Ryoichi Maeda

1.1. Childhood and Education

Maeda was born in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. At the age of one, he moved to the United States, spending six years of his childhood in Los Angeles until he was in the first grade of elementary school. Upon returning to Japan, he attended elementary school in Tokyo from second grade before relocating to Yokohama in third grade, where he attended Doshida Midori Elementary School.

He began playing football influenced by his brother, who was two years his senior, and started seriously pursuing the sport in third grade. After watching the 72nd National High School Football Championship, Maeda decided to attend Gyosei Junior and Senior High School in Tokyo, enrolling in Gyosei Junior High School in 1994. During his junior high years, he was selected for the Tokyo regional team and the National Training Center. In high school, he represented Tokyo in the National Sports Festival, reaching the best eight in his second year alongside one-year younger players like Tatsuya Tanaka from Teikyo High School. Maeda also served as captain of the Gyosei High School team, though they never qualified for the National High School Football Championship, losing in the Tokyo preliminary semi-finals in both his second and third years. He admired Shunsuke Nakamura, who was three years his senior and had excelled in the National High School Championship, and was influenced by Nakamura's footwork and overall playing style. While still a high school student, he was registered as a Verdy Kawasaki player as a Designated Player for Development by the J.League and the JFA, though he did not make any official appearances for the club.

1.2. Youth Club Career

Maeda's early club experiences included playing for Reverse Jr. FC from 1990 to 1993, followed by Gyosei Junior High School from 1994 to 1996, and Gyosei High School from 1997 to 1999. His status as a Designated Player for Development with Verdy Kawasaki in 1999 allowed him to be part of a professional setup while still in high school, an early indication of his potential, though he did not participate in any official matches for Verdy.

2.1. Júbilo Iwata

After graduating from high school in 2000, Maeda made the decision to turn professional despite being recommended for admission to Keio University. He chose to join Júbilo Iwata after receiving offers from 13 J.League clubs and the recommendation of his high school coach.

He initially joined Júbilo Iwata as a midfielder known for his dribbling skills. However, due to the strong depth in Júbilo's midfield and inconsistent positioning (sometimes playing as an attacking midfielder or a second striker), his playing opportunities were limited until 2001. His professional debut occurred on 3 May 2000 in a league match against Kawasaki Frontale. His first official goal came on 28 August 2001 in a J.League Cup game against JEF United Ichihara, and his first J.League goal followed on 1 September 2001 against Shimizu S-Pulse in the second stage of the J1 season.

In June 2002, he suffered a severe right knee injury (lateral meniscus longitudinal tear) during a Yamazaki Nabisco Cup match against Vegalta Sendai, which led to a long-term absence. After recovering from the injury, Maeda was influenced by his teammates, the legendary strikers Masashi Nakayama and Naohiro Takahara, and honed his skills as a forward. In 2003, he stepped in for the injured Masashi Nakayama, becoming a regular starter as part of a two-striker formation and scoring seven league goals through his energetic runs into the box.

From 2005, Maeda consistently achieved double-digit goal tallies in the league for three consecutive years. In 2007, he had a delayed start to the season due to another right knee meniscus injury but showed high-level performance as a central figure in the attack upon his return. On 9 October 2007, his birthday, he got married. In 2008, he again faced a temporary absence due to a recurrence of his meniscus injury but returned mid-season. On 5 October 2008, he scored his first hat-trick in three years against Consadole Sapporo, showcasing his full recovery.

The 2009 season marked a breakthrough for Maeda. He completed his third J1 League hat-trick on 25 October against Nagoya Grampus. He played every league match, completing the full season, and recorded 20 goals without any penalties, earning him the J.League Top Scorer title for the first time. He was also selected for the J.League Best XI. Despite receiving transfer offers from multiple clubs, including Yokohama F. Marinos and Gamba Osaka, he chose to remain with Júbilo Iwata.

