Yasuhito Endō

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Endō's playing career unfolded entirely within Japan, where he was associated with Gamba Osaka for 20 years. He made his senior international debut in 2002, representing Japan in three FIFA World Cup and three FIFA Confederations Cup. In the process he earned over 150 caps, scoring 15 goals and becoming the most capped Japanese male player of all time. He is also one of the few players to have made over 1,100 official appearances and the highest number of J.League appearances in history with 672 appearances. His brother Akihiro Endō is also a former footballer. However, neither of them are related to Wataru Endo.

In Their Own Story

In the 2010 World Cup, Japan faced Denmark needing a win to advance. With the score 1–0, Japan won a free kick about 30 yards from goal. Endō stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, a strike that sealed a 3–1 victory and sent Japan to the Round of 16. It was a moment that defined his career: a set-piece specialist delivering under the highest pressure.

Reader's Guide

Endō was born in Kagoshima on 28 January 1980. He joined Yokohama Flügels in 1998, debuted in March 1998, and helped the club win the 1998 Emperor's Cup. In 1999 he moved to Kyoto Purple Sanga, then to Gamba Osaka in 2001. He was a central player under manager Akira Nishino (2002–2011), selected as J.League Best Eleven 10 years in a row (2003–2012). With Gamba he won the J1 League in 2005 and 2014, the AFC Champions League in 2008, and multiple Emperor's Cups and J.League Cups. In October 2020 he joined Júbilo Iwata on loan, then on a full transfer in December 2021. In May 2023 he was named MVP of J.League's first 30 years. On 9 January 2024, he left Júbilo Iwata, having played a record 672 J.League matches split between Yokohama Flügels, Kyoto Purple Sanga, Gamba Osaka and Júbilo Iwata. Internationally, he played in the 1999 World Youth Championship (runner-up), the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and the 2004 and 2011 Asian Cup winning teams. He scored from a free kick against Denmark in a 3–1 win at the 2010 World Cup. He earned his 100th cap on 12 October 2010 and became Japan's most capped player on 16 October 2012 (123rd appearance). He played 152 games and scored 15 goals for Japan until 2015.

Did You Know?

• Endō is the most capped Japanese male player of all time with over 150 caps.
• He holds the record for the highest number of J.League appearances with 672.
• He scored from a free kick against Denmark in the 2010 World Cup.
• He was selected as the Asian Footballer of the Year in 2009.
• He was named MVP of the J.League's first 30 years in May 2023.