Yasuhito Endō

2.1. Childhood and education

Endō was born on January 28, 1980, in Sakurajima-cho, Kagoshima District, Kagoshima, Japan, as the youngest of three brothers. From an early age, he was heavily influenced by his two elder brothers, Takuya and Akihiro, both of whom were also professional footballers. He would often kick a ball in the family garden and imitate plays he saw in high school championship and World Cup videos. This early exposure fostered his passion and skill for football. In his second year of high school, Endō took part in a month-long training exchange in Brazil, participating in practice sessions with EC São Bento^Portuguese, which further broadened his footballing horizons.

2.2. Early football development

Endō attended Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, a renowned footballing institution. During his first year in 1995, his team won the National High School Soccer Championship. In 1996, as a second-year student, he helped his team win the Prince Takamado Cup All-Japan Youth Football Championship (U-18). Although his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the National High School Soccer Championship via a penalty shootout, Endō was selected as an outstanding player of the tournament and earned a call-up to the Japan U-18 national team.

3.1. Yokohama Flügels

After graduating from Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, Endō joined J1 League club Yokohama Flügels in 1998. He made his professional debut in March of the same year, playing against Yokohama F. Marinos in the opening game of the 1998 season. Under the guidance of coach Carlos Rexach, who recognized his talent, Endō quickly found his footing, appearing in 16 league matches in his inaugural year. He scored his first professional goal on August 1 against Kashima Antlers. Primarily playing as a central midfielder, he contributed to the club's victory in the 1998 Emperor's Cup. However, due to financial difficulties, Yokohama Flügels was disbanded at the end of the season and merged with Yokohama Marinos.

3.2. Kyoto Purple Sanga

In 1999, following the dissolution of Yokohama Flügels, Endō moved to Kyoto Purple Sanga alongside several contemporaries, including Kazuki Teshima and Hideo Oshima. He quickly established himself as a regular player, participating in many matches. During his time at Kyoto, he played alongside notable teammates such as Kazuyoshi Miura, Park Ji-sung, and Daisuke Matsui. Despite his consistent performances, the club faced struggles and was relegated to the J2 League at the end of the 2000 season, finishing 15th out of 16 teams.

3.3. Gamba Osaka

In 2001, Endō made a full transfer to J1 club Gamba Osaka. This move marked the beginning of his most significant and impactful period as a professional footballer. Under manager Akira Nishino, who took charge in 2002, Endō became a central figure in Gamba Osaka's attacking style of play. His consistent excellence led to him being selected for the J.League Best Eleven for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2012.

In 2005, Endō played a pivotal role as Gamba Osaka won the J1 League championship for the first time in the club's history, securing the title on the final matchday against Kawasaki Frontale with Endō scoring a crucial penalty. He also recorded his first season with double-digit goals. In 2008, Gamba Osaka achieved continental success by winning the AFC Champions League, becoming the second Japanese club to do so consecutively after Urawa Red Diamonds in 2007. Endō's outstanding performances in the tournament earned him the "AFC Champions League Best Player" award. Gamba also clinched the 2008 Emperor's Cup that year, and Endō was recognized as the "Japanese Footballer of the Year". In 2009, Gamba Osaka won the 2009 Emperor's Cup for the second consecutive year. Endō's stellar contributions were further acknowledged when he received the prestigious Asian Footballer of the Year award, becoming the fifth Japanese player to do so. Around this time, he also began to frequently play as a defensive midfielder for his club, mirroring his role in the national team.

Following manager Nishino's departure after the 2011 season, Gamba Osaka's performance declined, leading to their relegation to the J2 League in 2012 after finishing 17th out of 18 teams. Despite the relegation, Endō remained with the club, taking on the role of captain for the first time in his career in 2013. He led Gamba Osaka to win the J2 League championship that year, securing their immediate return to J1. In the 2014 season, Gamba Osaka made a triumphant return to J1, achieving a historic domestic treble by winning the J1 League, J.League Cup, and Emperor's Cup. Endō was instrumental in this success, earning his second "Japanese Footballer of the Year" award and the J.League MVP award. He continued to be selected for the J.League Best Eleven in 2014 and 2015.

