Naoki Soma

Naoki Soma
Personal information
Full name	Naoki Soma
Date of birth	July 19, 1971 (age 53)
Place of birth	Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder, Defender
Youth career
1987–1989	Shimizu Higashi High School
1990–1993	Waseda University
Senior career*
Years	Team
1994–2003	Kashima Antlers
2002	→Tokyo Verdy (loan)
2004–2005	Kawasaki Frontale
Total
National team
1995–1999	Japan
Teams managed
2010	FC Machida Zelvia
2011–2012	Kawasaki Frontale
2014–2019	FC Machida Zelvia
Honours
Kashima Antlers
	* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

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

Biography

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.

On May 28, 1995, Soma debuted for the 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 in Japan's history. He played in all matches at 1998 World Cup. He also played at 1999 Copa América. He played 58 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1999.

In 2010, Soma managed the Japan Football League side FC Machida Zelvia. 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 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. He managed the club until 2019.

Statistics

^[1]^[2]

Club statistics			League		Cup		League Cup		Continental		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Japan			League		Emperor's Cup		J.League Cup		Asia		Total
1994	Kashima Antlers	J1 League	28	0	1	0	1	0	-		30	0
1995			50	3	4	0	-		-		54	3
1996			30	2	3	0	14	0	-		47	2
1997			21	0	5	0	2	1	-		28	1
1998			34	1	4	0	1	0	-		39	1
1999			30	0	2	0	7	1	-		39	1
2000			30	2	4	0	7	0	-		41	2
2001			7	0	3	0	1	0	-		11	0
2002	Tokyo Verdy	J1 League	27	0	0	0	6	0	-		33	0
2003	Kashima Antlers	J1 League	20	2	0	0	3	1	3	0	26	3
2004	Kawasaki Frontale	J2 League	15	0	1	0	-		-		16	0
2005	Kawasaki Frontale	J1 League	12	0	2	0	3	0	-		17	0
Country	Japan		304	10	29	0	45	3	3	0	381	13
Total			304	10	29	0	45	3	3	0	381	13