Keisuke Iwashita

1.1. Youth Career

Iwashita's youth career began with the Ishidani Soccer Sports Youth Team. From 1999 to 2001, he attended Sakurajima Town Junior High School (now Kagoshima City Sakurajima Junior High School). He then continued his football journey at Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School from 2002 to 2004, a period marked by significant achievements in youth tournaments.

He participated in the 2001 Prince Takamado Cup All Japan Youth (U-15) Football Championship. During his time at Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, he made notable appearances in the National High School Soccer Championship, reaching the Best 4 in 2003 and winning the championship in 2002 and 2004. In 2004, he also reached the Best 16 in the National High School Inter-High School Sports Festival, represented the Kagoshima Prefectural selection in the National Sports Festival, and achieved a Best 4 finish in the Prince Takamado Cup All Japan Youth (U-18) Football Championship.

2.1. Shimizu S-Pulse

In 2005, Iwashita officially joined Shimizu S-Pulse, where he spent his initial years adapting to the demands of professional football. His early career saw him utilized in various roles; he debuted as a defensive midfielder in a match against Omiya Ardija on May 1, 2005. His coach at the time, Kenta Hasegawa, recognized his technical skills, particularly his footwork, and his physical presence, allowing him to play not only in his natural position of centre-back but also as a full-back.

His first professional goal came on August 26, 2007, during a J1 League match against Albirex Niigata, where he scored a header from a corner kick. Despite this early highlight, he initially struggled to secure a consistent starting position. However, by 2009, he established himself as a regular starting centre-back for Shimizu S-Pulse, filling the void left by the departure of teammate Kazumichi Takagi. In 2012, while continuing as a regular starter from the season's beginning, his performances lacked consistency, leading to a gradual decrease in his appearances. In August 2012, he was loaned to Gamba Osaka.

2.2. Gamba Osaka

Iwashita's move to Gamba Osaka in August 2012, initially on loan, proved to be a pivotal point in his career. Upon joining, he was temporarily deployed as a right-back to cover for the injured Ryo Kaji; following Kaji's return, Iwashita transitioned back to his preferred centre-back role. Despite his efforts, Gamba Osaka experienced a difficult season and was ultimately relegated to the J2 League.

In 2013, despite receiving offers from several J1 League clubs, Iwashita chose to make his transfer to Gamba Osaka permanent, demonstrating his commitment to the team. The beginning of the 2013 season saw him consistently starting as a centre-back, but his progress was hampered by a right ankle sprain sustained in a J2 League match against Tokyo Verdy. This injury led to repeated relapses, delaying his return to competitive play until the final match of the season against Thespakusatsu Gunma, limiting his league appearances to 17 matches.

The 2014 season marked a remarkable comeback for Iwashita. He successfully regained his starting position and remained a regular throughout the entire season, appearing in 32 league matches (missing only two due to suspension). He played a key role in leading Gamba Osaka's defense, which conceded the second-fewest goals in the league. Under the guidance of manager Kenta Hasegawa, his former mentor from Shimizu S-Pulse, Iwashita was instrumental in Gamba Osaka's historic achievement of winning the J1 League title and completing the domestic treble, which also included the Emperor's Cup and the J. League Cup.

In 2015, Iwashita maintained his starting role during the first half of the season, but chronic right knee pain began to affect his performance. Toward the end of the season, at manager Hasegawa's discretion, he was removed from the squad to focus on injury recovery. He underwent a cleaning surgery on his right knee in December, but his condition did not fully recover. His appearances in 2016 remained limited due to ongoing fitness issues.

2.3. Avispa Fukuoka and Sagan Tosu

In 2017, Keisuke Iwashita joined Avispa Fukuoka, where he spent two seasons playing in the J2 League. During his tenure, he was considered a key player, making 55 appearances and scoring 4 goals.

In March 2019, Iwashita was transferred on loan to Sagan Tosu, a move that came amid a defensive crisis for the J1 League club. Sagan Tosu had suffered three consecutive losses in official matches, including the Levain Cup, conceding eight goals and losing three main defenders. His transfer aimed to stabilize their defense. In 2020, his move to Sagan Tosu was made permanent. However, on November 30, 2020, towards the end of the season, Iwashita announced his retirement from professional football.

5.1. Club Statistics

¹ includes J. League Championship, Japanese Super Cup and Suruga Bank Championship appearances.

5.2. Reserve Team Statistics

Iwashita also made appearances for Gamba Osaka's reserve team.

5.3. International Club Competition Statistics

Iwashita represented Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League.

5.4. Other Official Matches

In addition to league, cup, and international club competitions, Keisuke Iwashita participated in other official matches:

• In 2015, he played 1 match in the Japanese Super Cup.
• In 2015, he played 1 match in the Suruga Bank Championship.

6.1. Club Honours

Gamba Osaka

• J1 League: 2014
• J2 League: 2013
• Emperor's Cup: 2014, 2015
• J. League Cup: 2014
• Japanese Super Cup: 2015

6.2. High School Honours

Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School

• National High School Soccer Championship: 2002, 2004