Daiki Watari

1.1. Youth and School Career

Watari followed in the footsteps of his idol, Masato Morishige, by enrolling in Hiroshima Minami High School. During his second year, he distinguished himself by earning the coveted number 10 jersey and playing as an attacking midfielder. He participated in the 89th National High School Soccer Championship, where his team was eliminated in the second round by Aomori Yamada High School. In the summer of 2011, during his third year of high school, Watari began training with Giravanz Kitakyushu. His strong, powerful dribbling immediately impressed the club's management, leading to a high evaluation of his potential.

2.1. Giravanz Kitakyushu

Watari officially joined Giravanz Kitakyushu in 2012. He made his professional debut in the J.League on March 11, 2012, in the second match of the J2 season against Fagiano Okayama. Just nine days later, on March 20, 2012, he scored his first J-League goal in the fourth match of the J2 season against Mito HollyHock. His early performance led to his selection for the U-19 Japan national team for the AFC U-22 Championship 2013 Qualifiers, making him the first player from Giravanz Kitakyushu (including its predecessors) to be called up for a national team. He remained with Giravanz Kitakyushu until the end of the 2015 season, accumulating 130 league appearances and 24 goals.

2.2. Tokushima Vortis (First Stint)

In 2016, Watari made a permanent transfer to Tokushima Vortis. In his debut season with the club, he set a new personal record by scoring 12 league goals. His performance further improved in 2017, where he played in every league match and started all but two games. He scored an impressive 14 goals in the first half of the season, ultimately finishing with 23 goals, ranking second in the J2 League and as the top Japanese scorer. He became only the second Japanese player since the 2012 J2 League expansion to 22 teams and 42 matches to score 20 or more goals in a season, following Masashi Oguro in 2014.

2.3. Sanfrecce Hiroshima

In 2018, Watari transferred permanently to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, a club based in his home prefecture. However, his first season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just one league goal. In 2019, his second season with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, he started the opening match due to the fitness issues of other key players, including Patrick. He found success in the AFC Champions League, scoring goals against Melbourne Victory FC and Daegu FC. Notably, in the J1 League's 7th match against Vissel Kobe, he scored two impressive volleys, contributing significantly to his team's comeback victory. Despite these highlights, he struggled to secure a regular starting position and ended the league season with three goals.

2.4. Oita Trinita

Watari moved to Oita Trinita on a permanent transfer for the 2020 season. He played in 23 league matches during his tenure with the club, scoring two goals.

2.5. Avispa Fukuoka

For the 2021 season, Watari made another permanent transfer, joining Avispa Fukuoka. He remained with the club for two seasons, continuing through the 2022 season. During his time at Avispa Fukuoka, he made 37 league appearances and scored three goals.

2.6. Tokushima Vortis (Second Stint)

In 2023, Watari returned to Tokushima Vortis on a permanent transfer, marking his comeback to the club after six seasons. In May 2024, he was appointed vice-captain of the team, taking over from Riogo Gen.

4.1. Club Statistics

4.2. Career Milestones

• J.League debut: March 11, 2012, against Fagiano Okayama at Kitakyushu Municipal Honjo Athletic Stadium (J2 League, 2nd match).
• J.League first goal: March 20, 2012, against Mito HollyHock at Kitakyushu Municipal Honjo Athletic Stadium (J2 League, 4th match).