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Yuichi KomanoJapanese football player, defender
Date of Birth: 25.06.1981
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Early Life and Club Career
Yuichi Komano is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Avispa Fukuoka. Born in Saitama, Japan, on July 25, 1981, he began his football journey with the local youth team, Urawa Red Diamonds.
After graduating from high school, Komano joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2000. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and made over 200 appearances for the club in various tournaments. During his seven seasons with Hiroshima, he helped the team win the J.League Cup in 2007.
National Team Career
Komano made his international debut for Japan on August 3, 2005, in a match against China. He was part of the Japanese squad that participated in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. In the 2010 World Cup, he played in all three group stage matches but had a memorable moment in the Round of 16 against Paraguay. During the penalty shootout, he was the only player from either team to miss his spot-kick, resulting in Japan's elimination from the tournament.
Later Career and Retirement
In 2008, Komano transferred to Júbilo Iwata, where he spent the majority of his remaining club career. He made over 250 appearances for Iwata and helped the club win the Emperor's Cup in 2010. After leaving Iwata in 2016, he had brief stints with Cerezo Osaka and Omiya Ardija before retiring from professional football in 2018.
Post-Retirement
Following his retirement, Komano transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for Avispa Fukuoka from 2019 to 2020 before taking over as manager of Zweigen Kanazawa in 2021. He currently holds the position of manager at Avispa Fukuoka, having returned to the club in 2023.