On April 18, 2015, Endō scored his 27th career penalty kick in J1, surpassing Masahiro Fukuda to become the sole record holder for most penalty goals in J1. On October 17, he reached a milestone of 500 J1 appearances, becoming the youngest player in J.League history to do so. He played all league matches that season. In 2016, on October 29, he scored his 100th J1 goal against Albirex Niigata, becoming only the second midfielder and 13th player overall to reach this achievement. In 2017, he recorded a goal for the 20th consecutive year, surpassing Toshiya Fujita for the most consecutive seasons with a goal by a midfielder.

On February 23, 2018, Endō scored in the opening match against Nagoya Grampus, extending his goal-scoring streak to 21 consecutive years. On November 10, he achieved another historic milestone by playing his 600th J1 league match, becoming the first field player in J1 history to reach this feat. In 2019, he became the first player in J.League history (including J1 and J2) to start in 20 consecutive opening matches. On April 20, he extended his consecutive goal-scoring record to 22 years in a match against Oita Trinita. On August 2, he became the first Japanese player to reach 1,000 official career matches in a game against Vissel Kobe. On July 4, 2020, Endō made his 632nd J1 appearance, setting a new J1 record for most appearances.

3.4. Júbilo Iwata

In October 2020, seeking more playing opportunities, Endō joined J2 League side Júbilo Iwata on loan from Gamba Osaka. He quickly made an impact, starting in his first match on October 10 against Matsumoto Yamaga FC and scoring his first goal for the club on October 25 against Thespakusatsu Gunma with a direct free kick, his first direct free kick goal in five years. His arrival revitalized the struggling team, which lost only three of the 18 matches after he joined, finishing the season in 6th place.

On May 15, 2021, Endō scored the winning goal in a match against Thespakusatsu Gunma, extending his J.League consecutive goal-scoring record to 24 years, surpassing Kazuyoshi Miura's 23 years. He remained a key player throughout the 2021 season, contributing significantly to Júbilo Iwata's J2 League championship and promotion back to J1. In December 2021, it was announced that he would join Júbilo Iwata on a permanent transfer for the 2022 season.

In 2022, Endō continued to be a regular starter. On March 12, he played his first match against his former club, Gamba Osaka, since leaving, setting up the opening goal. On October 29, he played his last game at Gamba Osaka's home stadium, Panasonic Stadium Suita, where Júbilo Iwata was defeated, leading to their relegation back to J2. This marked Endō's first career season without scoring a goal. In 2023, he continued to play regularly in the first half of the season, but his appearances became more limited in the latter half. Despite this, Júbilo Iwata secured promotion back to J1 on the final day of the season.

On January 9, 2024, Endō announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a record-breaking career with 672 J.League matches played. In May 2023, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the J.League's first 30 years.

4.1. Youth national teams

Endō began his international career at the youth level, representing Japan in significant tournaments. In 1999, he was a key member of the Japan U-20 national team that competed in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Nigeria. Japan performed exceptionally well, finishing as runner-up after losing to Spain in the final. This team was later dubbed the "Golden Generation" due to the large number of players who went on to become central figures in the J.League and the senior national team.
Later in 1999, Endō was selected for the Japan U-22 national team for the Sydney Olympics qualifiers, playing as a starting member in both the first and final Asian qualification rounds. Although he was named as a reserve player for the main tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics, he did not make an appearance.

4.2. Senior national team debut and early years

Endō received his first call-up to the senior Japan national football team in 2002 under then-manager Zico. He made his debut on November 20 in a Kirin Challenge Cup friendly match against Argentina. From this point, Endō steadily cemented his position as a regular in the national squad. In 2003, he started in all matches of the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. On August 20 of the same year, he scored his first international goal in a friendly against Nigeria. Despite fierce competition in the defensive midfield position from European-based players like Shinji Ono and Junichi Inamoto, Endō's consistent form ensured his place. In 2004, he was a key player in Japan's AFC Asian Cup victory.

