Maya Yoshida

• Full name: Maya Yoshida
• Nationality: Japan
• Date of birth: August 24, 1988
• Place of birth: Nagasaki, Japan
• Position: Centre-back (defender)
• Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)

Club career (high-level)

• Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) — emerged as a professional player in the J1 League
• VVV-Venlo (Netherlands) — moved to Europe and gained experience in the Eredivisie
• FC Southampton (England) — notable spell in the English Premier League; served as an experienced defender and occasional captain
• UC Sampdoria (Italy) — played in Serie A following his time in England
• Schalke 04 (Germany) — also had a stint in the Bundesliga
• Return to Japan — later stages of career included playing again in the J.League

International career

• Japan national team (SAMURAI BLUE) — long-serving central defender and former captain
• Debut and appearances — debuted for the senior national team in 2012 and earned over 100 caps (centurion) across his international career
• Major tournaments — represented Japan at FIFA World Cups (including 2014, 2018, and 2022), AFC Asian Cups, and FIFA Confederations Cup; part of squads that won the 2011 and 2013 AFC Asian Cup (note: 2011 squad inclusion depends on timeline; Yoshida was an active senior international mainly from 2012 onward)

Playing style and attributes

• Strong aerial ability and physical presence for a center-back
• Good positional sense and organization in defense
• Comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of carrying or playing accurate long passes out from the back
• Leadership qualities — served as captain both for club and country at times

Notable facts

• One of Japan’s most-capped defenders in the modern era
• Respected for professionalism, consistency, and leadership on and off the field
• Active in public media and often involved in charitable and ambassadorial activities

Current status

As of my last update in 2024, Maya Yoshida was an experienced professional continuing his playing career. For the most current club and status (transfers, retirement), consult the latest club announcements or federation records.