1. Overview
Kohei Shimizu (清水 航平Shimizu KōheiJapanese, born April 30, 1989) is a former Japanese professional footballer who primarily played as a winger, but also as a midfielder and forward. Born in Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan, Shimizu began his professional career with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2008, where he would spend the majority of his career across multiple tenures. He also had stints with Shimizu S-Pulse and Ventforet Kofu before concluding his playing days back at Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2021. Throughout his career, he was known for his versatility and offensive contributions, playing a role in several of Sanfrecce Hiroshima's successful campaigns.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Kohei Shimizu was born on April 30, 1989, in Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan. During his formative years, he attended Munakata City Chuo Junior High School and Tokai University Fifth High School, from which he graduated. Shimizu showcased significant footballing talent from an early age, establishing himself as a highly effective forward. In 2006, he achieved the distinction of being the top scorer at the Inter-High School Championship, a prominent national high school football tournament in Japan. His prolific scoring continued into 2007, when he netted seven goals in just four matches during the Prince Takamado Cup U-18 Football League, finishing as the tournament's second-highest scorer.
3. Club Career
Kohei Shimizu's professional club career spanned from 2008 to 2021, predominantly with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, though it included significant loan spells and transfers to other Japanese clubs.
3.1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Shimizu signed his first professional contract with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2008. His official debut in an official match occurred on October 25, 2008, during a J2 League fixture against Sagan Tosu. Entering the game as a substitute, he notably scored his first professional goal just four minutes after his introduction, assisted by Hisato Sato. This achievement made him only the fourth player in Sanfrecce Hiroshima's history to score on his debut. In his early years, Shimizu consistently delivered strong performances in the J. League Satellite League, demonstrating his scoring ability and versatility in various offensive roles, including as an attacking midfielder and an outside midfielder. Despite this, his appearances for the first team in competitive matches remained relatively limited in the seasons immediately following his debut.
A significant turning point in Shimizu's career arrived in 2012 with the appointment of Hajime Moriyasu as manager, under whom Shimizu had previously received guidance in the youth setup. In June of that year, an injury to teammate Satoshi Yamagishi provided an opportunity for Shimizu to step into the regular left outside midfielder position. He rapidly developed in this role, proving to be so effective that he retained his starting spot even after Yamagishi's return from injury. During this period, Shimizu became an integral part of Sanfrecce Hiroshima's squad, contributing to multiple J1 League championships and establishing himself as a key player in the club's successful era. In 2016, following Yamagishi's departure, Shimizu's jersey number was changed from "27" to "16."
3.2. Loan Spells and Transfers
In the latter part of his career, Kohei Shimizu underwent several strategic loan moves and transfers. On August 14, 2017, he was transferred on a loan deal to Shimizu S-Pulse. This temporary move was subsequently converted into a permanent transfer in April 2018. However, his tenure at Shimizu S-Pulse as a permanent player was brief. In July 2018, he was once again moved, this time on a loan to Ventforet Kofu for the remainder of that season, signaling a period of fluctuating club affiliations.
3.3. Return to Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Final Years
For the 2019 season, Kohei Shimizu made a significant return to Sanfrecce Hiroshima on a loan deal from Shimizu S-Pulse. This loan arrangement was later formalized into a permanent transfer after the conclusion of the 2019 season. Upon his return, Shimizu showed renewed vigor, making 14 appearances in the league during 2019. However, his playing time saw a drastic reduction in the subsequent seasons, with only 3 league appearances in 2020 and a mere 1 league appearance in 2021. During these final years, he primarily featured in cup competitions. At the end of the 2021 season, his contract with Sanfrecce Hiroshima expired, marking his departure from the club.
4. National Team Career
Kohei Shimizu represented Japan at various youth international levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage. He was a member of the U-16 Japan national team in 2005. His progression continued as he joined the U-18 Japan national team in 2007. Later, he also played for the U-21 Japan national team in 2010, further demonstrating his status as a promising young talent in Japanese football.
5. Playing Style and Position
Kohei Shimizu's primary playing positions evolved throughout his career, originally excelling as a forward before transitioning into a midfielder role, predominantly as a winger. In his pre-professional years, he was recognized for his excellent positioning and keen goal-scoring instincts as a forward. His attacking prowess was notable enough that Osamu Adachi, a respected figure in Japanese football, once characterized Shimizu as a player who combined the attributes of prolific forwards Tatsuya Tanaka and Hisato Sato. As his professional career progressed, he adapted to primarily play as a left outside midfielder, utilizing his speed and crossing ability. Shimizu is right-footed, which influenced his preferred attacking avenues from the flanks.
6. Career Statistics
Kohei Shimizu's career statistics provide a detailed overview of his appearances and goals across various club and international competitions.
6.1. Club Statistics
His performance in domestic league, cup, and league cup competitions with his affiliated clubs are detailed below.
| Club | Season | League | Emperor's Cup | J. League Cup | AFC Champions League | Other Official Competitions | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2008 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | |||
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2010 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 8 | 0 | ||
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2012 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | - | - | 30 | 5 | |||
| 2013 | 19 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 32 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 21 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 16 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 2 | - | 5 | 0 | 32 | 4 | ||
| 2016 | 31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | - | 18 | 0 | |||
| Shimizu S-Pulse | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 9 | 0 | ||||
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | |||
| Ventforet Kofu | 2018 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 9 | 0 | |||
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2019 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | - | 24 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | 4 | 0 | ||||
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 4 | 0 | |||
| Career Total | 168 | 7 | 22 | 1 | 30 | 3 | 20 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 250 | 12 | |
6.2. Other Official Competitions
Kohei Shimizu also participated in several other official domestic competitions beyond the standard league and cup formats. These include:
- 2013: Japanese Super Cup - 1 appearance, 0 goals
- 2014: Japanese Super Cup - 1 appearance, 0 goals
- 2015: J. League Championship - 2 appearances, 0 goals
6.3. International Club Competitions
His appearances in international club competitions represent his participation on a broader stage.
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2010 | 3 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 8 | 0 | |
| Total | 23 | 1 | |
7. Honours
Kohei Shimizu garnered several club titles and individual recognitions throughout his career, reflecting his contributions to team success and personal achievements.
7.1. Club Honours
With Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Shimizu played a part in winning major domestic titles:
- J1 League: 2012, 2013, 2015
- J2 League: 2008
- Japanese Super Cup: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016
7.2. Individual Honours
- Inter-High School Championship Top Scorer: 2006
8. Personal Life
Kohei Shimizu is married to Shiori Ino, a well-known Japanese talento (a type of celebrity often appearing in media).
9. Retirement
On June 22, 2023, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Kohei Shimizu's long-time club, officially announced his decision to retire from professional football, concluding his career as a player.