After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, new manager Ivica Osim took charge and further refined Endō's playing style, emphasizing his role as a central figure in the team. Endō took over the prestigious number 7 jersey from Hidetoshi Nakata, who had retired after the World Cup. Under Osim, Endō was often deployed as an offensive midfielder, a role he frequently played at Gamba Osaka, though he primarily featured as a defensive midfielder for the national team. When Osim fell ill and was replaced by Takeshi Okada in late 2007, Endō initially continued in an offensive role. However, from the 2008 World Cup Asian Third Round qualifiers, Okada shifted Endō to a double pivot midfield alongside Makoto Hasebe, a partnership that proved highly successful. Okada praised Endō as the "heart of the team" for his role as a vital link between defense and attack, which was crucial in Japan's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

4.3. Major tournament appearances

Endō participated in several major international tournaments throughout his career. He was part of Japan's squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, though he was the only outfield player who did not get to play any minutes during the tournament.

Four years later, he was a crucial member of the Japanese squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He started all four of Japan's matches, playing a pivotal role as a playmaker. On June 24, 2010, Endō scored a stunning direct free kick against Denmark in a 3-1 victory, helping Japan qualify for the knockout stage. He also recorded the highest running distance among Japanese players in the tournament, covering 29 mile ^{(47.02 km)} over 389 minutes in four matches.

He was also a member of the 2004 and 2011 Asian Cup winning teams. In the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, as the oldest and most capped player, Endō played a crucial role in leading the young team, controlling the game from deep in midfield and providing numerous decisive passes. His performance was widely praised, with Keisuke Honda, the tournament's MVP, stating that Endō was the true MVP.

Endō was selected for his third World Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, making him the only Japanese player to be selected for three consecutive World Cups since the 2006 tournament. Despite some initial struggles, he came on as a substitute in the matches against Ivory Coast and Greece. However, Japan was eliminated in the group stage.

In December 2014, Endō was selected for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup squad, making it his fourth consecutive Asian Cup appearance. On January 12, 2015, he scored the opening goal in Japan's 4-0 victory over Palestine, becoming the oldest Japanese goal scorer in the Asian Cup at 34 years and 11 months.

4.4. National team records and milestones

Endō achieved several significant milestones with the national team. On October 12, 2010, he became the fourth Japanese player, and the first outfield player, to earn his 100th full international cap in a friendly match against South Korea. Just four days later, on October 16, 2012, Endō made his 123rd appearance for the national team in a friendly against Brazil, surpassing Masami Ihara's record of 122 caps to become Japan's all-time most capped player.

He continued to extend this record, and on January 16, 2015, he earned his 150th cap in Japan's 1-0 victory over Iraq at the AFC Asian Cup. By the time of his international retirement on January 23, 2015, following the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, Endō had played 152 games and scored 15 goals for Japan. After the 2014 World Cup, then-manager Vahid Halilhodžić indicated that Endō would not be selected for future squads, citing his age and the need to prepare for the next World Cup. Notably, after Endō's free-kick goal against Guatemala on September 6, 2013, the Japanese national team did not score another direct free-kick for approximately five years, until Genki Haraguchi's goal in November 2018.

Here is a list of Endō's international goals:

List of international goals scored by Yasuhito Endō

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	August 20, 2003	National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan	Nigeria	3-0	3-0	Friendly
2	February 7, 2004	Kashima Stadium, Kashima, Japan	Malaysia	4-0	4-0	Friendly
3	July 7, 2004	International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan	Serbia and Montenegro	1-0	1-0	Kirin Cup 2004
4	July 16, 2007	Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi, Vietnam	Vietnam	2-1	4-1	2007 AFC Asian Cup
5	February 6, 2008	Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan	Thailand	1-0	4-1	2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification
6	June 7, 2008	Royal Oman Police Stadium, Muscat, Oman	Oman	1-1	1-1	2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification
7	September 6, 2008	Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Bahrain	Bahrain	2-0	3-2	2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification
8	February 14, 2010	National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan	South Korea	1-0	1-3	2010 East Asian Football Championship
9	June 24, 2010	Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa	Denmark	2-0	3-1	2010 FIFA World Cup
10	August 15, 2012	Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan	Venezuela	1-0	1-1	Kirin Challenge Cup 2012
11	September 6, 2013	Nagai Stadium, Osaka, Japan	Guatemala	3-0	3-0	Kirin Challenge Cup 2013
12	September 10, 2013	International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan	Ghana	2-1	3-1	Kirin Challenge Cup 2013
13	June 2, 2014	Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States	Costa Rica	1-1	3-1	Friendly
14	November 14, 2014	Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan	Honduras	3-0	6-0	Kirin Challenge Cup 2014
15	January 12, 2015	Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle, Australia	Palestine	1-0	4-0	2015 AFC Asian Cup

