Masahiro Hamazaki

1.1. Birth and Family

Masahiro Hamazaki was born on March 14, 1940, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He was the son of Masao Hamazaki, who served as a permanent director for both the Kansai Football Association and the Osaka Football Association, indicating a strong family connection to the sport. Hamazaki stood at 70 in ^{(178 cm)} and weighed 150 lb ^{(68 kg)} during his playing career.

1.2. Education

Hamazaki attended Osaka Prefectural Katsuyama High School before enrolling at Meiji University. He was part of the university's football club from 1959 to 1962, where he honed his skills as a goalkeeper before embarking on his professional career.

2.1. Club Career

After graduating from Meiji University, Masahiro Hamazaki joined Yawata Steel, a prominent club that later became known as Nippon Steel. He was an integral part of the team that secured the 1964 Emperor's Cup, a significant achievement in Japanese club football. In 1965, Yawata Steel became one of the inaugural members of the newly established Japan Soccer League. Hamazaki played for the club until his retirement in 1972, having made a total of 100 appearances in the league. He was known for his agile movements and accurate kicks as a goalkeeper.

2.2. National Team Career

Masahiro Hamazaki made his debut for the Japan national football team during a European tour on September 9, 1960, in a match against FC Kairat in Alma-Ata. His official international A-match debut came on December 16, 1966, against the Singapore national football team during the 1966 Asian Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. He played two international A-matches for Japan in 1966.

In October 1968, Hamazaki was selected as part of the Japan squad for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Although he served as the team's reserve goalkeeper behind Kenzo Yokoyama and did not feature in any matches, Japan achieved a historic bronze medal at the tournament. In recognition of their achievement, the 1968 Olympic team, including Hamazaki, was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

3.1. Club Achievements

Hamazaki's primary club achievement was winning the 1964 Emperor's Cup with Yawata Steel. This victory marked a significant milestone for his club, showcasing his contribution as a key player.

3.2. National Team Achievements

His most prominent national team achievement was being a member of the Japan national football team that secured the bronze medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. This was a historic moment for Japanese football. Furthermore, the entire 1968 Olympic team, including Hamazaki, was honored with induction into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing their lasting impact on the sport.

4.1. Club Statistics

Hamazaki played for Yawata Steel (later Nippon Steel) in the Japan Soccer League.

4.2. National Team Statistics

Hamazaki made a total of two international A-match appearances for the Japan national football team, both in 1966. In addition to these A-matches, he participated in 15 other matches for the national team, bringing his total appearances to 17.

The two international A-matches he played were both during the 1966 Asian Games: