1. Overview
Masaru Hirayama (平山 大Hirayama MasaruJapanese, born June 3, 1972) is a former Japanese professional football player. Throughout his career, he played as a defender, primarily for Nagoya Grampus Eight and later for Kawasaki Frontale. This article details his early life, educational background, and professional playing career, culminating in his retirement in 1998.
2. Life
2.1. Early Life and Education
Masaru Hirayama was born on June 3, 1972, in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. After completing his high school education, he pursued his academic journey at Chuo University, a prominent private university in Tokyo. His time at the university prepared him for his future career in professional football.
3. Playing Career
Masaru Hirayama's professional football career began in the mid-1990s, where he primarily played as a defender. He joined two notable clubs during his active years before retiring from the sport.
3.1. Club Career
After graduating from Chuo University, Masaru Hirayama commenced his professional career by joining Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1995. During his inaugural season with the club, he played a significant role as a center back, making 16 appearances in the league and scoring one goal. He also participated in one match for the Emperor's Cup. However, his playing time diminished significantly in the subsequent seasons; he did not make any appearances in the 1996 and 1997 seasons for Nagoya Grampus Eight.
In 1997, Hirayama transitioned to Kawasaki Frontale, a club then competing in the Japan Football League, which was the second tier of Japanese professional football at the time. He continued to play for Kawasaki Frontale until the end of the 1998 season, when he ultimately decided to retire from professional football.
4. Club Statistics
The table below details Masaru Hirayama's appearances and goals in various club competitions throughout his professional playing career.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 1995 | Nagoya Grampus Eight | J1 League | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 17 | 1 | |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1997 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | ||
5. External links
- [https://data.j-league.or.jp/SFIX04/?player_id=1056 J. League Data Site Player Profile]