1. Overview
Nao Eguchi is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Kamatamare Sanuki in the J3 League. Born on March 22, 1992, in Yao, Osaka, Eguchi is known for his accurate kicking ability, which has earned him the nickname "Sniper." Throughout his career, he has played for Ehime FC and Blaublitz Akita before joining his current club in 2023. His notable achievements include winning two J3 League titles with Blaublitz Akita and receiving a J3 Monthly MVP award for his outstanding performance, including a remarkable long-range goal.
2. Personal Information
2.1. Birthplace and Background
Nao Eguchi was born on March 22, 1992, in Yao, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He is affectionately known by the nicknames "Sniper" and "Egu" among fans and teammates, primarily due to his precise kicking skills on the field.
2.2. Physical Attributes
Eguchi stands at 67 in (170 cm) and weighs 150 lb (68 kg). His preferred foot is his right foot, which he utilizes for his powerful and accurate kicks.
3. Youth Career
3.1. Youth Clubs and Education
Eguchi began his football journey at a young age, starting to play soccer in the first grade at Yao Kyuhoji JSC, located in his hometown. During his middle school years, he joined Takada FC, where he played alongside future professional footballer Hiroshi Futami. With Takada FC, Eguchi reached the best eight in the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15) tournament, showcasing his early talent.
For his high school education, Eguchi attended Osaka Toin High School, inspired by his senior from Takada FC, Hirotoshi Abe. In his third year of high school, he participated in the National High School Comprehensive Athletic Meet Soccer Competition and helped his team reach the best 16 in the Prince Takamado Cup All Japan Youth (U-18) Football Championship. Following high school, he enrolled at Osaka Sangyo University, whose practice grounds were conveniently located next to Osaka Toin High School. During his second and third years at the university, Eguchi was selected for the Kansai Student Selection team, participating in the Kansai Step-up League. In his fourth year, he took on leadership roles, serving as both vice-captain and game captain. His proficiency in free kicks became particularly evident during this period, with six out of his seven goals in the Kansai Student Soccer League season coming directly from free kicks, highlighting his confidence and skill in this area.
4. Professional Career
Nao Eguchi's professional football career commenced in 2014, and he has since played for three different clubs in Japan, contributing significantly to each team.
4.1. Career at Ehime FC
Eguchi began his professional career by joining Ehime FC in 2014. He spent three seasons with the club, playing in the J2 League until the end of the 2016 season. His J. League debut occurred on September 6, 2014, in a J2 League match against Tochigi SC at Tochigi Green Stadium.
4.2. Career at Blaublitz Akita
In 2017, Eguchi made a complete transfer to Blaublitz Akita, where he would spend six impactful years. During his tenure with Blaublitz Akita, the club achieved significant success, winning the J3 League title twice, in 2017 and again in 2020. Eguchi played a crucial role in these championships, demonstrating his value to the team. His first J. League goal came on November 11, 2018, in a J3 League match against Giravanz Kitakyushu at Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu. In October 2020, his accurate kicking ability was particularly recognized when he scored a remarkable goal from approximately 197 ft (60 m) against FC Gifu. This outstanding performance, among others, led to his selection as the J3 Monthly MVP for October 2020. After six seasons with Blaublitz Akita, his contract expired, and his departure from the club was announced on October 31, 2022.
4.3. Career at Kamatamare Sanuki
Following his departure from Blaublitz Akita, Nao Eguchi officially transferred to the J3 League club Kamatamare Sanuki on December 21, 2022, ahead of the 2023 season. He currently plays as a midfielder for Kamatamare Sanuki, wearing the number 7 jersey. His time with the club has been marked by continued contributions, though he sustained a significant injury on October 9, 2024. Kamatamare Sanuki announced that Eguchi suffered a first Lisfranc joint dislocation fracture and would undergo surgery. His expected return to play is projected for April 2025.
5. Career Statistics
5.1. Club Statistics
| Club performance | League | Cup | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | Total | |||||
| 2014 | Ehime FC | J2 League | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2017 | Blaublitz Akita | J3 League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 2 | ||
| 2020 | 33 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 35 | 7 | ||
| 2021 | J2 League | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
| 2023 | Kamatamare Sanuki | J3 League | 35 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 2 |
| 2024 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 3 | ||
| Career total | 180 | 15 | 11 | 1 | 191 | 16 | ||
5.2. Career Totals
As of the end of the 2024 season, Nao Eguchi has made a total of 191 professional appearances, scoring 16 goals across all competitions. This includes 180 appearances and 15 goals in league matches (J2 and J3 League) and 11 appearances with 1 goal in the Emperor's Cup.
6. Honours and Awards
Nao Eguchi has received both team and individual accolades throughout his professional career, highlighting his success and recognized talent in Japanese football.
6.1. Team Honours
- J3 League
- Winners: 2017, 2020 (with Blaublitz Akita)
6.2. Individual Awards
- J3 Monthly MVP
- October 2020 (while playing for Blaublitz Akita)
7. Playing Style and Characteristics
Nao Eguchi is primarily known for his exceptional kicking ability, which is considered his main weapon on the field. His accuracy and precision in striking the ball have earned him a reputation for delivering well-placed passes and dangerous shots, including long-range efforts and direct free kicks. This skill was particularly highlighted during his university career, where a significant portion of his goals were scored directly from free kicks, and later in his professional career, exemplified by his 197 ft (60 m) goal. He plays predominantly as a midfielder.
8. Injuries and Recovery
On October 9, 2024, it was announced by his current club, Kamatamare Sanuki, that Nao Eguchi had sustained a significant injury: a first Lisfranc joint dislocation fracture. He is expected to undergo surgery for this injury. The club's announcement indicated an estimated recovery period, with his anticipated return to play set for April 2025.
9. Evaluation and Impact
Nao Eguchi has proven to be a valuable asset to the teams he has represented, particularly during his tenure at Blaublitz Akita, where he played a pivotal role in securing two J3 League titles. His consistent performance, combined with his distinctive accurate kicking ability, has made him a notable midfielder in the J.League. His individual recognition as J3 Monthly MVP further underscores his impact and contributions on the field. Despite setbacks due to injuries, Eguchi's career reflects a dedication to his craft and a consistent display of his specialized skill set, contributing to his teams' successes and offering exciting moments to fans with his precise playmaking and scoring prowess.