Naohiro Takahara

Takahara was born in Mishima on June 4, 1979. After graduating from Shimizu Higashi High School, he joined J1 League club Júbilo Iwata in 1998. In 1998, the club won J.League Cup and he was selected "New Hero awards". In 1999, the club won J1 League and 1998–99 Asian Club Championship. The club also won the 2nd place 1999–00 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. In August 2001, he moved to Boca Juniors on loan. In February 2002, he returned to Júbilo Iwata. The club won the champions and he became a top scorer with 26 goals in 27 matches. End of 2002 season, he moved to German Bundesliga club Hamburger SV. In 2006, he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt. In 2008, he returned to Japan and joined Urawa Reds. However his opportunity to play decreased in 2010 and he moved to K-League club Suwon Samsung Bluewings in July. In 2011, he returned to Japan and joined Shimizu S-Pulse. From 2013, he played for Tokyo Verdy, SC Sagamihara and Okinawa SV.

In August 1995, Takahara was selected Japan U-17 national team for 1995 U-17 World Championship. He played all 3 matches and scored 1 goal. In April 1999, he was also selected Japan U-20 national team for 1999 World Youth Championship. He played all 7 matches and scored 3 goals. Japan won the 2nd place. In February 2000, he was selected Japan national team for 2000 Asian Cup qualification. At this qualification, on February 13, he debuted against Singapore. He played all 3 matches and 3 goals and Japan won the qualify for 2000 Asian Cup.

In September, he was selected Japan U-23 national team for 2000 Summer Olympics. He played all 4 matches and scored 3 goals in first match and quarterfinal. In October, he played at 2000 Asian Cup. He played 5 matches and scored 5 goals. Japan won the champions. However he missed the 2002 World Cup, because of lung disease (venous thrombosis).

After 2002 World Cup, Takahara played at 2003 Confederations Cup. Although his convocation for Japan decreased due to the schedule, he played as regular player when he was elected Japan. In 2006, he was elected Japan for 2006 World Cup and he played all 3 matches. After 2006 World Cup, he played at 2007 Asian Cup. He played 6 matches and scored 4 goals, and became a top scorer. He played 57 games and scored 23 goals for Japan until 2008.

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• Naohiro Takahara at Olympedia
• Naohiro Takahara at FIFA
• Naohiro Takahara at J.League (player) (in Japanese)
• Naohiro Takahara at K League
• Naohiro Takahara at National Football Teams.com
• Naohiro Takahara at Soccerway.com
• Naohiro Takahara at FootballDatabase.eu
• Naohiro Takahara at WorldFootball.net
• Naohiro Takahara at Transfermarkt (player)
• Naohiro Takahara at Transfermarkt (manager)