In 2010, Maeda signed a two-year contract with Júbilo Iwata. He was offered the number 9 jersey, previously worn by the departing Masashi Nakayama, but politely declined it (the number remained vacant in 2010 and 2011). In the 2010 J.League Cup Final against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, he delivered a standout performance, directly contributing to four goals, including two himself, and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). On 27 November, in a J1 match against Nagoya Grampus, he scored his 100th J1 goal with a header, becoming the ninth player (and fifth Japanese) in J.League history to do so, as well as the youngest. His consistent contributions throughout the year, including active press defense, off-the-ball movements, precise ball control, and deep post-play, led him to score 17 goals. He became the first player in J.League history to win the top scorer title for two consecutive years (sharing the award with Joshua Kennedy of Nagoya), and was again selected for the J.League Best XI.

In 2011, a mid-season injury prevented him from winning a third consecutive top scorer title, but he still scored 14 goals, including six in nine matches after returning. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, he received transfer offers from Yokohama F. Marinos and even West Ham United in the English Second Division. He traveled to England for a medical check and training but was unable to secure a work visa due to strict requirements for foreign players in England, leading to the collapse of the transfer. He ultimately remained with Júbilo Iwata.

In 2012, Maeda adapted to playing as a lone striker, actively engaging in defensive duties and creating space for teammates. Despite a dip in form in the second half of the season and a 10-game goal drought (including one missed match due to injury while on national team duty), he managed to score 13 goals, including a goal and an assist in the final match against Gamba Osaka.

The 2013 season proved challenging, as his synergy with Yuichi Komano and other attacking players declined, severely reducing his scoring opportunities. He failed to reach double-digit goals in J1 for the first time in five years, and Júbilo Iwata was relegated to the J2 League.

Despite renewed interest from Yokohama F. Marinos, negotiations fell through, and Maeda played his first J2 season in 2014, representing Júbilo Iwata. On 5 July, he scored his 150th J.League goal against Kyoto Sanga F.C.. When Hiroshi Nanami took over as coach later in the season, Maeda was appointed game captain. He finished the season as the team's top scorer with 17 goals in 37 appearances, but Júbilo Iwata failed to secure promotion back to J1 after losing in the playoffs. Despite Júbilo Iwata's efforts to retain him, Maeda declined a contract extension due to a significant pay cut and his desire to play in J1, ending his 15-year tenure with the club.

2.2. FC Tokyo

In 2015, Maeda completed a permanent transfer to FC Tokyo. He initially struggled to adapt to his new club and the return to J1 after two years but gradually found his form. In June, he scored two goals against Shimizu S-Pulse, bringing his J1 career goal tally to 140, surpassing Kazuyoshi Miura. In September, he achieved his fourth career hat-trick, and first in six years, against Vissel Kobe, which also marked FC Tokyo's 200th J1 victory. His signature post-play and high work rate made him a key figure in the team's attack.

In May 2016, he scored two crucial goals in an AFC Champions League match against Becamex Binh Duong, securing FC Tokyo's progression to the knockout stage. On 13 August, he scored his 150th J1 goal against Vissel Kobe, becoming only the fifth player in J.League history to reach this milestone. In September, he broke Masashi Nakayama's J.League record for most headed goals, achieving his 45th header goal against Shonan Bellmare. He also recorded the highest aerial duels won rate among Japanese players in J1 that year, consistently contributing through his post-play and impressive running distance.

In 2017, despite making his 400th J1 appearance on 9 August against Omiya Ardija, he struggled to secure a regular starting position and occasionally played for FC Tokyo's U-23 team in the J3 League.

In the 2018 season, he continued to face limited opportunities but managed to score in the final match against Urawa Red Diamonds, extending his streak to 15 consecutive seasons with a league goal. His contract expired at the end of the season, marking the end of his four-year spell with FC Tokyo.

2.3. FC Gifu

On 7 January 2019, Maeda transferred to FC Gifu in the J2 League. He scored his first goal for the club on 5 May against FC Ryukyu. On 14 September, he achieved a significant milestone, making his 500th career J.League appearance (excluding cup matches).

