Yuji Funayama (footballer)

2.1. Kashima Antlers (1st stint)

Funayama joined Kashima Antlers in 2007. He made his professional debut in the J1 League on April 14, 2007, in a match against Yokohama FC held at Nissan Stadium. Later that year, on November 18, he scored his first league goal in a J1 match against his former youth club, Kashiwa Reysol, at Kashima Soccer Stadium. Throughout the 2007 season, he made 8 league appearances.

In 2008, Funayama faced disciplinary action. On May 18, he was a passenger in a car driven by teammate Hiroyuki Daido, who was cited for drunk driving in Kamisu City. Following the incident, which came to light the next day, both players were immediately sent back from an away expedition to Vietnam and received a six-week suspension, along with a ban from all official matches until the end of September 2008. Consequently, Funayama only featured in two league matches that year, in the 32nd and 34th sections of the J1 League. In 2009, he did not make any appearances for Kashima Antlers before being loaned out in July.

2.2. Cerezo Osaka and Kashima Antlers (2nd stint)

In July 2009, Funayama was sent on a loan to Cerezo Osaka in the J2 League. He did not make any appearances during July. However, he became a regular starter after playing the full match on August 30, 2009, in the 36th section of the J2 League against Roasso Kumamoto. He subsequently played in all remaining matches until the final section, with the exception of the 49th section where he was suspended. His contributions were vital in helping Cerezo Osaka achieve J1 promotion that season, and he scored 5 goals during his loan spell.

After the loan period, Funayama returned to Kashima Antlers for the 2010 season. However, his opportunities were limited, and he only made one appearance in the J. League Cup and one in the Emperor's Cup.

2.3. Montedio Yamagata

In 2011, Funayama made a permanent transfer to Montedio Yamagata. He later revealed that a significant reason for his move was his personal connection to Yamagata Prefecture, as both his grandmother and his wife's mother were from the region, and he had spent time there in his childhood. On May 6, 2012, he scored his first goal for Montedio Yamagata in a match against Thespakusatsu Gunma. His tenure with the club concluded on November 26, 2012, when his contract expired after two years.

2.4. Avispa Fukuoka

For the 2013 season, Funayama transferred to Avispa Fukuoka on a permanent basis. He was joined at the club by his former Montedio Yamagata teammate, Takuya Miyamoto. Funayama spent one year with Avispa Fukuoka before his contract expired on November 30, 2013, leading to his departure from the team.

2.5. Thai League career

On February 24, 2014, Funayama made a move to Thailand, signing a permanent transfer with Army United F.C. in the Thai Premier League. He played for one season with the club. In 2015, he transferred to Air Force Central F.C. (then known as Air Force United F.C.) in the Thai Division 1 League, where he spent another season.

2.6. Tokyo Verdy and retirement

In 2016, Yuji Funayama returned to Japan and joined Tokyo Verdy, marking his return to the J.League after a three-year absence. He played for Tokyo Verdy throughout the 2016 season. Following the conclusion of that season, on November 21, 2016, Funayama officially announced his retirement from professional football.

5.1. Club career statistics

The table below provides a comprehensive overview of Yuji Funayama's club career statistics, detailing his appearances and goals across various competitions, including league play, cup tournaments, and continental competitions.

6.1. Club honours

; Kashima Antlers

• J. League Division 1: 2007, 2008