure began his professional career with Cerezo Osaka in 2013 and has since played for several J.League clubs, including Tokushima Vortis, Ehime FC, and Blaublitz Akita, before joining Iwate Grulla Morioka in 2024. He has also represented Japan at the youth international level, participating in the U-19 and U-20 national teams.

2. Early Life and Youth Career

Daiki Kogure's early life was marked by his burgeoning interest in football, which he pursued through various youth development programs, ultimately leading to his professional career.

2.1. Birth and Youth Football

Daiki Kogure was born on May 17, 1994, in Ryūgasaki, Ibaraki, specifically in the Minami-gaoka district. His foundational football training began at Pal Chida FC Ryūgasaki. He later progressed to the Cerezo Osaka U-18 team, where he played from 2010 to 2012 while attending Seimei Gakuin High School. His time in the Cerezo Osaka youth system was crucial in his development, preparing him for the demands of professional football.

2.2. Professional Debut

In 2013, Daiki Kogure was promoted to the senior team of Cerezo Osaka, alongside fellow youth prospects Daichi Akiyama, Takeru Okada, and Takumi Minamino. After joining the top team, Kogure frequently played as a full-back. He made his official J.League debut on August 3, 2013, in a J1 League match against Ventforet Kofu at Nagai Stadium. Notably, he had already made his first appearance for the top team the week prior in a friendly match against Manchester United FC. His early professional career also saw him selected as a defender for the U-19 Japan national team, showcasing his versatility and defensive capabilities.

3. Club Career

Daiki Kogure has had a dynamic club career, moving between various J.League teams and adapting to different roles while contributing to each club's performance.

3.1. Cerezo Osaka and Tokushima Vortis (2013-2014)

Kogure began his professional career with Cerezo Osaka in 2013, where he made his first professional appearances. In 2014, he was sent on a loan to Tokushima Vortis to gain more playing experience. During his tenure with Tokushima, Kogure scored his first professional goal on April 16, 2014, in a J.League Cup (then Nabisco Cup) match against Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium 2002. This notable goal was a result of a solo dribble, demonstrating his offensive capabilities.

3.2. Return to Cerezo Osaka and J3 League Activities (2015-2016)

After his loan spell, Kogure returned to Cerezo Osaka for the 2015 season. Although he continued to be part of the senior squad, his playtime varied. In 2016, he was actively involved with the Cerezo Osaka U-23 team, which competed in the J3 League. This period allowed him to maintain match fitness and further develop his skills in a competitive environment.

3.3. Ehime FC (2017-2021)

On December 27, 2016, Daiki Kogure made a permanent transfer to Ehime FC. He became a regular fixture in the team during his five-year spell. In the 2017 season, he scored a goal in the J2 League's 34th round match against Yokohama FC; however, Ehime FC ultimately lost that game. Throughout his time at Ehime FC, Kogure's role within the team evolved, and he consistently contributed to their campaigns in the J2 League.

3.4. Blaublitz Akita (2022-2023)

Kogure transferred to Blaublitz Akita on December 23, 2021, ahead of the 2022 season. He quickly made an impact, scoring in the J2 League's 15th round match against Yokohama FC, a game which Blaublitz Akita won. He scored again in the 29th round against Zweigen Kanazawa, netting the opening goal that helped end the team's 13-game winless streak. Furthermore, Kogure demonstrated his scoring prowess in the 102nd Emperor's Cup, scoring a goal against Tokyo Verdy just one minute into the match. His contract with Blaublitz Akita concluded on November 13, 2023.

3.5. Iwate Grulla Morioka (2024-present)

Following the conclusion of his contract with Blaublitz Akita, Daiki Kogure transferred to Iwate Grulla Morioka in 2024, with the move officially announced on December 17, 2023. He currently plays for the club, contributing to their efforts in the J.League.

4. National Team Career

Daiki Kogure has represented Japan at various youth levels, demonstrating his potential and contributing to the national setup early in his career. He was a member of the U-19 Japan national team and participated in the 2013 Alcúdia International Youth Football Tournament. He also played for the U-20 Japan national team, showcasing his talent in international youth competitions.

5. Playing Style and Characteristics

Daiki Kogure is a versatile player primarily operating as a midfielder or a defender, often deployed in the full-back position. Standing 69 in (174 cm) tall and weighing 150 lb (68 kg), he is right-footed. His key strengths include his excellent off-the-ball movement, which allows him to find spaces and make runs behind opposing defenders. He also possesses strong dribbling skills, enabling him to break through defensive lines and create attacking opportunities for his team. These attributes make him a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive phases of play.

6. Personal Life and Trivia

Outside of his football career, Daiki Kogure, who is sometimes known by his nickname "Gure," has shared some insights into his personal preferences and philosophies. His favorite food is yakiniku, a popular Japanese dish of grilled meat. He lives by the motto 日々努力Hibi DoryokuJapanese, which translates to "Daily Effort" or "Effort every day," reflecting his dedication and continuous pursuit of improvement in his professional and personal life.

7. Club Statistics

The following table summarizes Daiki Kogure's professional club career statistics as of February 10, 2025.

Club performanceLeagueCupLeague CupTotal
SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ. League CupTotal
2013Cerezo OsakaJ1 League30002050
2014Tokushima VortisJ1 League1304120191
2015Cerezo OsakaJ2 League301040
2016Cerezo OsakaJ2 League000000
Cerezo Osaka U-23J3 League270270
2017Ehime FCJ2 League32120341
2018J2 League37010380
2019J2 League301040
2020J2 League220220
2021J2 League30010310
2022Blaublitz AkitaJ2 League29211303
2023J2 League15010160
2024Iwate Grulla MoriokaJ3 League2301020260
Career total2343611412565