In 2020, FC Gifu was relegated to the J3 League. On 26 December 2020, his contract with FC Gifu expired, and his departure from the club was announced.

3.1. Youth National Teams

Maeda was first selected for the Japan U-18 national team in 1999. In 2000, as part of the Japan U-19 national team, he played a crucial role in securing a runner-up finish at the 2000 AFC Youth Championship. Despite scoring only one goal, his flexible ball control and creativity earned him the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. In 2001, he represented the Japan U-20 national team at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina, though Japan was eliminated in the group stage.

In 2002, he was part of the Japan U-21 national team that finished as runners-up at the 2002 Asian Games. In 2003, with the Japan U-22 national team, he was a runner-up at the Qatar International Youth Tournament and participated in the Asian second round qualifiers for the 2004 Summer Olympics. In 2004, he played for the Japan U-23 national team in the final Asian qualifiers for the Athens Olympics. Despite having played as a forward for Júbilo Iwata, national team coach Masakuni Yamamoto deployed him in midfield. Maeda was ultimately placed on the preliminary registration list and did not make the final squad for the Athens Olympics.

3.2. Senior National Team

Maeda's impressive club performances led to his first selection for the senior Japan national team in the autumn of 2006 under manager Ivica Osim. Osim praised Maeda for his high work rate, individual skill, and ability to appear in dangerous areas seemingly unnoticed, describing him as a type of player Japan lacked. Maeda made his international debut on 22 August 2007 in a friendly against Cameroon at Ōita Bank Dome. His first international goal came on 17 October 2007 in a friendly against Egypt at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, which was Osim's final match as Japan manager.

Under Osim's successor, Takeshi Okada, Maeda's aerial ability, footwork, and defensive awareness were recognized. He participated in the 2008 East Asian Football Championship, scoring his second international goal against North Korea. However, he suffered a recurrence of his right knee injury and withdrew from the tournament. Although Okada continued to consider him, Maeda's conditioning issues kept him out of subsequent selections.

He returned to form in 2009, earning a recall to the national team in September after a 15-month absence. However, a tactical mismatch arose as Maeda preferred playing in a two-striker system, while Okada insisted on a lone striker. This tactical incompatibility ultimately led to Maeda being a reserve player and excluded from the final squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Following the appointment of Alberto Zaccheroni as national team manager in 2010, Maeda was consistently selected from Zaccheroni's first match in charge. He adapted to the lone striker role, diligently performing post-play to support his teammates. He was selected for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in January 2011, starting all six matches. He showcased his physical strength and aerial ability, skillfully holding up the ball and adapting to the team's tactics. In the group stage match against Saudi Arabia, he scored two goals, and he netted the equalizer in the semi-final against South Korea, contributing significantly to Japan's fourth Asian Cup title. Although a temporary injury led to his exclusion from the squad, he returned in November 2011, scoring one goal as a substitute against Tajikistan and starting against North Korea in the FIFA World Cup Asian third round qualifiers. His performances that year earned him the moniker of Japan's "ace striker."

In 2012, Maeda remained a fixture in the national team. Despite Zaccheroni's stated desire to evaluate forwards playing overseas, Maeda was called up for all FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers except the match against Uzbekistan. In October, he sustained a left hamstring injury during a training session on a European tour, forcing him to withdraw without playing. In the FIFA World Cup Asian final qualifiers, he started every match as the lone striker. He created attacking rhythm through effective link-up play with his teammates and displayed strong scoring ability, netting three goals in five matches, which helped Japan qualify for the World Cup.

In the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Maeda played in all three matches. Zaccheroni highly praised his full 90-minute contributions, not just his scoring opportunities, and specifically lauded his perfect execution of tactics against Italy's Andrea Pirlo. Former Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi also cited Maeda as the most impressive player in that match. However, Maeda failed to score in the tournament, missing several chances. Subsequently, younger players like Yoichiro Kakitani and Yuya Osako emerged with strong performances in the East Asian Championship. They were favored in later selections, and Maeda was ultimately excluded from the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad. Despite his omission, Zaccheroni conveyed his gratitude to Maeda via phone call through his interpreter, Daisuke Yano, after the squad announcement.

