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January 9, 2024

Yasuhito Endo Calls It a Day After Iconic J.League Career – J League

Credits to J League Image Gallery

Yasuhito Endo has officially wrapped up his illustrious 26-year career in professional football. The iconic player announced his retirement on Tuesday, marking the end of an era filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments on the pitch. However, his journey in the sport is far from over, as he will continue to play an active role in the J.League. Endo immediately steps into a coaching position with the Gamba Osaka staff, allowing him to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of players. This transition reflects his deep commitment to the club and his desire to contribute to its future success.

Endo was unparalleled as a midfielder, skillfully guiding his teams to extraordinary success and amassing a remarkable collection of trophies throughout his career. With Gamba Osaka, he celebrated two J1 titles, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership on the field. Additionally, he contributed to the triumphs in the J2 championship, securing the title once each with both Gamba and Júbilo Iwata. His influence was evident not only in the trophies he won but also in the way he elevated the performance of his teammates, making him a vital asset to every squad he was part of.

He is a five-time champion of the Emperor’s Cup and a two-time winner of the J.League Cup, underscoring his dominance in domestic competitions. His exceptional skills and tactical awareness on the field contributed significantly to his teams’ successes in these prestigious tournaments. Furthermore, he achieved continental glory by securing the AFC Champions League title with Gamba Osaka in 2008, marking a pinnacle in his career.

Endo also garnered numerous individual accolades throughout his career. He was awarded J.League MVP in 2014, and his record of 12 selections to the J.League Best Eleven is unparalleled. Additionally, he earned the title of AFC Champions League Best Player in 2008. He was named Asian Footballer of the Year the following year, alongside two Japanese Footballer of the Year trophies.

During the J.League’s 30th anniversary celebration last year, several prestigious awards were presented to recognize and honor the standout achievements from the league’s first three decades. This event reflected the league’s growth and the remarkable talent it has produced over the years. Among the honorees, Endo was celebrated as the J30 MVP. This distinction recognized his outstanding contributions on the pitch and cemented his status as the greatest player in the J.League’s history. 

Endo made his professional debut at 18 in 1998 with Yokohama Flügels, contributing to their victory in the Emperor’s Cup. The following year, he transferred to Kyoto Purple Sanga, and in 2001, he joined Gamba Osaka, where he would ultimately become a legendary figure.

Endo dedicated two decades to Gamba Osaka, securing every major Japanese trophy and the continent’s top honor. Even during a challenging period in 2013, when the club faced relegation to J2, he guided them to the second-division title. He propelled them back to the J1 league, winning the top-flight championship at the first attempt the following year.

After more than 600 matches, Endo left Gamba Osaka in 2020 to join Júbilo Iwata. At Júbilo, he played a pivotal role in securing promotion in 2021. He continued to be a significant contributor until the end of his career, recording five assists in his final season in 2023.

Endo was equally impressive on the international stage. He represented his country in a record 152 matches for the Samurai Blue, competed in three FIFA World Cups, and played a vital role in securing two Asian Cup titles for Japan.

Endo has always been a player quite like this. He stood out as an unparalleled creative force in midfield, and the narrative of the J.League cannot be told without acknowledging his pivotal role at its core.

Now transitioning to coaching, the Gamba legend will once again proudly wear the club’s crest on his chest.

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