5.1. Characteristics and skills

Endō's core footballing attributes included his exquisite ball control, superb vision, and pinpoint passing accuracy. He excelled at holding the ball and creating space, distributing precise passes across short and long distances. His short passes were particularly effective, often directed against the opponent's momentum, making them difficult to intercept. While he did not rely on blistering speed or physical dominance, his set-piece delivery was a major asset, with direct free-kicks and corner kicks frequently resulting in goals or assists. He also possessed a high-precision mid-range shot from outside the penalty area, capable of accurately finding the goal.

Originally, Endō was known for his relatively low work rate, operating more as a balancing defensive midfielder. However, under national team coach Ivica Osim in 2006, he was encouraged to run more for the team. This instruction led to a transformation in his play, as he started making more attacking runs, including dribbling and one-two passes into the penalty area. His stamina and increased work rate became additional strengths; at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he recorded the longest running distance among Japanese players. Endō's exceptional situational awareness and tactical understanding allowed him to consistently make optimal decisions regarding pass location and timing. His calm and unflappable personality ensured he could perform under pressure, never appearing flustered regardless of the match situation.

5.2. "Korokoro PK"

Endō became famous for his signature penalty kick technique, known as "Korokoro PK" (meaning "rolling rolling penalty kick"). This technique involves a slow, deliberate run-up to the ball, during which he constantly observes the opposing goalkeeper's movements without looking at the ball. He waits until the last moment to commit, then rolls the ball with an inside kick in the opposite direction to where the goalkeeper dives. If the goalkeeper does not move, Endō will strike the ball powerfully towards the side. This deceptive method proved highly effective, boasting a success rate of over 90% in league matches. His 30 penalty goals in J1 (as of the end of the 2015 season) are a J1 record. Notable instances include scoring against former Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar at the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup and successfully converting Japan's first penalty in the shootout against Paraguay in the 2010 FIFA World Cup knockout stage (though on that occasion, he struck it sharply to the side, as the official "Jabulani" ball was not suited for the "Korokoro" technique).

5.3. Coach and expert evaluations

Endō received high praise from numerous coaches and football experts throughout his career. Coach Ivica Osim notably stated, "He always controls himself, and he controls his teammates and opponents. His intelligence brings a huge plus to the team. If he is there, a coach is not necessary." This quote highlights Endō's exceptional game intelligence and leadership on the field.

He was considered an indispensable player for both his club and the Japanese national team, leading to frequent discussions and concerns about "Endō's absence" when he was unavailable. Despite several players being touted as potential successors to Endō in the national team, such as Gaku Shibasaki, Takahiro Ogihara, Akihiro Ienaga, Yosuke Kashiwagi, and Hideto Takahashi, none fully managed to fill his shoes, solidifying his unique standing. In April 2020, a British media outlet selected Endō for its "21st Century Japan Best XI," a significant recognition given that he never played professionally outside Japan.

7.1. Family and interests

Endō's passion for football was heavily influenced by his two elder brothers. His eldest brother, Takuya, who is six years older, was particularly influential. Takuya played with Masakiyo Maezono at Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, wearing the number 10 jersey, and was selected as an outstanding player in the National High School Soccer Championship for two consecutive years (1990, 1991). He later played for university and corporate teams. His second brother, Akihiro Endō, who is four years older, had a notable professional career with Yokohama F. Marinos and Vissel Kobe, and even wore the number 10 jersey for the Japanese U-23 team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The three brothers are well-known in Japanese football as the "Endō 3 Brothers."

Yasuhito is married to his high school classmate and they have four children (two daughters and two sons). His wife and eldest son accompanied him to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where his son's request for a goal was followed by Endō scoring against Denmark.

