JapaneseFootballerMidfielderJ.League

Masahiro Kaneko

Masahiro Kaneko (born 1991) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder or forward and has played for various clubs, winning the J3 League and Japan Football League.

1. Overview

Masahiro Kaneko (金子 昌広Kaneko MasahiroJapanese) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder or forward. Born on February 2, 1991, in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, he has built a professional career spanning over a decade, contributing to multiple clubs across Japan's football leagues. His journey from youth academies and university football to various professional divisions highlights his dedication and adaptability in the sport. He is currently affiliated with KUMAGAYA CITY FC in the Saitama Prefectural Social League Division 1.

2. Early life and youth career

Masahiro Kaneko was born on February 2, 1991, in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. His early football development began at a young age. From 1997 to 2002, he played for Yanase Red Rose Junior, while attending Yanase Elementary School in Tokorozawa. He then progressed to Tokorozawa Junior Youth SC, where he played from 2003 to 2005 during his time at Yanase Junior High School. During his junior high years, Kaneko formed a notable partnership on the left wing with Yusuke Minagawa, who is a distant relative through his maternal grandmother.

For his high school education, Kaneko attended Shochi Fukaya High School from 2006 to 2008. In his third year, he played a crucial role in the school's football club, helping them achieve their first-ever appearance in the National High School General Athletics Meet Soccer Tournament. Following his high school career, Kaneko enrolled at Kokushikan University in 2009, playing for the university's football team until 2012. At Kokushikan University, he distinguished himself as a central figure in the midfield, demonstrating versatility by playing various roles from an attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder. His strong performances led to his selection for the All-Japan University Selection team in 2010, marking a significant recognition of his talent at the collegiate level.

3. Club career

Masahiro Kaneko's professional club career began in 2013 and has seen him play for several clubs across different tiers of Japanese football, from the top-flight J1 League to regional leagues.

3.1. Ventforet Kofu

Kaneko began his professional career with Ventforet Kofu, joining the club in 2013. He made his professional debut in the J. League Division 1 on March 2, 2013, in a match against Vegalta Sendai. Kaneko started the match and played for 67 minutes before being substituted by Akito Kawamoto. The game concluded in a 1-1 draw. During his tenure at Ventforet Kofu, he made 9 league appearances in 2013 and 0 in 2014. In total, he played 15 matches for the club across all competitions, including the Emperor's Cup and J. League Cup. In July 2014, after a season and a half with Ventforet Kofu, he was loaned to Zweigen Kanazawa. This loan was subsequently made permanent in December 2014.

3.2. Zweigen Kanazawa

Kaneko's move to Zweigen Kanazawa began as a loan in July 2014, and he officially completed a permanent transfer to the club in December of the same year. He quickly became an integral part of the team. During his initial loan spell in 2014, he played 11 matches and scored 2 goals in the J3 League. He continued to be a key player for Zweigen Kanazawa, making significant contributions across the J2 League seasons.

His time with Zweigen Kanazawa was marked by consistent appearances and increased goal-scoring contributions in the J2 League. For instance, he made 25 appearances and scored 4 goals in 2016, 27 appearances and 3 goals in 2017, and 20 appearances with 5 goals in 2018. He continued with the club until the end of the 2021 season, when his contract expired. Following his departure from Zweigen Kanazawa, Kaneko participated in the J.League joint tryout held at Fukuda Denshi Arena on December 9, 2021, as he sought a new club.

3.3. Nara Club

In 2022, Masahiro Kaneko joined Nara Club, which at the time competed in the Japan Football League (JFL). He played a significant role in the team, making 25 appearances and scoring 5 goals during the 2022 JFL season. His contributions helped Nara Club achieve success, as they won the JFL title in 2022, securing promotion to the J3 League.

He continued to play for Nara Club in the J3 League during the 2023 season, making 13 appearances. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Kaneko departed Nara Club.

3.4. KUMAGAYA CITY FC

In 2024, Masahiro Kaneko embarked on a new chapter of his career by joining KUMAGAYA CITY FC. This club competes in the Saitama Prefectural Social League Division 1, a regional league in Japan. He continues to play for this team as of his latest career move.

4. International / Representative career

Masahiro Kaneko's representative career includes his selection for the All-Japan University team in 2010. This selection highlighted his talent and potential as a university player, representing a recognition of his skills at a national level.

5. Playing style

Masahiro Kaneko is known for his versatility in the midfield, primarily playing as a midfielder but also capable of playing as a forward. He is right-footed and possesses a stature of 66 in (168 cm) and a weight of 139 lb (63 kg). His playing style involves being a central player in the midfield, capable of operating as an attacking midfielder to orchestrate plays or as a defensive midfielder to break up opposition attacks.

6. Career statistics

Updated to end of 2023 season.

ClubSeasonLeagueEmperor's CupJ. League CupAFCTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Ventforet Kofu2013901050--150
2014000020--20
Zweigen Kanazawa2014 (loan)11200---112
20157000---70
201625421---275
201727321---294
201820510---215
2019344-11--355
2020170----170
2021130-00--130
Nara Club2022255-00--255
2023130-10--140
Career total2012370830021626
  • J.League debut: March 2, 2013, J1 League 1st Round vs Vegalta Sendai at Yurtec Stadium Sendai.
  • First J.League goal: November 8, 2014, J3 League 31st Round vs J.League U-22 Selection at Ishikawa Prefectural Western Green Park Athletics Stadium.

7. Honors

Masahiro Kaneko has achieved several titles and championships with his clubs throughout his career.

  • Zweigen Kanazawa
    • J3 League: 2014
    • Ishikawa Prefectural Soccer Championship: 2014
  • Nara Club
    • Japan Football League: 2022
    • Nara Prefectural Soccer Championship: 2022, 2023