Makoto Tanaka


Makoto Tanaka is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.

Club career

Tanaka was born in Shizuoka on August 8, 1975. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined Júbilo Iwata in 1994. From 1997, he became a regular player as center back and central player in golden era in club history. The club won many title 1997, 1999, 2002 J1 League, 1998 J.League Cup and 2003 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 1998–99 Asian Club Championship and the 2nd place 1999–00 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. He left the club end of 2008 season for generational change. He moved to J2 League club Avispa Fukuoka in 2009. The club won the 3rd place in 2010 and was promoted to J1 League. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2011 season having played over 500 in his career.

National team career

In July 1996, Tanaka was selected Japan U-23 national team for 1996 Summer Olympics. He played as center back of 3 back defender in all 3 matches. Although Japan won 2 matches, Japan lost at First round. At this time, Japan won Brazil in first game. It was known as "Miracle of Miami" in Japan.
On April 25, 2004, Tanaka debuted for Japan national team against Hungary. After the debut, he played many matches as center back. At 2004 Asian Cup, he played all 6 matches and Japan won the champions. In 2005, he also played many matches including 2006 World Cup qualification and 2005 Confederations Cup. In 2006, he was called up for Japan's 2006 World Cup team, but had to withdraw after sustaining a thigh injury in the run-up to the tournament. He played 32 games for Japan until 2006.

Club statistics

National team statistics

National team

Individual Honors