Overall, Maeda played 33 matches and scored 10 goals for the Japan national team between 2007 and 2013.

4.1. Coaching Career

Following the expiration of his contract with FC Gifu, Maeda faced a period of reflection regarding his future. He received offers from FC Maruyasu Okazaki and Kochi United SC, both JFL clubs, and even garnered interest from a Cambodian team, leading to an internal struggle about whether to continue playing or retire. Ultimately, he chose to retire, driven by a feeling that a coaching career offered more fulfillment. His retirement was officially announced on 14 January 2021.

Immediately after his retirement, Maeda took on a coaching role, being appointed as a coach for Júbilo Iwata U-18, the youth team of his former club. In 2022, he was promoted to manager of the Júbilo Iwata U-18 team. In 2023, he joined the Japan national football team as a coach under manager Hajime Moriyasu, succeeding Akinobu Yokouchi, who was appointed manager of Júbilo Iwata.

5.1. Personality and Habits

Although not inherently silent, Maeda is famously quiet in public and often described as a "journalist's bane" due to his reluctance in interviews. He has admitted to embracing this reserved public persona, suggesting it allows him to "have an easy time" by leaning into the "image of not talking."

Maeda is also renowned for his prodigious appetite. During the 2004 Athens Olympics qualifiers, when a widespread stomach bug affected the Japanese team during their UAE expedition, Maeda remained unaffected and continued to eat normally. In the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, he commented, "I don't dislike the Middle Eastern atmosphere. I can eat anything." Teammate Eiji Kawashima has recounted Maeda's impressive eating habits, stating, "Even when I've finished eating, he's often still eating." In late 2012, at the "2012 Jubilo Corte Azul Awards," an event for Júbilo Iwata season ticket holders, Maeda received an award for "most food eaten" throughout the year. He has also famously consumed a 0.0 K oz ^{(1.30 K g)} CoCo Ichibanya curry in approximately 20 minutes, a feat that would allow one to eat for free. After his move to FC Tokyo, the club actively used his "big eater" character for promotional purposes, creating the Twitter hashtag "#ごはん大好き前田選手" (Maeda-senpai loves rice) to promote stadium food. In 2015, he appeared in a Sky Perfect! TV commercial for the Copa América broadcast, which comically featured him eating large amounts of rice with only takuan (pickled daikon radish) as a side dish. Maeda generally avoids snacking, stating that it interferes with his ability to eat full meals.

5.2. "Maeda's Curse"

A notable jinx, widely reported from late in the 2012 season, became associated with Ryoichi Maeda: "The team against which Ryoichi Maeda scores his first league goal of the season will be relegated to the J2 League." This phenomenon became known as "Maeda's Curse."

The jinx had an unbroken streak for six consecutive seasons:

• 2007:** Ventforet Kofu (finished 17th, relegated)
• 2008:** Tokyo Verdy (finished 17th, relegated)
• 2009:** JEF United Chiba (finished 18th, relegated)
• 2010:** Kyoto Sanga F.C. (finished 17th, relegated)
• 2011:** Montedio Yamagata (finished 18th, relegated)
• 2012:** Gamba Osaka (finished 17th, relegated)

The curse gained significant public attention in 2012, as Gamba Osaka, one of the J.League's "Original 10" clubs and a team that had never been relegated, found itself in the relegation zone despite having finished no lower than third in the preceding three seasons. In a dramatic final match of the season, Gamba Osaka faced Júbilo Iwata. True to the "curse," Júbilo Iwata won 2-1, with Maeda scoring a goal and providing an assist, resulting in Gamba Osaka's historic relegation to J2. This extended the jinx to its sixth consecutive year.

However, the "curse" was broken in the 2013 season. Maeda's first goal of the season was against Urawa Red Diamonds, who ultimately avoided relegation, finishing 6th. Conversely, Maeda's own team, Júbilo Iwata, was relegated to J2 that year. In 2014, Maeda's first goal was against Kataller Toyama (not Kamatamare Sanuki, as mentioned in one source), who finished 21st but avoided relegation to J3 after winning the J2/J3 Play-off.

