Masaki Chugo

1.1. Youth and education

Chugo began his youth football career with Ayamedai FC. From 1995 to 1997, he played for JEF United Ichihara Junior Youth. He then progressed to JEF United Ichihara Youth from 1998 to 2000, during which he attended Tokyo Gakkan Urayasu High School. Following his high school years, he attended Komazawa University from 2001 to 2004, where he was highly regarded as the "University No.1 defensive midfielder" for his exceptional talent in the position.

2.1. Youth career

Chugo's foundational years in football were spent with Ayamedai FC, followed by his time in the youth system of JEF United Ichihara. He played for JEF United Ichihara Junior Youth from 1995 to 1997 and then for JEF United Ichihara Youth from 1998 to 2000. He continued his football development at Komazawa University from 2001 to 2004, where he gained recognition as a top collegiate midfielder.

2.2. Professional career

Chugo embarked on his professional career in 2005, joining Kashima Antlers. In his second season, 2006, he established himself as a regular defensive midfielder under manager Paulo Autuori. He was instrumental in building attacks, demonstrating his ability to lead play across the pitch with accurate long and short passes. Although initially favored by manager Oswaldo de Oliveira who took over in 2007, Chugo's playing time saw a reduction with the return of Mitsuo Ogasawara to the team mid-season. He became the third-choice defensive midfielder, behind Ogasawara and Atsushi Aoki, and was often utilized as a substitute or in an unfamiliar defensive role.

In 2009, seeking more starting opportunities, Chugo moved to JEF United Chiba, his former youth club, on a loan deal. Initially, he struggled to adapt to manager Alex Miller's tactics and received limited playing time. However, following the appointment of Atsuhiko Ejiri as manager, Chugo solidified his position as a regular defensive midfielder. He made a permanent transfer to JEF United Chiba in 2010, but his appearances continued to decrease. In 2011, he was loaned to Cerezo Osaka. While he secured a starting position in the early part of the season, his playing time gradually diminished as the season progressed, partly due to the emergence of Takahiro Ogihara. His loan spell with Cerezo Osaka concluded on December 10, 2011, and his contract with JEF United Chiba also expired.

In 2012, Chugo joined Tokyo Verdy. He remained with the club until 2017, making significant contributions over six seasons. On December 28, 2017, he announced his retirement from professional football, along with his decision to transition into a coaching role within Tokyo Verdy's academy.

2.3. Playing style and position

Masaki Chugo primarily played as a midfielder, with his most notable position being the defensive midfielder (ボランチ_Boranchi^Japanese). He was recognized for his ability to orchestrate attacks from deep positions, utilizing a wide range of accurate long and short passes to distribute the ball across the entire pitch. He was right-footed.

2.4. Player statistics

The following table details Masaki Chugo's club appearances and goals, including his university and professional career.

3.1. Coaching career

From 2018 to 2023, Chugo served in various coaching capacities within the Tokyo Verdy academy. He began as an academy coach in 2018, then became a junior youth coach and youth coach in 2019. From 2020 to 2022, he managed the Tokyo Verdy youth team. In 2023, he returned to a junior youth coaching role.

In 2024, Chugo joined Kashima Antlers as a top team coach.

3.2. Managerial appointment and activities

On October 9, 2024, Masaki Chugo was appointed as the manager of Kashima Antlers' top team, following the dismissal of then-manager Ranko Popović. He took charge for the final six matches of the 2024 season. During his brief tenure, he led the team to an undefeated record of three wins and three draws, concluding the season in fifth place. On December 12, 2024, it was announced that Chugo would return to his role as a top team coach for the 2025 season, with Tatsuru Oniki taking over as the new manager.

3.3. Managerial record

The table below shows Masaki Chugo's managerial record.

• Note: Chugo managed Kashima Antlers from the 34th match of the 2024 season.

4.1. Universiade representation

In 2003, Masaki Chugo was selected to represent Japan at the Universiade football competition.

5.1. Team honours

• J1 League
  • 2007
  • 2008
• Emperor's Cup
  • 2007