Naoki Soma

Naoki Soma (相馬 直樹, Sōma Naoki, born July 19, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.

Naoki Soma
相馬 直樹
Personal information
Full name Naoki Soma
Date of birth (1971-07-19) July 19, 1971
Place of birth Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position(s) Midfielder, Defender
Youth career
1987–1989 Shimizu Higashi High School
1990–1993 Waseda University
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–2003 Kashima Antlers 250 (10)
2002 →Tokyo Verdy (loan) 27 (0)
2004–2005 Kawasaki Frontale 27 (0)
Total 304 (10)
National team
1995–1999 Japan 58 (4)
Teams managed
2010 FC Machida Zelvia
2011–2012 Kawasaki Frontale
2014–2019 FC Machida Zelvia
2020– Kashima Antlers (assistant)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

Soma was born in Shizuoka on July 19, 1971. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Kashima Antlers in 1994. He played as left side-back and became one of the main player in glorious era of the club. In 1990s, the club won the champions in 1996, 1998 J1 League, 1997 J.League Cup and 1997 Emperor's Cup. He was also selected Best Eleven for 4 years in a row (1995-1998). In 2000, the club won all three major title in Japan; J1 League, J.League Cup and Emperor's Cup. However at Emperor's Cup in December 2000, he got hurt and he could not play about a year. Although he came back in the latter half of 2001, his opportunity to play decreased behind Augusto. In 2002, he moved to Tokyo Verdy on loan. He returned to Kashima Antlers in 2003 and moved to Kawasaki Frontale in 2004. At Kawasaki Frontale, he played as defensive midfielder and sweeper. He retired end of 2005 season.

National team career

On May 28, 1995, Soma debuted for Japan national team against Ecuador. After debut, he became a regular player as left side-back and left midfielder. In 1996, he played in all matches included 1996 Asian Cup. At 1998 World Cup qualification in 1997, Japan won the qualify for 1998 World Cup first time Japan's history. He played in all matches at 1998 World Cup. He also played at 1999 Copa America. He played 58 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1999.[1]

Coaching career

Soma retired at the end of the 2005 season. After working as a TV pundit, Soma managed the Japan Football League side FC Machida Zelvia in 2010. He held a managerial post in charge of J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale prior to the 2011 season. On April 12, 2012, Kawasaki dismiss coach Naoki Soma after performing 'far below expectations'. The 40-year-old coach was sacked with the club's president stating the team were performing 'far below expectations' having aimed to win the title this term. In 2014, he signed with J3 League side FC Machida Zelvia again. He led the club to won the 2nd place in 2015 and promoted to J2 League.

Club statistics
Club Season League Emperor's Cup J.League Cup Continental Total
AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Kashima Antlers19942801010–300
199550340––543
199630230140–472
19972105021–281
19983414010–391
19993002071–391
20003024070–412
2001703010–110
Tokyo Verdy20022700060–330
Kashima Antlers2003202003130263
Kawasaki Frontale200415010––160
20051202030–170
Total 304102904533038113

National team

[1]

Japan national team
YearAppsGoals
199590
1996132
1997211
1998101
199950
Total584
International goals
GoalDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.29 May 1996Fukuoka, Japan Mexico3–23–21996 Kirin Cup
2.12 December 1996Al Ain, UAE China PR1–01–01996 AFC Asian Cup
3.25 March 1997Muscat, Oman Macau3–010–01998 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.17 May 1998Tokyo, Japan Paraguay1–11–11998 Kirin Cup

Managerial statistics

Update; December 31, 2018[2]

Team From To Record
GWDLWin %
Kawasaki Frontale 2011 2012 41 16 6 19 039.02
FC Machida Zelvia 2014 present 195 93 58 44 047.69
Total 236 109 64 63 046.19

Individual Honors
gollark: Elm removed CUSTOM OPERATORS!
gollark: <:bees:724389994663247974> Elm.
gollark: Via typeclasses.
gollark: Although Haskell will happily let an operator use multiple different types.
gollark: I see. At least it isn't JS.

References
  1. Japan National Football Team Database
  2. J.League Data Site(in Japanese)


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