After the 2012 Gamba Osaka match, Maeda initially stated he had "nothing to think about" and "originally wasn't thinking anything" regarding the jinx. Later, at the start of the 2013 season, he expressed his dislike for the attention, saying, "I would like them to stop. I want to score goals regardless of such talk." Júbilo Iwata's manager, Hitoshi Morishita, also commented that calling it a "death goal" was disrespectful to both Maeda and the opposing team. Nevertheless, rival coaches acknowledged the jinx. Dragan Stojković, then manager of Nagoya Grampus, joked after a draw with Iwata in the first league match of 2013 that "the important thing is that Maeda did not score a goal," making a circle gesture above his head to signify staying in J1.

The widespread reporting of the "death goal" by Japanese sports newspapers and TV programs caused distress at Júbilo Iwata. General Manager Kenji Hattori requested that the media refrain from reporting on the matter until Maeda scored his first goal, citing potential negative impacts on his performance. The jinx even garnered international attention, being featured in the British football magazine FourFourTwo, which referred to Maeda as a "death-inviting finisher."

6.1. Club Honours

• J1 League: 2002
• J.League Cup: 2010
• Japanese Super Cup: 2003

6.2. International Honours

• AFC Asian Cup: 2011
• Afro-Asian Cup of Nations: 2007

6.3. Individual Honours

• Asian Young Footballer of the Year: 2000
• J.League Top Scorer: 2009, 2010
• J.League Best XI: 2009, 2010
• J.League Cup MVP: 2010
• J2 Exciting 22: 2014

7.1. Club Statistics

His professional club career spanned from 2000 to 2020.

Notes on Other Official Matches:

• 2001: J.League Championship (1 appearance, 0 goals)
• 2003: A3 Champions Cup (1 appearance, 0 goals)
• 2008: J1/J2 Play-offs (2 appearances, 0 goals)
• 2014: J1 Promotion Play-offs (1 appearance, 0 goals)
• 2016: AFC Champions League Play-off (1 appearance, 1 goal)

J.League Milestones:

• 3 May 2000: J.League debut - J1 1st Stage Matchday 10 vs Kawasaki Frontale (Todoroki Athletics Stadium)
• 28 August 2001: First official goal - Nabisco Cup vs JEF United Ichihara (Ichihara Seaside Stadium)
• 1 September 2001: First J.League goal - J1 2nd Stage Matchday 1 vs Shimizu S-Pulse (Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa)
• 12 July 2006: 100 J1 appearances - J1 Matchday 11 vs Gamba Osaka (Ishikawa Seibu Ryokuchi Park Athletics Stadium)
• 13 March 2010: 200 J1 appearances - J1 Matchday 2 vs Albirex Niigata (Tohoku Electric Power Big Swan Stadium)
• 27 November 2010: 100 J1 goals - J1 Matchday 33 vs Nagoya Grampus (Yamaha Stadium) (youngest player to achieve this)
• 20 April 2013: 300 J1 appearances - J1 Matchday 7 vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Yamaha Stadium)
• 5 July 2014: 150 J.League goals - J2 Matchday 21 vs Kyoto Sanga F.C. (Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium)
• 13 August 2016: 150 J1 goals - J1 2nd Stage Matchday 8 vs Vissel Kobe (Noevir Stadium)

Hat-tricks:

• 9 July 2005 - J1 Matchday 15 vs Cerezo Osaka (Yamaha Stadium)
• 5 October 2008 - J1 Matchday 28 vs Consadole Sapporo (Yamaha Stadium)
• 25 October 2009 - J1 Matchday 30 vs Nagoya Grampus (Toyota Stadium)
• 12 September 2015 - J1 2nd Stage Matchday 10 vs Vissel Kobe (Ajinomoto Stadium)

7.2. International Statistics

Maeda's international career with the Japan national football team spanned from 2007 to 2013.