Hiroki Kobayashi

2.1. Initial Club Career

Kobayashi joined the J1 League club Júbilo Iwata in 1996, despite receiving multiple offers, he chose Iwata due to its strong coaching staff and his impressive physique and jumping ability. However, he struggled to secure playing time, as Tomoaki Ogami was firmly established as the starting goalkeeper. Even when Ogami was injured in 1999, Kobayashi could not gain a consistent spot.

In April 2000, in search of more opportunities, he was loaned to Verdy Kawasaki. His time there was also limited, with few appearances, as he played less than Kenji Honnami. In June 2000, he made a permanent move to Consadole Sapporo. He made his J.League debut on November 5, 2000, in a J2 41st-round match against Sagan Tosu. Although he played in the last three matches of the 2000 season, the presence of regular goalkeeper Yohei Sato made it difficult for him to secure a starting role, and he left the club at the end of 2001.

In February 2002, Kobayashi transferred to FC Tokyo. This acquisition aimed to fill a void after Hideaki Ozawa sustained an injury, despite the team's roster having been announced in January. He served as a backup for Yoichi Doi, consistently being on the bench. However, once Ozawa recovered late in the season, Kobayashi's opportunities diminished, leading to his departure after just one year.

2.2. Period at Shonan Bellmare

In 2003, Kobayashi joined Shonan Bellmare in the J2 League. During his tenure, he played a crucial role, demonstrating strong leadership qualities that supported younger players. He gradually established himself as the regular goalkeeper through spirited saves and determination, notably battling Masahito Suzuki for the position. By 2005, he had firmly secured his place as the primary goalkeeper. However, his playing time began to decrease in 2006 with the arrival of new member Tomohiko Ito.

2.3. Time with Roasso Kumamoto and Retirement

In 2007, Kobayashi moved to Rosso Kumamoto, then playing in the Japan Football League. He quickly became the regular goalkeeper, playing every match during the 2007 season and contributing significantly to the club's promotion to the J2 League starting in 2008. After the club's promotion, his opportunities to play decreased. He ultimately decided to retire from professional football at the end of the 2009 season.

2.4. Youth National Team Career

Throughout his youth career, Hiroki Kobayashi was a notable presence in Japan's national team setup. In 1993, he was a candidate for the U-19 Japan National Team. He represented the U-18 Japan National Team in 1995. In 1996, he was part of the U-19 Japan National Team, participating in the 30th Asian Youth Championship Qualifiers and the AFC U-19 Championship. His international youth career culminated in his selection for the U-20 Japan National Team in 1997.

2.5. Club Statistics

3.1. Club Staff and Ambassador

From 2010, Kobayashi transitioned into an off-field role at his former club, Roasso Kumamoto, serving as both an academy staff member and a club ambassador. In these capacities, he engaged in various community-based activities aimed at strengthening the club's ties with the local region. As of 2013, he was specifically part of the club's Sales Department.

3.2. Public Appearances and Media Work

Beyond his official club duties, Kobayashi became known for his public persona, particularly as "DJ Kova" (コヴァ_Kova^Japanese), serving as the stadium DJ for Roasso Kumamoto. He also formed a duo named "BAZOOKA BROTHERS" with the team's mascot, Roasso-kun. His public activities extended beyond football events; on May 22, 2011, he entered and won a tatami throwing competition held at the "Furusato Aikyo Matsuri" in Kagami Town, Yatsushiro City, setting a new tournament record by throwing a tatami mat 41 ft ^{(12.43 m)}. Kobayashi also appeared on television, featuring in episode #69 of BS Nittele's program, "100-nen Ryoko J.League no aru fukei" (100-Year Journey: Scenery with J.League), which focused on "Heading to J1 Promotion - The Masterminds Supporting Roasso Kumamoto."

3.3. Personal Life and Health Management

In his personal life, Hiroki Kobayashi is married to former talent Yu Kinoshita. After his retirement from professional play, he experienced significant weight gain, reaching approximately 287 lb ^{(130 kg)} in 2015. Concerned about his health, he embarked on a diet program with the assistance of the prefectural general health center, successfully losing 66 lb ^{(30 kg)} in six months. However, he later experienced a rebound, with his weight returning to around 271 lb ^{(123 kg)} by 2017.

3.4. Departure from Football Activities

At the end of 2017, Hiroki Kobayashi resigned from Roasso Kumamoto, a decision that also led to his stepping down from his role as Stadium DJ. Following his departure from the club, he announced his intention to leave all football-related activities and pursue new ventures outside of the sport.