Outside of football, Endō has several hobbies. He enjoys golf and has expressed that he might have become deeply involved in it if he had more time. He has a general interest in sports, including baseball. He also enjoys fishing and has stated that if he hadn't become a footballer, he might have pursued a career as a fisherman. Endō is also known to have an interest in horse racing and was a partial owner of Sleepless Night, a horse that won the 2008 Sprinters Stakes. He also has a friendship with jockey Yuichi Fukunaga.

Endō's personality is often described as easygoing and relaxed. He admits to sometimes being too laid-back, which he considers a potential weakness. His former coach at Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, Ryuji Matsuzawa, noted that despite his high athletic ability, Endō rarely aimed to be first in endurance runs, often finishing third or fourth. His close friend, Shunsuke Nakamura, has described him as "slow even when under pressure." Endō himself has analyzed his personality as someone who "doesn't get nervous, doesn't panic, and doesn't feel much stress," adding that his "fault is not listening much to what people say."

7.2. Media appearances and collaborations

Endō's distinctive appearance led to comparisons with "Gachapin," a popular mascot from Fuji TV's children's program Ponkickies. This resemblance became a running gag among fans, with many supporters displaying Gachapin illustrations or dolls during matches. In 2005, Endō appeared on Ponkickies alongside the actual Gachapin, acknowledging the resemblance. In 2010, Gamba Osaka and Fuji TV Kids released collaborative merchandise featuring Endō and Gachapin. Gachapin even visited Gamba Osaka's home stadium and training ground, where Endō taught him football. In December 2011, Endō himself wore a Gachapin costume at a fan appreciation event, playfully confirming the resemblance.

Beyond football, Endō has ventured into media roles. In 2012, he made his voice acting debut in the animated film Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker, where he voiced himself, teaching protagonist Conan Edogawa about free kicks. He co-starred with other footballers like Kazuyoshi Miura and Seigo Narazaki. As a big fan of Detective Conan, Endō found the experience exciting yet nerve-wracking. He also made a second voice acting appearance in the Case Closed anime series in 2018.

Endō has also been featured in various commercials and advertisements for brands such as Umbro, AC Japan, Sky PerfecTV!, Zenshoku, Nippon Gas, 1-on-1 Nets, Cybird's Barcode Footballer, Nishikawa Sangyo's Air, and LION's Soflan. In 2011, a fake blog claiming to be Endō's appeared, causing a stir, but Gamba Osaka quickly clarified it was not official. He later launched his official blog on Ameba in 2014, which transitioned to LINE Blog in 2016.

8.1. Club honours

• Yokohama Flügels:
  • Emperor's Cup: 1998
• Gamba Osaka:
  • J1 League: 2005, 2014
  • J2 League: 2013
  • Emperor's Cup: 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015
  • J.League Cup: 2007, 2014
  • Japanese Super Cup: 2007, 2015
  • AFC Champions League: 2008
  • Pan-Pacific Championship: 2008
  • FIFA Club World Cup: Bronze Medalist 2008
• Júbilo Iwata:
  • J2 League: 2021

8.2. International honours

• Japan:
  • AFC Asian Cup: 2004, 2011
  • Afro-Asian Cup of Nations: 2007
  • Kirin Cup: 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011

8.3. Individual awards

• Asian Footballer of the Year: 2009
• AFC Champions League Best Player: 2008
• J.League MVP Award: 2014
• Japanese Footballer of the Year: 2008, 2014
• J.League Best Eleven: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 (record 12 times)
• J.League 20th Anniversary Team
• J.League 30th Anniversary Team
• MVP of the J.League's first 30 years: 2023
• J2 Most Exciting Player: 2013

8.4. Other distinctions

• Weekly Soccer Magazine Crystal Award: 2008
• Hochi Pro Sports Award (J.League category): 2008
• TV Asahi 43rd Big Sports Award ("Yabeっち FC ~ Japan Soccer Support Declaration! Yabecchi F.C. Award"): 2008
• Kansai Sports Special Award: 2009
• Kando Osaka Grand Prize (Governor's Citation): 2010
• Kansai Best Father Award (Sports category): 2012
• 71st Minami-Nippon Culture Award Special Award: 2020

9.1. Club statistics

Other includes Japanese Super Cup, A3 Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, J. League Championship, and Suruga Bank Championship.

9.2. International statistics