Naoki Ishibashi

1.1. Early Life and Youth Career

Ishibashi was born on May 14, 1981, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Before turning professional, he developed his skills in Argentina, playing for the youth team of Almagro from 1997 to 1999.

1.2. Yokohama FC

In 2000, Ishibashi returned to Japan and began his professional career with Yokohama FC, a club then competing in the Japan Football League (JFL). That same year, Yokohama FC won the JFL championship, earning promotion to the J2 League. Despite the team's success, Ishibashi had limited playing time during his two seasons with the club. He made 4 appearances and scored 2 goals in the 2000 JFL season, but did not feature in any matches during the 2001 J2 League season.

1.3. Sagan Tosu

In 2002, Ishibashi transferred to Sagan Tosu, another club in the J2 League. During his first season with Sagan Tosu, he played as a substitute midfielder, making 14 league appearances and scoring no goals. He also contributed with 3 appearances and 1 goal in the Emperor's Cup. However, his playing opportunities diminished significantly in 2003, where he made only 1 league appearance and 0 cup appearances before departing the club in August of that year.

1.4. ALO's Hokuriku

In August 2003, Ishibashi moved to ALO's Hokuriku, a club in the Japan Football League. This move marked a turning point in his career as he transitioned into a regular starter. He played consistently for the club from 2003 until his retirement at the end of the 2006 season. During his time at ALO's Hokuriku, he made 11 appearances and scored 3 goals in 2003, followed by 28 appearances and 8 goals in 2004. In 2005, he had a particularly productive season, scoring 14 goals in 28 league appearances and adding 3 goals in 4 Emperor's Cup appearances. He concluded his career with 25 appearances and 8 goals in 2006.

2.1. Club Appearances and Goals