1. Early life and youth career
Junto Matsushita, born in Koganei, Tokyo, pursued a path that emphasized both academic excellence and athletic achievement, a concept often referred to as "bumburyodo" in Japan.
1.1. Youth career
Matsushita's early football development took place at Mitsubishi Yowa SC Chofu Jr. Youth from 2004 to 2006. Unable to advance to the youth team, he chose to attend Kokugakuin Kugayama High School (國學院大學久我山中学校・高等学校Kokugakuin Kugayama Chugakko Koto GakkoJapanese) from 2007 to 2009, a school known for its commitment to both sports and academics. During his second year there, he participated in the 87th National High School Soccer Championship.
1.2. University career
Following high school, Matsushita continued his pursuit of "bumburyodo" by enrolling in the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University (慶應義塾大学Keio Gijuku DaigakuJapanese) from 2010 to 2013. He became a member of the Keio University Athletics Association Soccer Club (慶應義塾体育会ソッカー部Keio Gijuku Taiiku-kai Sokkā-buJapanese). His talent was recognized early, leading to his selection for the Kanto University Representative A team in 2011 as a second-year student. He was subsequently chosen for the All-Japan University Representative team in both his third (2012) and fourth (2013) years. In his final year at Keio University, he served as the captain of the soccer team.
2. Club career
Matsushita's professional football career began after his university years, primarily involving two clubs in Japan.
2.1. Matsumoto Yamaga FC
In 2014, Junto Matsushita joined Matsumoto Yamaga FC (松本山雅FCMatsumoto Yamaga EfushiJapanese), marking the beginning of his professional playing career. While officially signed with Matsumoto Yamaga, he did not make any league appearances for the club during his tenure there.
2.2. FC Machida Zelvia (loan)
In September 2014, Matsushita was loaned to FC Machida Zelvia (FC町田ゼルビアEfu Shī Machida ZerubiaJapanese). He made his J.League debut on October 19, 2014, in a J3 League match against Iwate Grulla Morioka (then Grulla Morioka) at Morioka Minami Park Football Stadium. He remained with FC Machida Zelvia on loan through the 2016 season. During his time at Machida Zelvia, he made 5 appearances in the J3 League in 2014, 11 appearances in the J3 League in 2015, and 4 appearances in the J2 League in 2016. He also participated in the Emperor's Cup, playing 3 matches in 2015 and 1 match in 2016. Overall, he played a total of 20 league matches across J3 and J2, along with 4 Emperor's Cup matches, for FC Machida Zelvia.
3. Career statistics
This section details Junto Matsushita's professional career statistics, including his club performance in various league and cup competitions, as well as other official matches.
3.1. Club performance
Club performance | League | Cup | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | Total | ||||||
2014 | Matsumoto | J2 League | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | ||
2014 | Machida | J3 League | 5 | 0 | - | 5 | 0 | ||
2015 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | |||
2016 | J2 League | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
Career total | 20 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
3.2. Other official matches
In addition to his regular league and cup appearances, Junto Matsushita also participated in other official matches:
- 2015**
- J2・J3 Play-offs (J2/J3入れ替え戦): 2 appearances, 0 goals
- Tokyo Soccer Tournament (東京都サッカートーナメント): 2 appearances, 0 goals
4. Representative history
During his university years, Junto Matsushita was selected for several regional and national representative teams, showcasing his talent at a higher level than club play.
- Kanto University Representative A (2011 Denso Challenge Cup)
- All-Japan University Representative (2012, 2013)
5. Retirement
Junto Matsushita announced his retirement from professional football on November 10, 2016. This decision marked the conclusion of his career at the end of the 2016 season.