Japanese footballer
Taichi Kato (加藤 大智, Kato Taichi, born 14 April 1997) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He played for Ehime FC and Gamba Osaka before retiring at the end of the 2022 season aged 25.[1][2]
Career
Kato began his career at Nagoya Grampus, appearing for both their U-15 and U-18 academies.[3] He then went on to study at Meiji University between 2016 and 2019 – helping them win the 2019 Japan College Prime Ministers Cup in a 2–1 victory over Hosei University.[4]
In November 2019, it was announced that Kato would be joining J2 League team Ehime FC for the 2020 season.[5][6] He made his professional debut in September 2020 in a league victory over Tokyo Verdy, keeping a clean sheet in their 1–0 win.[7] He went on to play a further three times in the 2020 season.
In April 2021, he moved on loan to J1 League club Gamba Osaka,[8] before completing a permanent transfer to the club in December 2021.[9] He made five appearances for the club throughout the 2022 season.
Kato was released by Gamba Osaka at the end of the 2022 season.[10] He took part in the J.League tryouts to help out of contract players find a new club, however the tryout was unsuccessful.[11] After making only four league appearances in his career, decided to retire from professional football in February 2023.[1]
In March 2023, Kato was appointed as a coach at Nagoya Grampus' soccer school – the club where he began his career.[3]
Career statistics
References
External links